by NZ CATHOLIC staff
TAURANGA — Aquinas College has gone from the rugby dog house to the penthouse in
only one season.
Seen as longtime college division two bridesmaids, Aquinas College became Bay of Plenty college division one champions in the first season they played in the top grade.
Winger Angus Raiman said coaches Shane Wilson and Shannon Stowers installed a
lot of belief in the boys. “They spent a lot of time with us working on basic skills. I remember one practice where we passed the ball to each other for an hour; good habits make
good rugby players.”
Raiman said the achievements of the First XV have won the respect of the school after an amazing season — 17 wins, one loss, one draw and five trophies.
During the Baywide Final the Bay of Plenty Times reported: “Aquinas captain Reed Wilson
led the team well and put in a great performance, despite having time on the sideline,
due to a head knock. He came back on after medics gave the all clear and showed fantastic
leadership as he carried his team to victory.”
During some games Aquinas had only 17 fit players!
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