Welcome to this week’s newsletter!

We have to start off the newsletter by saying congratulations to a number of our Women’s players starting with our Rugby Development Officer and long-standing Women’s Prems player Steph Te Ohaere-Fox who reached the huge accomplishment of 200 games.

This is an incredibly rare feat for any player, taking nearly 20 years to accomplish this.

Steph is an integral part of Christchurch Football Club, and we are extremely lucky to have her playing, working and coaching here!

We must also say a huge congratulations to 4 of our Women’s players being named in the Black Ferns; Amy Du Plessis, Lucy Jenkins, Rosie Kelly and Pip Love.

This is a testament to the hard work and dedication these players have put into the game of rugby that they love over a number of years.
 

Well done to all.

Give ‘em the axe!

BAR OPENING HOURS – Sat 17^th 11am-late

It’s a big weekend of rugby at CFC, we have all our Under 6 and Under 7 teams here as usual. Along with our U13 teams playing against each other on field 1, followed by the CFC U17 Girls vs HSOB Senior Girls team at 11:15am. Field 2 and 3 will have a number of U12, U9 and U8 teams playing.

This is followed by the below senior teams playing at home and away as shown. The annual McCully Cup Race will be taking place on Saturday - so for anyone brave enough - come on down!

We have the Eat Food Truck as well as a coffee van for all your food and drink needs. Come on down and support those playing on Saturday!

CFC WEEKLY DRAWS

Official link to the Junior Draws click here

Official link to the Senior Draws click here

RUGBY REPORTS

PREMIER MENS’ REPORT

Firstly apologies for not publishing the previous week’s Premier Men’s match report as we didn’t issue a newsletter last week, there has been a bout of sickness going round and we are short staffed!

27^th May 2023

CFC Premier Mens v Belfast Cobras

Christchurch Park

HT 14-8

FT 28-18

Regarded as one of the most anticipated games of the Premier team’s season; so it was time to take on the Cobra’s of Belfast. Unaccustomed to the bottom half of the points table this was one game that would give the Christchurch boys a chance to get the donut off their back. Just as determined were Belfast who could see the opportunity to snake in a win over Christchurch for the first time in many years. Supporters galore from both Clubs were in attendance to witness how this one would play out.

An even start by both teams saw them up and down the field a bit before Belfast were able to drive over the line and score an unconverted try after 15 minutes. 7 minutes later a penalty saw the lead extend out to 8-0 in Belfast favour.

Not the best of starts by Christchurch however the team kept their composure and literally hit back straight away with one of their better team tries this season to Jesse Bryant playing at centre. This was converted by Mitch Barry.

It was the Christchurch turn to use the driving maul and just before half time Dale Johnstone was able to dot down. The try was converted by Barry to make the half time score 14-8 in Christchurch’s favour.

A close half time score and neither team really dominating was making for an interesting second 40 minutes.

Christchurch were first to score in the second half with try to winger Jack Caunter, converted by Barry.

Belfast reverted to their mauling attack and were able to hit back with another unconverted try at around 15 minutes in the second spell.

A few minutes later, another team effort had Christchurch’s other winger Kaleb Forde-Fraser score. Also converted by Barry.

Belfast back a few minutes later for third try of the day. With 15 minutes still to go and the difference only being 10 points the game was never certain to be CFCs however you could feel CFC had enough control of the match to hold out Belfast for the win, and they did. Finals score 28-18 to CFC.

Closer than you may have been accustomed to when playing Belfast we knew it was never going to be easy but they got there. Conversions made the difference. Mitch Barry converting all four of Christchurch’s tries and Belfast not getting any from their three tries. Add six points to that score and Belfast may have had the belief and determination - not that they didn’t - to lift it notch.

A break for the lads for Kings Birthday weekend before a challenging final four matches of the round against Sydenham, Sumner, Marist Albion and HSOB. It would be nice to upset a couple of them along the way.

Tony Hussey

Premier Mens Manager

FROM THE SIDELINE

Premier Men
Sydenham 82. v Christchurch 0

Well where does one start?  A little difficult to give a commentary on a game with such a scoreline. The records of the club would suggest it is the biggest score registered against a Premier side from the club in its history.

They who were on hand to watch, rather than remind themselves that they were there to witness a moment no supporter wishes to see, need to get behind the team and management more than ever.

We all understand it was going to be a difficult season with the number of players missing from last season, and basically a new, young team being put together with very few caps. What we didn’t envisage was that with a few key players out with injury or other reasons there would be no depth.

