Another of east Auckland’s schools has overachieved on the rugby pitch this season and will play in the final of the 1B competition this Saturday at the home of rugby.
Macleans College won the bragging rights over cross-suburb rivals Pakuranga College by winning the semi-final of the second-tier boys grade 25-20 last weekend.
In reaching the final, Macleans became the third school from the area to reach their respective big dances after Howick’s girl’s team (who won their competition) during the week and St Kentigern who reached the final of the 1A grade.
Macleans now meet Tangaroa College in the season decider, after the former pipped Howick Colleges’ boys team 14-6 in wet and wild conditions at home.
When asked what has led to his team’s date with destiny on finals day, Macleans Director of Sport Dean Sibson said team culture had played a huge part;
“As a coaching staff team culture is our first focus, it provides a platform for the players to understand the school’s expectations on and off the field.”
Sibson added that the team took the initiative to back themselves, and that decision has paid dividends;
“The players decided what this should look like and hold each other accountable, with a good platform and player buy-in, it makes a coach’s job far easier. This year has been no exception, with 25 players all eager to learn and improve on their individual skill sets. ”
The simple mantra of ‘just doing the basics well’ has also worked wonders.
“Our main focus points have been around ruck security, winning first phase ball, tenacious defence, making sure we playing in the correct areas on the field and providing a pattern of play that suited the players we have, “Sibson said.
He added that key performers in the backs like pivot Will Bolton, fullback Asher Langley and the centre pairing of Liam Ellison and Ben McKeen, coupled with forwards Blake Pritchard, Alexander Fenwick and hooker Caelan White had been instrumental in reaching the season’s pinnacle event.
He also pointed towards the inspirational leadership of captain Jacob Ely, who has shown “maturity on the field (that) has been a deciding factor in many of our games.”
“On a number of occasions, the match officials have complimented him on his leadership- with a good captain comes a well-disciplined team, “Sibson said.
When asked just what is required from his team to take home the silverware, Sibson put it simply:
“Composure, and sticking to our structures.”
The final kicks off at 12:20 on Saturday on the Eden Park number 1 ground.
You can follow Macleans’ progress via the Times Facebook page which will be featuring video and score updates.
