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Premier Men’s Match Report

7 June 2025 at Sydenham Park

CFC vs Sydenham

Lost 5-52

Player of the Match: Jake Tither

They say rugby is a winter sport, and Saturday at Sydenham Park proved exactly why — icy winds, tough conditions, and a hard-fought match that tested both teams' resilience.

Sydenham came out of the gates firing, dominating the early exchanges and controlling territory and possession. Christchurch had patches of promising play, but struggled to match the intensity and pace of the opposition. Sydenham capitalised on every opportunity, heading into the break with a commanding 40–0 lead.

After a few halftime changes and some stern words, Christchurch returned to the field with renewed determination. The second half saw a more composed effort, with better defensive structure and a more physical presence at the breakdown. While Sydenham still managed to add 12 more points, Christchurch were able to respond with a well-earned try of their own, avoiding a scoreless outing.

There were a few notable milestones despite the result. Congratulations to Jake Tither and Jacson Edie, who both brought up their Blazer games — a proud moment for them and the club. Also, a warm welcome and congratulations to Asha Alavaa, who made his Premier debut.

With only a handful of games left in the round, the team will be looking to regroup, build momentum, and finish strong with a few more points on the ladder. Keep backing the boys — there’s still more to come.

Written by Tony Hussey.
 

Premier Development’s Match Report

7 June 2025 at Sydenham Park

CFC vs Sydenham

Won 8 - 7

Player of the Match: Huntley Masterson

For the first time in a long time, the Crocs found themselves in a rare scenario: a horrifically cold and rainy Saturday afternoon. But as the great Steve Irwin once said (we assume), Crocs love water.

The trip to Sydenham Park was their first since last year’s cruel, last-minute defeat in the final — and if past encounters between these two sides were anything to go by, this match was always going to be a treat.

The weather played a huge role, setting the scene for a low-scoring grind. An early penalty kick opportunity for the Crocs went wide, denying them the chance to strike first. Not long after, Sydenham turned sustained pressure into points with a well-worked try and a successful conversion to take a 7–0 lead.

The Crocs responded well. A lineout drive close to the try line allowed James Lilley to crash over, bringing the score to 7–5 after a missed conversion — a margin that would carry into halftime.

The second half only tightened, as worsening weather transformed the match into a trench warfare-style battle. After another period of pressure near the line, the Crocs were rewarded with a penalty. Cyril Tamou, shaking off early kicking difficulties, slotted it clean to put Christchurch ahead 8–7.

Points were hard to come by from then on. As the minutes ticked down, the win was in sight — but Sydenham weren’t done yet. A dangerous final attack had them knocking at the door. However, some clutch, coordinated defence from the entire Christchurch side kept them out. A decisive penalty, won by none other than Travis Moody, sealed the match. Final score: 8–7 — hugely reminiscent of a certain 2011 World Cup Final, though this result might just top it!

A bit of post-match handbags briefly put a damper on celebrations, but once tensions cooled and handshakes were exchanged, the Crocs chant rang out loud and proud across wintry Sydenham Park. What a result.

Special mention goes to our Player of the Day on debut — Huntley Masterson, a new addition to CFC from the Crusaders International Academy, who made an immediate impact.

Massive thanks to the hardy supporters who braved one of the coldest match days in recent memory, and to Matt, Brewser, Muir, Jo, and Jenay for everything you do week in, week out — especially in those arctic conditions.

The lads return home this weekend to face the unbeaten Burnside team, and with confidence riding high after this gutsy win, they’re ready for the challenge. We hope to see you all down at the club.

Up the Crocs!

Written by Andy Scally.

Choppers Match Report

7 June 2025 at Bob Dean’s

CFC vs HSOB

Lost 12-26

Player of the Match: Anthony Campbell

As the winter conditions kept most people tucked up in the warmth of their homes, the Choppers headed over to Bob Deans to face off against HSOB Keiths — yet another former Division 3 side. But with the weather acting as the great equaliser, this match turned out to be quite the duel.

Receiving the kick-off, we came out firing — going hard and fast, testing their defence early. They held strong, and it became clear we’d have to dig into the toolbox for a change in tactics. The first 15 minutes were all about keeping it tight, running it straight, and seeing who could get the muddiest. Then we had an idea: why not go wide? And wide we went, scoring an outstanding try. It was the first game this season where we put the first points on the board.