Let’s look at the positive side:

In the first game against University now first in the competition we put 26 points on them. We lost because they got 40.

Shirley currently in the top 6.  We led the game until the last 10 minutes.
Lincoln University currently 2nd we played very well and put 20 plus points on them scoring 4 tries. Again however they were still too good.

New Brighton again we were not out of the game until late.

There was a poor performance against an average Burnside side.

A good win and a desperate one against Belfast when it mattered.

Sadly the season  may well be remembered for two games, the Crying Towel fixture against Linwood and Saturday against Sydenham where in both fixtures we failed to score a point.

They unfortunately are the only two games I have been able to see this season.
Perhaps it may be a better omen if I stay away?

Sydenham on Saturday in summary:
I won’t dwell on how the points were scored, there were too many
12 tries with 11 of them converted. Half time: 42-0

In short Sydenham controlled the game with possession. They used width and speed in the backline and in the first half most of the tries were scored out wide.

The midfield and their 13 Kurtis MacDonald finding space the size of the Grand Canyon, and there was always someone in support when he cut through.
They had an outstanding No 8, another MacDonald, Ethan who took the ball up menacingly all day. Then there was another MacDonald Caleb 14 on the wing who had just too much pace.

In short the MacDonald clan had a field day.

I don’t think I have ever seen a lock forward score two individual tries at any level, as Caleb Aperahana did, one in the first half from 70 metres. The second after half time from 50 metres. Hardly a hand laid on him. I think that tells you something.

For Christchurch, everyone tried their best, none more so than No 2 Sailosi Rova.
He was still going strong in a beaten cause at the finish.

The backline without the Sth African lad Brad Illes injured, and Jesse Bryant away looked out of sorts.

We kicked back to them which allowed them to control the game. We were laboured in our passing. An inability to draw and pass hindered whatever ball came our way.

We also had to rely on the bench, a number of players who had already played Premier Reserve were thrown into the cauldron, some earlier than anticipated.
However one must say Sydenham played very well. It was their day, and everything they did came off. They too have a very new team this year.

I guess we can remember that it was only last season that we were only one of two teams to beat Sydenham on their way to winning the Championship. Oh, how it would be nice to turn back the clock.

The Sydenham Bus Drivers held a pre match lunch with the Christchurch Axemen, which was well received. I hope nothing was said to upset the Sydenham team.
All I can say is I suppose they were happy to get a bonus point.

Thought for the week:

Keep your heads up. Saturday is another day and another challenge. Look at what went well for the team that has just beaten you. Ask why?  Sport is always going to test you. There is no easy route.

Run until you are buggered and then increase the pace.

Give em the Axe.
David Stuthridge
Sponge

PREMIER RESERVES’ REPORT

20^th May

Lincoln University v CFC Premier Reserve Mens

Lincoln University 1pm

FT 7-24 Win

No report available this week – but another great result!

PREMIER WOMENS’ REPORT

10^th June 2023

CFC Premier Womens v Lincoln University

Lincoln University

FT 19-7

It was a good day for rugby, the sun was shining and the womens team travelled out by bus together to celebrate Stephs 200 games as a team. 

The Lincoln University grounds weren’t as good as the weather however and the ladies knew they were in for a hard day at the office after testing out the grounds in warm up. 

Steph had Whānau and Friends there to celebrate, forming a guard of honour for her to run out for her 200th, as well as having her jersey embroided to remember the occasion. 

With Christchurch having most of the position in the first 20 down in the Lincoln 22m they finally come away with a try from Kalesi Taga in the 22nd minute which was converted by Isabella Waterman. 

Lincoln was quick to reply with a try just 4 mins later which was also converted. 

It then stayed 7-7 for the majority of the game.  Both teams working hard in the mud it was hard to see who was who on the field.  Lincoln wouldn’t give up so easy and kept breaking the line but scramble D from the ladies didn’t see them capitalise from this. 

The Ireland international halfback Molly Scuffil McCabe then broke the deadlock with a try on the 60min mark and Izzy with 2 from 2 kicks it was looking bright for Christchurch. 

Lincoln still made Christchurch work for the next 20 minutes to get the win and in the last play of the game with a runaway up the middle, and a clever kick from Rylee Munro which Manea Waaka chased and nudged along to dot down for a try in the corner finally saw relief on the teams faces. 

Great game of footy against a relentless Lincoln University team. 

Proud of the girls to get the win for the big 200 gamer and went on to celebrate just as hard as they played.  

