Every year since 1986, 20+ teams from co-ed schools throughout the South Island have participated in the Rural Livestock U15 Boys Rugby Tournament. It is held in a different region each year around the South Island. This year, it was hosted by North Otago Rugby, with games played at Centennial Park in Oamaru. All teams played 5 or 6 games over 3 days. The purpose of the tournament is to develop players, with the emphasis on fun and participation.
On Sunday, the SPC team boarded the bus and headed for Oamaru. Bus driver Eryn had us cruising along nicely, and it wasn’t too long before we arrived and settled into our accommodation at the Waitaki Girls’ HS Hostel.
Our first game on Monday wasn’t until late morning, so there was plenty of time for a good breakfast and some pre-game banter before heading to the grounds. The boys warmed up well, and Coaches Brendon and Jamie had the team ready to hit the field with purpose and intent. A strong first-up win, 54–19 against Roncalli College, had the team in good spirits. This was followed by a tough but very pleasing win, coming away with a 26–17 victory over Geraldine HS.
First up on Tuesday, we met a sharp Cromwell College team. It was a tight and tense match that saw the boys dig deep to come from behind and eventually take the win, 26–14. They left absolutely everything out there on the field, giving it 100%! With 3 wins from 3 games, we were topping our pool, and by also receiving the maximum number of “flag points” for wins and tries, we were ranked 1st in Division 2. An awesome effort by the whole team!
Under tournament rules, if after pool play you were drawn to meet a team you had already played, the draw would be adjusted, and a new opponent would be found. We were originally drawn to play Cromwell again, so this was swapped out for James Hargest College on Tuesday afternoon. JHC came out firing and were quick to get some points on the board. Our boys responded in kind and showed patches of excellent play, but unfortunately, they had emptied their tanks in the earlier match that morning. JHC were able to capitalise on a couple of plays and took the win 38–28.
The final day of the tournament saw us meet Division 1 team Darfield High School in a crossover match. They were slick, looked fresh, and ultimately took the win.
As with any team travelling away for a tournament, it takes a great management team to ensure everything runs smoothly. A HUGE thank you to our awesome coaches, Brendon White and Jamie Chittock. Your passion and energy were so evident, and we are very grateful for the time and effort you put into this team. To our amazing management team of ladies — Media Liaison/Camp Mum Catherine Sayer, Team Medic Leigh Jackson, and Bus Driver/BBQ cooker extraordinaire Eryn Duffy — you were just awesome! Nothing was ever a problem, and you made everything seamless. Thank you so very much for your time and support.
A big thank you also goes to the boys’ families and friends. Whether supporting from the sidelines or keeping in touch from home, the team valued all your encouragement.
And to the boys themselves — we are incredibly proud of the way you all conducted yourselves on and off the field. You were a real credit to the school!
Lastly, a huge thank you to our team sponsors, who all helped get us to Oamaru. We are so incredibly grateful for your support:
Regional Ford
BW Electrical
iHire Gore
Leigh Jackson Arizto Real Estate
JB & R Chittock Ltd
Inders Marineland
K2 Kontracting
O’Connor Richmond
Kate Bratschi Arizto Real Estate
B & D Strachan
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