Running Lines: Volume 6 2025
As we welcomed St Stanislaus after their three hour bus trip, it was déjà vu from last year. For those that remember, it was one of the coldest and wettest days of the year. It was no different on the morning of this year’s fixture.
Our results were:
| Team | Opposition | Result | Win/Loss |
| 1sts | St Stanislaus | 39-5 | Win |
| 2nds | St Stanislaus | 45-5 | Win |
| 3rds | St Stanislaus | 29-7 | Win |
| 4ths | St Stanislaus | 27-0 | Win |
| 5ths | St Josephs 10th XV | 7-40 | Loss |
| 6ths | St Josephs 11th XV | 7-46 | Loss |
| 16A | St Stanislaus | 24-5 | Win |
| 16B | St Stanislaus | 19-12 | Win |
| 16C | Bye | – | – |
| 15A | St Stanislaus | 20-17 | Win |
| 15B | St Stanislaus | 32-15 | Win |
| 15C | St Stanislaus | 17-26 | Loss |
| 14A | St Stanislaus | 0-44 | Loss |
| 14B | St Stanislaus | 5-50 | Loss |
| 14C | St Stanislaus | 19-38 | Loss |
| 13A | St Stanislaus | 45-24 | Won |
| 13B | St Stanislaus | 19-22 | Loss |
| 13C | St Pius X | 5-45 | Loss |
- Player of the Day: Junior Teams (13s, 14s & 15s)- Jesse Lane
- Player of the Day: Senior Teams (16s & Opens)- Felix Sheldrick
- Rugby All Rounder of the Day (for effort/attitude on and off the field): Harry Middleton
- Team of the Day- 4ths
The day kicked off with some early morning action, with the Under 13Cs drying up the early morning dew with action-packed rugby. St Pius’ 13B proved too physical for our 13C boys. Irrespective of the result, some much needed game time for these youngsters was valuable. The 13Bs started on the backfoot conceding two early tries. Stannies had some big ball runners that required more than two Cranbrook boys to bring to ground. Our boys just had to absorb the early pressure and buy their time. They really did manage to compile a recovery plan. However, it was too little too late unfortunately. The 13As continued on their winning ways. A good understanding of the game has allowed these boys to develop over the season. This age group needs to develop some urgency over the next few years. When given the opportunity to attack after a turnover or a penalty, the boys need to be decisive on their next move.
Some great wins across the board, and more so some noticeable camaraderie across the board. All the games were played hard, but most importantly in great spirits.
Special mention must be made to the Under 15 age group. Many of these boys needed to double up because of absence, injury and sickness across our teams. Young Jesse Lane was full of running for both the C and B team. He played fullback and every time he got the ball, he never considered kicking even from his own dead ball. His first instinct was always to run. Near the end of the B team game his legs had tired but his heart kept on going. These boys all put their hands up and put on a great display of running rugby. Well done boys. The 15A side started where the Bs left off and came out the blocks hard and fast. Three tries in the first 10 minutes. However, Stannies managed to claw themselves back in the game. With the score at 17 all and ten to go, the Cranbrook boys need to dig deep to salvage a win here. They managed a penalty to secure a 20-17 win. Big match temperament by these boys.
The open age group enjoyed some fantastic results. The 4ths were an easy pick for the team of the day. For many of these year 12 boys it was their last home fixture. Lead by their dedicated coaches in Mr Hirst and Mr Harrison, these boys lit up the field in all avenues. Instructions would be yelled from the side and the boys followed what they were told. Zain Rashid was providing the backs with some crisp service that set the backs on their way. Playing scrum half is a dream come true with this pack in front of you. Felix Sheldrick, Henry Dawson and Finn Hutchinson were involved in every play without neglecting their primary roles. Nelson Harvey was full of running and set up some nice counter attack opportunities that the boys managed to convert. A great win for this cohesive group of fourth team boys.
It goes without saying, but when the under 16As play well on Hordern, it sets the tone for the teams afterwards. There is nothing better than watching your school team scoring tries while you are warming up behind the poles. It is a massive school momentum gain taking the field when the team before you have played well and ultimately won their fixture. The 16As had a fantastic victory over Stannies that set the tone for the 3rds to come.
What followed was some scintillating victories from the 3rds, 2nds and 1sts. The 1st XV didn’t have it all their own way in the first half. Our boys were a little impatient in the approach. With the forwards dominating the set piece and all collisions, there just needed to be a better connection between the forwards and backs. The half time talk must have done the job as the boys came out scoring some well worked tries. Many of them in the corners of the field, proving difficult to convert. A special mention to young under 16 Harry Middleton who made his official 1st team debut. Added to this he was dangerous on attack and never defaulted from ‘running everything’. He managed to finish off a well worked try too.
A fantastic day of rugby on display, as the sun came out on Hordern. Well done to all of our boys who represented the school on Saturday. Thanks too must also go to our coaches and managers who have spent many hours organising teams and planning for the weekends fixtures ahead. With the heavy traffic and rainfall over Term 2 and holidays, our ground keepers have once again done an immaculate job to showcase Hordern as one of the best ovals around Sydney.
We look forward to another busy weekend ahead as the Cranbrook army travel to St Gregs and the Central Coast for their weekends fixtures.
Brent Crossley
Master in Charge of Rugby