Running Lines: Volume 4 2025
A mixed bag of results over the weekend. Most importantly, some noticeable growth and developments in the way that our boys play the game. There are glimpses of French flair amongst the way the teams are playing currently. It’s scintillating as a spectator but stressful as a coach.
Our results were:
| Team | Opposition | Result | Win/Loss |
| 1sts | Barker | 10-57 | Loss |
| 2nds | Barker | 5-33 | Loss |
| 3rds | Barker | 5-7 | Loss |
| 4ths | Barker | 32-5 | Win |
| 5ths | Barker | 42-10 | Loss |
| 6ths | Scots 8th XV | 24-14 | Loss |
| 16A | Barker | 0-55 | Loss |
| 16B | Barker | 5-29 | Loss |
| 16C | Barker | 32-29 | Win |
| 15A | Barker | 7-12 | Loss |
| 15B | Barker | 49-0 | Win |
| 15C | Shore 15D | 19-12 | Win |
| 14A | Barker | 0-64 | Loss |
| 14B | Barker | 27-12 | Win |
| 14C | St Augustines 14F | 15-10 | Win |
| 13A | Barker | 21-5 | Win |
| 13B | Barker | 14-30 | Loss |
- Player of the Day: Junior Teams (13s, 14s & 15s) – Freddy Tait (15B)
- Player of the Day: Senior Teams (16s & Opens) – Harry Jones (3rds, 2nds & 1sts)
- Rugby All Rounder of the Day (for effort/attitude on and off the field) – Felix Sheldrick – 4th team captain
- Team of the Day – 4ths
The early morning kicked off with some great wins from the lower junior teams. The 14Cs and 14Bs enjoyed great wins. The 15Cs too threw the ball around where miracle passes landed into well supported runners. The game got really close near the end for the boys to secure a well-fought 19-12 win.
Freddy Tait was absent for most of the week as he struggled with the flu. There is no way that he was going to miss his Saturday morning fixture. Playing flyhalf, he was taking the ball to the line really well, putting his outside backs and even loose forwards into wide open spaces, only for the wingers to finish the job under the poles.
Alfie Taylor too was a menace on defence. Tackling any ball runner that came within his twenty-meter radius. He didn’t stop for the full game. The young man is either on a fitness level second to none or was just running on adrenalin. The Barker boys were even getting his attention.
Hugo Anderson once again led from the front in a close encounter for the 15As. This group of boys have shown massive growth in their rugby skills and decision making. They are learning fast, and this growth will be well showcased for their senior years to come.
The ’fearless fourths’ who have very little time in the spotlight. This group of boys turn up for training week in and week out. No excuses. We seldom hear much of them but are often reminded of the expansive brand of rugby that is brewing down at Woollahra 3 on the late Tuesday and Thursday afternoons into the evening. Felix Sheldrick led this team from the front against Barker and scored two well worked team tries. Dr Hirst speaks of a great team performance and that every team member should be commended for the team’s performance. 6 tries scored to secure a well worked 32-5 victory. Well done boys and coaches.
Year 12 Harry Jones had a rather difficult week in the buildup to this fixture. Many exams were written, some minor illness, and injuries from the Waverley fixture.He needed the weekend off just to rest and recover from the stressful week prior. A good night’s sleep on Friday night and Harry played a half for the 3rd XV, just under a half for the 2nd XV and even got a run for the 1st XV. So much for needing a weekend off. I must commend Harry for his resilience. Well done young man.
The first fifteen were up against one of the top teams in the CAS and GPS competition combined. There were some big boys in the Barker side. They were clinical. Ran hard and cleaned the breakdown like men possessed. Their efficiency in attack was clinical with the ball being passed to the wing in record time. Our boys sure did front up. We were absorbing lots of physical battle pressure. In the first 15 minutes Cranbrook were in control of the game. The boys enjoyed much of the possession and were constantly asking questions of the Barker defence. A few handling errors saw Barker capitalise on our mistakes and convert some well worked tries. Our boys have continued to put everything towards the team and their weekends fixtures. During some difficult results these boys have managed to show up over and over again. This really is admirable.
Another opportunity awaits us at home this weekend. Another opportunity to turn the page. Another opportunity to have the best time on the field with their mates.
Brent Crossley
Master in Charge of Rugby