Unfortunately, we fumbled the kick-off and gifted them an easy 7-pointer. They quickly followed that up with another try. As the first half began to close, we needed to finish strong — and just like that, we backed our impressive midfield to deliver the goods. We crossed over again to level the scores at 12–12 at the break.

By the second half, the field had become a leg-draining muck hole. The game remained much the same — gritty, physical, and muddy — but now the ref was lagging a bit behind the play and seemed to be officiating from the opposite side of wherever the ball actually was. That’s when it happened: Keiths snuck on a 16th man and scored in the corner with a slick hands move… made easier with that extra pair of hands. Our pleas for clarification were ignored, and we had no choice but to get on with it.

With our bench emptied and fatigue setting in, cracks began to show on both sides. Unfortunately, with five minutes to go, HSOB managed to cross again and seal the win.

A valiant effort from the boys — plenty learned and we're improving every week. We’re back at home this weekend and ready to rip in!

Up up the Choppers!

Written by Richard Spivey (Spitty).

Colts Premier Match Report

7 June 2025 at Ilam Field

CFC vs UC

Lost 14-51

Players of the Match: Xavier Doocey & Kamaioha Perenara O’Connell

Our latest fixture proved to be a tough and physical encounter, marked by a scrappy and tightly contested first half. Both sides showed real commitment on defence, with few opportunities given away easily. Our forward pack laid a solid platform, working tirelessly at the breakdown and with tight carries to generate front-foot ball. That effort eventually paid off, with space opening up out wide. Our backs made the most of it, finishing off two well-constructed tries—both successfully converted—to keep us in touch on the scoreboard.

Despite some strong moments, a few costly mistakes crept into our game. UC were quick to pounce on any loose play, turning our errors into points. They executed well when given the chance and managed to edge ahead, taking a 17–14 lead into halftime.

The second half saw UC lift their intensity and apply relentless pressure. They controlled territory effectively, keeping us pinned deep in our own half. Despite determined defensive efforts, we struggled to exit cleanly or build momentum. UC capitalised again on our mistakes, stringing together multiple phases and converting pressure into points with several well-taken tries.

While the final scoreline didn’t reflect the full story of the match, the team's effort and work rate remained high throughout. There were plenty of encouraging signs in both attack and defence, and the lessons from this game will serve us well as we move forward in the season.

We now shift our focus to a big challenge this week, with Lincoln University coming to our home ground. The boys are fired up and ready to bounce back.

Player of the Day went to Xavier Doocey and Kamaioha Perenara O’Connell, both had strong games and were selected by the team for their work rate on both sides of the ball.

Written by Tim Brocket.

Player Profiles

Name: Lee Seong Yong

Background:

Osaka Korean High School

Teikyo University

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara Dynaboars

Hanazono Kintetsu Liners

Yakult Levins Toda

Why did you come to NZ?

I came to see how far I can grow as a rugby player and a person in an environment

different from the one I have experienced through rugby, and to be able to make the

most of it in the future.

What do you enjoy doing now?

When I go shopping or to a store, and I can communicate with people in English.

And drinking beer with my teammates in the clubhouse after a game.

Name: Shunya Kato

Background:

Tokai University

AZ-COM MARUWA

Why did you come to NZ?

I wanted to play for a strong team and I came to NZ to play rugby for my personal

development and I wanted to try it since I was a junior high school student.

How has your experience been playing rugby in New Zealand?

I felt players are big, strong and use their strengths very well.

It is sometimes frustrating to be able to accommodate which I cannot experience in Japan, but it is fun because there are new experiences for me.

Shu’s Corner

It is great to see all the players who have ventured far and wide from around the world now playing for our awesome club — and this week, we highlight two of our Japanese friends, Lee-san and Shunya-san! Please refer to their bios, uploaded courtesy of Kashi-san. Further profiles of our overseas players will be featured on a regular basis.

Last Saturday, it was fantastic to attend the Axemen & Bus Drivers Lunch at Sydenham Park. It was great to catch up with a lot of old friends, and it was a pleasure and privilege to have coached the Sydenham Premier team in 2011, 2012, and 2013! The highlight of the lunch was hearing from two great men — Codie Taylor and Johnny McNicholl — who epitomise what being a great club man is all about. It was awesome to catch up with them both, having had the opportunity to work with them during my time at the club, and also to coach Codie’s wife, Lucy, while coaching the Canterbury Women’s team. Lastly, it’s great to see Codie now coaching a junior team at CFC!

