This year was always going to be a challenge, trying to back up the 21s championship win from last season.  Player numbers at preseason were positive, with a good balance of 21s from last year still eligible, a few 19s moving up, and some new and exciting talent joining the Cote.   Numbers were so good it was decided to enter two teams into the 21’s grade, giving everyone the opportunity to get game time. This in hindsight may have been a mistake as trying to run two teams with lean numbers became very hard to manage and also meant there was no internal competition for spots generated within the squads.

In the first round of the competition, we were very competitive, resulting in some great wins but also some narrow losses and frustrating defeats. We were still in with a chance of top 4 starting the 2nd round, but a lack of commitment to training meant we were not able to develop into a stronger force at the business end of the season.  Accordingly, we ended two spots outside the top 4.  To the boys who religiously turned up to training every week, you can be proud of your application and attendance, to the others, come on guys improve for next season.

Special thanks to Caitlin our physio who managed the boy's injuries throughout the season, Chrissie our Manager who ensured the boys were ready and organised, and Rangi our trainer who put the boys through their paces each week.