What a remarkable 2024 season it has been for the mighty Karamata!
For the first time in many years, Christchurch South proudly fielded two boys’ teams in Tuesday afternoon rugby, along with a girls’ sevens team. The boys’ trials were fiercely contested, resulting in the selection of two highly competitive teams. Due to the nature of rugby, several players who initially missed out on the A team were later called upon as cover throughout the season, stepping up to contribute admirably.
I couldn’t be more proud of every player who represented our school this year. The smaller players, in particular, displayed tremendous heart and determination. Competing in an unrestricted weight grade, it wasn’t unusual to see players ranging from mid-30 kilograms up to significantly heavier opponents, with some tipping the scales at 80 or even 90kg. However, the old saying, *”You can’t run without your legs,”* was proven true by many, especially the Year 7 players in the A boys’ team, who embodied resilience throughout the season.
In the weekly CAIMS Tuesday competition, the Boys’ A team competed fiercely in the Championship Division, finishing in an impressive 2nd place. While the B team and the girls’ team ended lower in the standings, their effort and teamwork were undeniable. During the CAIMS Sevens tournament, the boys’ A squad was reduced to ten players, while the girls’ team remained largely unchanged. Unfortunately, the first day of the two-day event was rained off, but the second day saw a fast-paced, one-day tournament packed with action. Teams from across the Canterbury region participated, and the boys narrowly missed the semifinals, finishing a commendable 6th. The girls gave it their all, finishing towards the lower end of the table.
The highlight of the season, without a doubt, was last week’s Broadgreen exchange, where both the boys’ and girls’ teams competed in the final matches of this sporting event. In front of a packed school crowd, both teams rose to the occasion. The girls’ team fought a tense, back-and-forth battle, ultimately prevailing by one try. Meanwhile, the boys, after a challenging start, used their superior fitness and grit to secure a comfortable victory. There is nothing quite like playing in front of your peers, and these matches will surely be remembered fondly for years to come.
It has been an absolute pleasure working with such a dedicated and knowledgeable group of players this year. A huge thank you to Nick and Sean (Mr. Brown) for all their hard work with the teams this season.
Louis Bertie
