Rugby Report

Saturday 9 August 2025
Shore vs Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview (Riverview)

“The Swamp” lived up to its nickname on the weekend, and muddy, wet fields greeted Shore teams on Saturday at Riverview. We are grateful to our hosts for keeping all Rugby games on, even when the fields did not look like they could take on 30 boys tackling and sliding in the mud. Great fun! 

And congratulations must be given to the Riverview First XV. Last weekend, they managed to secure the GPS Rugby Premiership, and this is an achievement they should be proud of. They have been the best and most consistent team in 2025, with an excellent defensive record. We can learn much from their season and “steal shamelessly” from it!

Around the grounds, Shore had a very positive weekend, and hopefully everyone enjoyed their Rugby in the conditions. It was great to see a few teams that have had tough seasons register some wins. Our 13D’s lapped up the mud and had a great victory. And Old Boy Coach Rory Hall has the 13C’s firing – second win in a row. Likewise, the 13B’s – two in a row and ready for The King’s School (King’s). Unfortunately, the 13As went down on Saturday, but Coach Morgan has a cunning plan this week at training to bounce back.

Our U14s were on fire, only dropping one game out of five. The 14Cs have the best record in the School (only dropping one game thus far in the year) and they are hoping to finish off in style at the Bridge this weekend.

Our Competition teams (Third, Second and First XV) all went down to Riverview. The Thirds and Second XV both had chances in their games and were never out of it until the end of their games. 

The First XV were determined to hold on to the Centenary Trophy (a trophy played for between Shore and Riverview teams), and the team welcomed back Charlie Galligan, who was cleared to play one half in his return from injury. Shore scored first with a converted try, and the rest of the first half was an arm wrestle, with Riverview displaying suffocating defence, and both teams managed to score two converted tries each. Two penalty goals gave Riverview the advantage at halftime, but the game was even against the competition’s heavyweights.

The second half proved why Riverview were the champions this year. They continued their strong defence and converted their opportunities when presented. Shore pressed valiantly at the Riverview line on a number of occasions but could not break them. In the end, Riverview came out as worthy winners.

Accepting the Decision

I wanted to acknowledge the great discipline shown by the 15As last weekend. Over the years, it has been a fierce battle between Shore and Riverview, and last week was no different. Shore found themselves behind by four points with five minutes to go and Riverview in possession. Every ruck became a warzone, but despite repeated attempts to counter-ruck or pilfer the ball, the Shore boys were unable to win back possession without an infringement being called. The team did not argue or remonstrate, but got back 10 each time and redoubled their efforts. Even when a try was disallowed, which would have given victory, the Shore team abided by the decision and focused on the next phase. We did not end up winning the game, but our boys showed great character by accepting defeat, shaking hands, and moving their focus to the final fixture of the season. Let’s all follow that example this weekend against King’s.

Mr David Mason-Jones
MIC Rugby