The first and second rugby union XVs from St Augustine’s College, Brookvale, have returned on a high from their tour of New Zealand’s South Island after recording five victories in six matches.
The teams travelled to New Zealand to play three games each in preparation for the start of the ISA (Independent Schools Association) competition.
The First XV thrashed Catholic Cathedral College, Christchurch 54–0, came from behind to beat Kavanagh College, Dunedin, 34–25 and defeated Verdon College 24–12.
The Second XV lost to Cathedral 35–0, but notched wins against Kavanagh 22–7 and Verdon 32–0.
Team manager Les Bobis described the 10-day tour as a success.
“The kids were fantastic, there were lots of positive comments from hotels, billets and the various places where the boys had to stay,” he said.
“It was a great cultural experience for them, meeting different kids from different schools and different families.”
Les says the Firsts victory over Verdon was particularly pleasing.
“The Firsts beat Verdon in Invercargill, and it was the first time in nine years they have been beaten by a touring school,” he said.
“So they were pretty impressed with the way the boys performed.”
St Augustine’s took a squad of 37 boys on the tour accompanied by six teachers and five parents.
They were lucky to have great weather throughout the tour, leaving Dunedin the day torrential rain started which later flooded the city.
Les nominated breakaways Kotoni Ale and Mitch Greenway, captain of the under 16 NSW team last year, as the standout players on the tour.
“Kotoni played very well and Mitch is the captain of the Firsts and an excellent player,” he said.
“They’re our powerhouses, they keep us going.”
St Augustine’s has trials planned against St Paul’s Grammar School, Penrith, and All Saints’ College, Bathurst, before its ISA opener against Stanislaus’ College, Bathurst.
There will also be a match in a few weeks against St Augustine’s brother school, Villanova College, Brisbane.
Considering that the college is still a relative newcomer to rugby union, Les is hopeful for the team’s performance this year.
“We initially started four years ago and we had to start our own competition,” he said.
“Three years ago we went into division II of the ISA.
“The competition organisers thought we went well in division II and asked us if we would move to division I which we did last year, and we won three out of eight games.
“But this year with the extra experience we hope to be much more competitive.”
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