On Tuesday night, it was great to be with the Premier Development team at The Bealey, supporting our major sponsor. Thank you to everyone for backing the Oxford Group, who do so much for the club.

On Wednesday, the club was packed with our junior players having their team photos taken — awesome to see all the fun being had, and well done to the Junior Committee for arranging and managing everything so smoothly!

This weekend sees a full house of games being held at the club (subject to the weather playing its part), so come down and support all the players, coaches, managers, and volunteers — who are awesome each and every Saturday. To top off the weekend, the Golden Oldies are reliving their playing days by hosting Hanmer on Sunday from 1 p.m.!

Housekeeping:

All senior teams — Premier Men, Premier Development, Colts Premier, Colts U20, and Choppers — are to provide a match report to Jenay Eksteen by Wednesday, 8 p.m. each week. All teams are also expected to be back in the clubrooms by 5:45 p.m. every Saturday.

Lastly, thank you to our players and members looking to hold their special functions at the club. Please contact me if you’d like to host your 21st or any other special event at CFC!

Written by Shu.
 

New Board Member - Lucy Dewar

The Christchurch Football Club Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Lucy Dewar to the club’s Board.

Lucy brings with her a strong background in the banking industry, team management, and fundraising within the club. In 2020, she was honoured with the David Burke Memorial Trophy, recognising her exceptional contribution and ongoing commitment to the club.

Board Chairman Mark Arneil shared, “Lucy’s professional experience and her deep connection to the club make her a valuable addition to the Board. She has shown consistent dedication to Christchurch Football Club across the years and is passionate about its future. Lucy shares our vision for CFC to continue growing as a leading rugby club in Christchurch, both on and off the field. We look forward to the insight and energy she will bring in her new role.”

Lucy’s journey with Christchurch Football Club began in 2016 when she stepped into the role of Colts B team manager, continuing into 2017. Her leadership and dedication saw her promoted to Premier team manager from 2018 to 2021—a period that included semi-final appearances in both 2018 and 2020, marking key moments in recent club history.

One of Lucy’s standout contributions came in 2018, when she successfully organised and fundraised for a preseason tour to Brisbane, Australia. The team played at Brothers Rugby Club in a project that demonstrated Lucy’s organisational strength and commitment to creating unique opportunities for players. That same year, she and George “Boon” Inwood were named Team Managers of the Year. Two years later, she was honoured with the David Burke Memorial Trophy—one of the club’s most prestigious awards.

In recent seasons, Lucy has also played an active role on the Rugby Leadership Committee, further demonstrating her passion for the club and her vision for its future.

Please join us in welcoming Lucy to the Christchurch Football Club Board. We are excited for what lies ahead.

Support Our Junior Club Fundraiser!

Help us raise funds for our junior teams by ordering some delicious pies through the link below. Every order supports our young players — and if you'd prefer, you can also choose to donate your pies to a local charity, and the Junior Team will take care of the rest!
🍽️ Order or donate here

Thanks for backing our juniors!

 

Bus Drivers & Axemen Luncheon – A Celebration of Rivalry and Respect

On Saturday 7 June, a group of old foes and great mates gathered for the Bus Drivers & Axemen Luncheon at Sydenham Park – a nod to one of Christchurch rugby’s most storied rivalries.

Born from a time when our club was made up of lawyers and doctors, and Sydenham of dock workers and bus drivers, the rivalry reached its peak when CFC’s own Beau “AI” Cotterill famously broke a dock strike by organising scab workers – a move that made us very unpopular across town.

Beau, a prominent lawyer and WWII escapee, symbolised the fierce spirit of the Axemen – and it’s only fitting that this luncheon has been revived to honour the proud, colourful history between our clubs, and to celebrate the friendship and mutual respect that now defines it.

Game-day Sponsor

We’re proud to have Stirling Sports Riccarton as our Game Day Sponsor this coming Saturday, 14 June!

A staple in the Christchurch sportswear scene, Stirling Sports Riccarton is your go-to for the latest in performance and lifestyle apparel. Whether you're after boots, gym gear, or off-field style, their team has you covered with top brands and expert service.

We’re grateful for the ongoing support of Stirling Sports Riccarton. Be sure to pop in and see the team next time you’re at Westfield Riccarton – and let them know you’re from CFC!

Contact admin@christchurchpark.co.nz for more details.
 

Article added: Friday 13 June 2025