Running Lines: Volume 3 2025
Brace yourself. A tough day at the office for our soldiers who took to Queen’s park or better known as Death Valley. While our egos may have taken a hit, our sportsmanship was well showcased compared to the conduct of our opposition (players and supporters alike)
Our results were:
| Team | Opposition | Result | Win/Loss |
| 1sts | Waverley | 22-29 | Loss |
| 2nds | Waverley | 7-26 | Loss |
| 3rds | Waverley | 12-25 | Loss |
| 4ths | Waverley | 10-24 | Loss |
| 5ths | Waverley | 24-12 | Win |
| 6ths | St Josephs 13ths | 44-10 | Win |
| 16A | Waverley | 5-26 | Loss |
| 16B | Waverley | 0-20 | Loss |
| 16C | Waverley | 5-35 | Loss |
| 15A | Waverley | 0-43 | Loss |
| 15B | Waverley | 5-38 | Loss |
| 15C | Waverley | 12-65 | Loss |
| 14A | Waverley | 5-75 | Loss |
| 14B | Waverley | 5-50 | Loss |
| 14C | Waverley | 0-76 | Loss |
| 13A | Waverley | 0-50 | Loss |
| 13B | Waverley | 0-62 | Loss |
- Player of the Day: Junior Teams (13s, 14s & 15s) – Hugo Anderson (15A)
- Player of the Day: Senior Teams (16s & Opens) – Oliver Minning
- Rugby All Rounder of the Day (for effort/attitude on and off the field) – Milo & Max Serfontein
- Team of the Day – 5th XV
When hearing of the name Death Valley in the build up to the fixture against Waverley, it took me back to some of my year 8 Geography and year 9 Global studies lessons. A rather dry, desert type landscape of which temperatures soar to a staggering 50°C. Not much can survive in these treacherous conditions to the East of California. What are we in for…
After an impressive win for the 13A side last weekend against Knox, it was back to reality for our young team. They really showcased their bravery on defence and attacking prowess against a team that were physically dominant. An outside center from Waverly wouldn’t be out of place in a 16 A back row. He was tall and fast. He scored tries every time he received the ball. Our boys are to be commended on their commitment and staying up for the fight for the entirety of the game.
The 6th team were given the opportunity to open the fixture up at 8am on Woollahra 3. A group of boys whose priority is enjoyment. They got right into it and scored some full length tries, that showed great continuity. The only other win from the fixture was that of the 5th XV. Well done to them as they were unequivocally chosen as the team of the week.
The 15A’s suffered a scoreless loss but young Hugo Anderson was thriving at the physicality that the game presented. He was flying into tackles and really showing no respect for his body. He really stood out in his teams performance. He just needed his team mates to give the same
The Cranbrook 1st XV travelled to Waverley for what is always one of the toughest fixtures on the schoolboy rugby calendar. Death Valley has long been a fortress for Waverley, and despite a determined lead-up, it sadly remains a ground where Cranbrook is yet to record a victory in recent memory.
From the outset, it was clear that Waverley came with intent, applying relentless pressure and playing with a physical edge. While the scoreboard ultimately reflected a challenging day for Cranbrook, it only tells part of the story.
What cannot be measured in numbers is the bravery and commitment shown by our players. The Cranbrook side never backed down, continuing to fight for every metre, every breakdown, and every moment of possession. Our boys played the game with heart and honour, maintaining their composure in moments when the spirit of the contest was tested by conduct not in keeping with the values we hold dear.
Tragically, the match was marred by a serious injury to Cranbrook player. Angus Messiter, a cornerstone of the 1st XV, suffered a broken leg during the first half—a devastating blow for both Angus and the team. We were leading 8-0 at this point.
Despite the adversity, the Cranbrook players continued to compete with immense spirit and resilience. Each one of them should be commended for their sportsmanship and loyalty to one another in difficult circumstances. A frustrating and somewhat careless to one of our players seemed a nail in the coffin at the time. Instead, it did quite the opposite. The boys rallied together and started to gather some phases together to create some try scoring opportunities. Two tries were scored. Waverly received two yellow cards for ill-discipline. The momentum had shifted. It was too little too late. As we scored our last try, it marked the end of the game. A fantastic comeback effort by our boys.
While the result was not in our favour, the integrity and unity displayed by the team is what truly defines them. We extend our thanks to the Cranbrook community who made the journey to support the side. A much-needed weekend off to look forward to as we then head to Barker.
Brent Crossley
Master in Charge of Rugby