New Brighton Rugby Club Annual Report 2013 (Volume 1) | Page 17

fantastic and we ultimately booked a semi-final showdown with HSOB. Losing 2 key players
leading into the game didn’t help our cause and in the end it probably proved the difference
between the two teams. Our boys fought till the very end and this was an attitude they kept
throughout the entire season.
We were undoubtedly the most talented team in the competition and were repeatedly told
from other coaches and players that the other teams feared playing us. With a bit more
experience we could have comfortably challenged for the number one spot. We just lacked
the composure at vital times to put games away. There were many brilliant individual
performances but 2 hat trick games by Mark Burton stand out. The team handled themselves
with dignity and respect. They never gave up and they did the coaches, management, club
and most importantly themselves and their families proud. With a large amount of the boys
back next year and the recruitment we are currently doing, next season is set to be an even
more successful campaign. Kia Kaha.
Scott Taylor
PREMIER COLTS

Senior Division 3
Played: 19
Won: 14
Lost:
5
Points for:
401
Points Against:
209
Top Points Scorer: Toby Foley
Top Try Scorer:
Toby Foley

No:

Points:
8

113

This year was a big year for the team, winning the Challenge Shield and retaining it for 7
rounds as well as making the Trophy Final.
It was decided early on that we wanted to change the team culture and expectations; we set
the goal of making top four and exceeded our own expectations. There was a commitment
from the players as we entered pre season and this continued throughout the season, with
good attendance and enthusiasm at training.
We had a big squad which strengthened the team and created a more competitive
environment where players needed to train for their position.
During the season we lost some key players to injuries, but the core of the team remained
strong. We had good leadership from our captains Tim Harris and Marcus Hooper, they were
supported by senior team members Matt Burnside, Shayne Lewis, Greg Richardson, Ryan
Norton, Wiremu Gray and Ben Luxon, whose attitudes and consistent performances created
stability.
The commitment and hard yards that the team were putting in at training paid off on the
field and mid season we were starting to see good performances and results. They proved that
they could do it and there was excitement within the team about winning and having higher
expectations.
A huge thank you to Elliot Norton who stepped into the role of forwards coach during the
season his knowledge and experience was very valuable to the team. Also to Steve Crotty for