J7 Black had a lot of fun, learnt some new skills, made new friends and loved playing Rippa. As the season progressed everyone’s ripping, passing, catching and running improved and the team got better and better.

Special moments for the boys were celebrating with Locky and Zac after they scored their first tries of the season with only a couple of games to go. Logan and Brodie were always in the thick of it getting rips and scoring some awesome tries. Jaden had two amazing runs down the sideline scoring three tries in one game at Windsor Park. Lucas was one of the only players to win our “Richie McCaw Hard Worker of the Day” award twice. Johnny had some amazing barnstorming runs ‘down the guts,” and Finn and Rori were two of the best “Rippa’s” in the team as well as showing great pace and sidesteps slicing up the opposition for some great tries.

Great sportsmanship, respect for their teammates, working hard, and having fun was all part of what made this a great team, oh, and there was of course the team hugs! A number of times we helped other teams by sharing players. Benjamin got Marist’s man of the match award for scoring the two winning tries playing against his own team, and Toby got 14 rips playing for Takapuna against his own mates! The team’s sportsmanship was recognised by being awarded the sportsmanship award at the first prizegiving.

What a great season! LTC!!