Awesome to see old womens players to come and mingle with this years team and share memories.  Also to see 5 of the 100 game women team at the club also.  Thanks to the club and all the support and kind words from everyone, it made the day very special.

Massive congratulations to our CFC Blackferns who were named in the PAC 4 squad.  We wish them well and the club is so proud of their selection.

"Give em the axe"

Step Te Ohaere-Fox

Prem Womens Player

DIV 3 CHOPPERS’ REPORT

10^th June 2023

CFC Choppers v Sydenham Saracens

Christchurch Park

HT 21-12

FT 59-17

Saturday saw the Choppers gracing the pitch on #1; always a privilege to play in front of the club rooms. We were up against a Sydenham Saracens who haven’t had the greatest start to the season, struggling for numbers and not getting the results they are known for. But, in saying that, any game against the Saracens is a tough one and on their day they can be unplayable.

The game started with us receiving the ball, a nice clean take and we were making our way towards the Sydenham 22. Some strong carries up the field, good hands but met with some crunching tackles close to the ruck. We managed to get over the line fairly early on after a few phases. Scarfy converted from a metre in and without a tee. 

7-0 up within the first 5 minutes was just the start we were after. At the restart the match took a bit of a scrappy edge to it with some good tackling on the ball leading to handovers with a few knock ons. Both teams remained resolute in defence, and we entered an enthralling battle for territory and possession. Eventually the Saracens broke through our defence to register their first try of the game. 

We then started to lose a bit of focus on what our game play was and were playing into the Saracens hands for a period in the first half. This required a bit of refocus from us but only came after they crossed the line for the second time. Part of our game plan was to set up some driving mauls from the lineout but the lineout was heavily contested, so majority of the ball was ‘off the top’ in order to secure possession.

Once we tightened up our structure and focussed on the aspects of the game we wanted to improve things started to come together and our lead was shortly restored, running in at half time in front.  Half time score was 21-12.

The second half was a battle of the bench really. We had good numbers on the side line where the Saracens were somewhat light. With the amount of running in the game the Saracens did start to show signs of some heavy legs. We went from strength to strength and Hugo, our player of the day, continued to be an absolute menace at the breakdown. He must’ve won us about 6 or 7 penalties from the breakdown and scored 4 tries on the day.

Final score on the day was 59-17.

This week sees us up against HSOB in what is sure to be a bruising encounter. 

WHO ARE WE

Jerard Cowburn

CFC Choppers Manager

CFC/MARIST ALBION COLTS REPORT

10^th June 2023

CFC/Marist Albion v Belfast

Sheldon Park

HT 12-10

FT 19-17

Christchurch-Marist Albion played Belfast at Belfast on their number one field, it was a tough battle in the beginning with Belfast scoring the first try after 12 minutes which was unconverted. The boys put their heads down and took on the large forward pack scoring our first try off a rolling maul from 20 meters out from the try line, Corbin Jones dotted down, conversion unsuccessful. 39 minutes in our captain Ted Whiting scored a try off some broken play, conversion successful from Joey Blair, we went into half time up 12 to 10.

Half time we talked about what we had to do to keep ahead knowing we were in for a tough second half. Ollie Nelson scored on the 50th minute with Joey landing another conversion putting us up 19 to 10, Belfast was throwing everything at us and put another converted try on the board bring the gap closer 17-19.

The boys dug deep and held on to the win with an end score of 19-17 to Christchurch-Marist Albion.

This week we play University A, at home on field two before we have a three week break due to student holidays. 

Daniel O’Sullivan

Colts Manager

JUNIOR CORNER

We have had a huge few day of rugby for our junior teams after a break over Kings Birthday Weekend. Last week we held the first of our Friday Nights Under Lights which was such an exciting night for all our U6, U7 and two of our U8 teams.

It was the biggest Guard of Honour we have ever seen!!

Plenty of wet kids after the game due to the rain, however many were able to come into the club rooms after for some hot food.

Saturday was another big day with our U12-U17 teams having their club days. Great to see so many kids out enjoying their games and coming together afterwards.

We are also lucky enough to have Christs College home games being held at our club so for those who stayed around they got to witness some fantastic First XV rugby between Christs College and St Bedes.

CFC Junior 2023 Chocolate Fundraiser

Nearly all of the money for the Chocolate Fundraiser is in, only a couple left to go but we are extremely grateful for the support in this massively important fundraising initiative for our club!

The funds raised from this will be able to be used across the juniors for a number of opportunities.

GILBERT APPAREL – ONLINE STORE NOW OPEN!

Our online store can be accessed here

Article added: Thursday 15 June 2023