School Sport: Bethlehem College

Bethlehem College. Photo/File

Bethlehem College
Rugby

The BC First XV played under lights on Wednesday night at the Te Puna Rugby Club against local rivals Aquinas College.

At stake was the Randrup Cup, with BC holder. Both sides began the game with intensity and demonstrated good defensive play. Bethlehem were first to score after sustained pressure from a number of phases saw centre Reuben Goss dot down for the only try of the game.

This was well converted by winger Luke McDowell who was handed the kicking duties after his brother Brodie suffered a head knock early in the game and had to leave the field. Aquinas kicked a penalty shortly before halftime to close to 7-3 at the break.

Second half started with intensity as both sides tried to gain ascendency. Two penalties awarded to Bethlehem were well kicked by Luke McDowell making the score 13-3.

Aquinas then stepped up and managed to retain possession for most of the last 10 minutes of the game. They set up camp in the Bethlehem 22 but were continually repelled by a great defensive performance.

Aquinas could only manage two penalties, ending the match at 13-9.

Standout performances for Bethlehem came from inspirational captain Nico Aandewiel, No 8 Troy Absalom and flanker Greg Lees. The midfield pairing of Caleb Hood and Reuben Goss was solid all night while Luke McDowell was dynamic on the wing.

Football
On Thursday July 7 the BC Girls 1st XI played away against Aquinas. BC took control from the outset but a mixture of errant passes, final balls and finishing was the story of the first 20 minutes. Eventually the girls put it together and a through ball from Emma Waddell sent Eloise Wilson away down the right and her first time cross was met perfectly by Kate Simpson to give BC their first goal.
The second half continued in the same way with BC having full control but more short finishes with open goals and one-on-one opportunities missed, which kept the score at 1-0. With 20 minutes gone Aquinas scored with their only shot of the game as Jacqui Miller had her clearing kick strike the Aquinas forward who reacted quickly to tie the game.
Ensuing saves from Kate Simpson and Eloise Wilson made it likely for a draw. Then a ball over the top from Emma Jo Wallis with two minutes to go sent an injured Emma Waddell through, who kept her composure to place the ball to the keeper's right and into the corner of the net to restore BC's lead which they held through to the final whistle.