The TRY!
more college game appearances. Tony Earl: The surprise packet this year. Came to the World Championships as a reserve midfield back and when we lost two halfbacks in the first game was called in to fill the position . He did this so well that he remained there for the last three college games. Although understandably lacking the finer points of halfback play Tony showed a good passing and kicking game as well as enthusiasm at the base of the forward pack. Mark Urwin: After playing his way into the College XV Mark showed the maturity at first 5/8 that was needed to run the game . Although not a flashy player Mark was steady and had good skills. He was an able back up for goal kicker. Daryl Lilley: A very talented player who had the ability to beat a man with ease and one who used his deceptive speed well. High skill level and a very good goal kicker. Daryl ended the season at fullback and showed that he has a lot of promise in this position. Cameron Twigley: Although lacked sheer pace Cameron was able to use his skills and judgement to compensate. Equally at home at fullback or in the midfield. His fend and strength in the tackle was a bonus to the team. Ronnie Asi: One of the great improvers of the team . Having not played rugby for many years it took Ron a while to adjust. He had obvious talent and will make a good centre next year. Taare Ruakere: The youngest member of the side. Used the season as a learning experience and next season should be able to command a permanent place in the side . Strong runner who has a good tum of speed . Steven McCallum: Lucky to make it back into the side after a poor pre-season build-up. But used his determination and strength in the tackle to force his way into the College XV. Scored some good winger tries. Matthew Gibbs: Although the season started hesitantly it ended on a high for Matthew. After showing speed and real determination during the World First XV Championships he was selected in the World XV team. Brooke Wolfe: Another to improve throughout the year. Has a lot of pace and is now showing a lot more aggression in his running. Has a good future on the wing. Showed versatility by playing a number of games at fullback. INDIVIDUAL HONOURS Taranaki Under 16: Mark Urwin (Captain), Taare Ruakere. Taranaki Secondary Schools: Daryl Lilley, Steven McCallum, Brooke Wolfe, Cameron Twigley, Scott Granville, Reuben Thome, Campbell Feather, Michael Collins, Jason Norden , Phillip Mitchell, Daniel Smith , Jason Galu , Stephen Barkley. Tournament Team (ASB Bank): Michael Collins, Scott Granville, Daryl Lilley. Tournament Team Under 16: Mark Urwin . New Zealand Under 17 112: Daniel Smith . World XV: Michael Collins (Captain), Scott Granville, Matthew Gibbs.
TEAM AWARDS Watts Cup: Most improved player: Campbell Feather. Leuthart Cup: Contributed most to first XV rugby : Michael Collins.
WORLD FIRST XV RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
NPBHS- World Champions.
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It started with a phone call from coach Jed Rowlands to myself in December 1991 . "How would you like to arrange our participation in the World Secondary School's Championships at Whakatane in July 1992? We have been selected to represent the Northern Regions in the Championships." Without any hesitation I said, "Let' s go for it''. So began what at first appeared to be a dream, or even by some , a waste of time . One wonders now if our sceptics have still to accept the team 's success. A visit to Whakatane in March by myself and my wife soon convinced us both that here was a small town in the Eastern Bay of Plenty which was going to make this championship something that would never be forgotten. Fundraising was started and a budget of $35,000 was set and, at times, looked insurmountable (like Mount Eve rest) but the generosity of sponsors, hard work by parents, friends and most important the team itself, all goals were re ached. The fund raising , to some people, was an onerous task, but little did those sceptics realise that it was building great team spirit and loyalty to one another. Old Boys like John Andrews of Okau threw themselves into helping the teams raise money and so it went on. Our Fijian Old Boys, though small in number, raised enough money to get our masseur, Joe Tukana, over to look after the boy s. A sneak visit by Jed and myself to Whakatane in May sounded out our accommodation, meals, practice facilities etc, and at the end of that visit it was obvious to us both th at if our form held we had a great chance, especially as all the omens were indeed in our favour. Our departure on a bleak Saturday, July 4 saw us setoff on our quest. On arrival at Whakatane a traditional Maori welcome, foll owed by a never to be forgotten welcome on the Sunday, followed by a civic luncheon saw every team , plus officials, eyeing one anothe r up with wary suspicion. Monday the 6th dawned with us to play Waiopehu College from Levin, a co-ed school of unknown quantity with reg ards to its rugby . Our first frights came with Jason Norden and Daniel Smith unable to play because of upset stomachs. Further frights occurred during the game when we lost both halfbacks, Grant Aitken (injured hip) and Kylie Le Bas (sprained ankle) within three minutes of each other!! In stepped Rich ard Taylor who saw the game out as halfback and in a scrambling game we emerged winners 9-3. On Tuesday the 7th we were drawn to play Tupou College of Tonga who had demolished hapless Trinity College from Australia the previous day. Who would play halfback mused I. In such hours of cri sis there is always someone who steps into the firi ng line and that person was Tony Earl, originally selected as a back-up midfield player. The rest I need say is history and a halfback Tony Earl is to remain. With great discipline and a game plan that was adhered to, to the final whistle, saw us defeat the Tongans 19-0. Thursday the 9th saw the team deal it to the hapless Australians Trinity College . This game saw the emergence ofTaore Ruakere as a player of promise for the future . We emerged winners of Pool 8 and were draw to play Suva Grammar on Saturday the 11th in the quarter finals. This game saw us produce a brand of game that was getting better as the championship went on . In this game Scott Granville stamped his class on the game by scoring two fine tries. So it was that we were drawn in a re-match with Waiopehu College in the semi -finals. Again we were given a fright with the possibility of Michael Collins, whose form was anything but spectacular to say the least, and a doubtful starter because of a stomach bug. It was going to take more than a stomach bug to stop Michael and leading from the front we downed Waiopehu 10-3 in a game played in shocking conditions. Through to the final, where our opponents were to be Avele College from Samoa who tipped out St Stephens in a cliffhanger game 11-3. Knowing that we were in the final brought about the realisation that all the hard work and especially the fundraising had all been worthwhile.
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