Rodney College Old Boys challenge First XV

The annual Rodney College Old Boys versus Rodney College First XV was held on October 25 in fine conditions and was a great success. 

The game was played in great spirit, with both sides keen to run the ball. And while Old Boys won as expected, the school team always backed themselves and created opportunities in the first half that could have led to more tries. 

Predictably, size and experience told in the second half, leading to an end result of 24–12. The game concluded with a final 15 minutes of mixed teams which gave the school players a chance to learn new skills in game standard particularly. 

For the school fifteen, it was a huge jump in game standard, particularly for some of the younger U15 players. To their credit, they all gave their best and came away with a game to remember.

Many thanks to the Old Boys team which comprised of around 25 players and included a range of players, from the current Northland Captain, Rene Ranger, and Northland players, Ross and Mathew Wright, to senior players and parents of indeterminable age like Neil Wright and Bernie McGahan – creating a carnival of rugby that school players look forward to each year.

Trevor Bowmar, the U15 coach, played against not only his own son, but also several of the players he coaches. 

Referee for the match was Brad Te Haara, NRU Club Liaison.