That game again – victory eludes us this time
01 Jun 2018
It’s just a game, but what a game it turned out to be!
Thursday 31 May was the annual College versus Christchurch Boys’ High School 1st XV rugby fixture, with College keen to retain its hold on the Jock Hobbs Trophy, which it won in the dying stages of last year’s match.
In spite of their best efforts though, the College team was unable to stem the tide of blue and black which dominated the field, and had to accept a disappointing 16-32 defeat.
Upper was looking very groomed with ground staff’s efforts particularly appreciated and the wet weather preceding the event making the field suitably soft.
The game this time was dedicated to Aviva, whose logo was painted on the grass, College and CBHS both endorsing the local organisation which works to ensure families can live without violence. The audience was asked to support the charity with gold coin donations collected throughout the match.
In cool conditions with a covering of high cloud, a capacity crowd gathered for the 2.30pm kick off, treated first to a spirited performance of College’s revised haka.
With both teams settling in, College kicked a penalty to lead 3-0 but a fired up CBHS was quickly on the rampage, and two tries and a conversion quickly followed to take the opposition to a 12-3 lead. College reciprocated with a try and conversion just as the sun came out and the half time score was 10-12.
College regained the lead with a penalty kick early in the second half 13-12, but CBHS scored a brilliant try in the corner which was then converted, to lead 19-13.
The points kept coming, CBHS pushing out to 22-13, countered only by a penalty kick to take College to its final points, 16-22. From then on the strength of the CBHS side saw them add 9 points, to lead 32-16 at the full-time whistle.
While a disappointing outcome for the College team which had prepared so well, the game was played in a good spirit, and the appreciative crowd of boys, Old Boys and other supporters were treated to a fine afternoon’s entertainment.
