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Rangiora in Brisbane

20 Jul 2009

Leaving behind a cold grey winter’s day in Rangiora was no great hardship for the players, coaches and supporters. But knowing that the team was heading for an intense and challenging week of rugby it was disappointing to lose two key players through injury in the week prior and with several players unable to travel it was an opportunity for a number of talented U16 players to experience 1^st XV rugby. It was evident on day one that the three teams to beat were Brisbane Boys’ College, Brisbane Grammar and Hato Paora College (Fielding). Living in boarding facilities was a new experience for the players and the week proved to be great for team bonding as well as meeting and getting to know players from the other NZ teams staying at Brisbane Boys College. The team took a couple of games to get up to the speed and intensity required of 1^st XV rugby. Once up to speed it was fast learning on the defensive front and given the opportunity with ball in hand the boys showed flair and ability scoring well constructed tries against each of the big three. The side made the semi-final as 4^th qualifier and push eventual winners Hato Paora hard. A loss to Brisbane Boys Grammar in the consolation final gave the team a fourth place finish. Number 8 Duncan Bonfield and Fullback/Wing Jeremy Bond were selected for the tournament All Stars team. Duncan Bonfield was the player of the tournament for RHS. Having a number of Year 11 and 12  players making the trip and performing well was encouraging for future seasons and gives the players confidence that they can make the step up required should the opportunity to play Press Cup rugby eventuate. There are already plans in place for a return trip in 2011 and to make this a biennial feature of the rugby calendar at Rangiora High.

The team is now playing in the North Canterbury U18 competition and is looking forward to fixtures against two touring English sides later this month.