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Welcome to the latest update from Christchurch Football Club, keeping you connected with everything happening in and around the club.

Premier Men’s Match Report
12 July 2025 at Christchurch Park
CFC vs Shirley
Won 36-31
Player of the Match: Felix Harvison

Last week saw the final outing by the Premier team as they took on Shirley in the wooden spoon final, a repeat of 2024.

Having started and played so well the week prior, the same starting 15 took to the field. Shirley had other plans. It was not the best of starts for Christchurch as Shirley ran in a couple of converted tries to take a 14-0 lead. Not to be deterred, CFC hit back with a try of their own to Zach Landon-Lane, converted by Mitch Barry, bringing the score to 7-14.

Shirley struck back with a penalty. It was CFC’s turn again, with another forward drive, and this time Felix Harvison was the man to cross. Again, converted by Mitch, and the score was 14-17 to Shirley. Things were starting to look good for CFC, however Shirley had other plans and ran in two converted tries before half-time to take a 31-14 lead. The old boys on the balcony were having flashbacks to the week prior—the year before was too far back for most of them to remember.

Unsure if it was the lollies, something in the water bottles, or the half-time chat from the coaches, but the second half was all Christchurch. A converted try to Josh Carr in the first few minutes of the second half, a try to Riley Williams at the 60-minute mark, and then a converted try to Will Edwards a few minutes later saw CFC take the lead 33-31. A penalty to Mitch Barry in the 65th minute extended the lead to 36-31.

The last 15 minutes seemed like an eternity. With the defibrillator on standby for the old boys on the balcony and the disappointment of the full-time loss the week prior still fresh in the team’s mind, they were able to keep control and calm—and end the match with no change in the score.

Player of the Day: Felix Harvison – nothing beats watching a prop pick the ball out of a ruck and run 90 metres.

So that’s the season over for the Premiers. Our big thanks to all the supporters this year and special thanks to our sponsors: The Bealey (The Oxford Group), Gilbert, Kirk Roberts, Devcorp Construction, AFL Fencing, Abbotts, Virtue Homes, Stirling Sports Riccarton, Readylawn, and Dawn Construction.

All the best to the other senior teams as they head into their respective finals.

Written by Tony Hussey.

Premier Development’s Match Report
12 July 2025 at Bob Deans Fields
CFC vs HSOB
Lost 24-78
Player of the Match: Shaydon Milne-Sparks

The Crocs travelled to Bob Deans Fields on Saturday to take on High School Old Boys, a side in a strong position on the ladder, looking for a big win to sneak into the top 4. Christchurch had everything to prove, hoping to put in a good performance against one of the top sides in our grade.

The two sides made the trek across the mud track towards the field (making the historic crossing of Deans Ave look like a cakewalk in comparison), and it was game on.

Old Boys flew out of the blocks quickly, scoring three quick tries to see the scoreline race to 21-0. Christchurch hit back strong though, and with a try to Shaydon Milne-Sparks from some well-built phase play, it was 21-7. Syunya Kato then darted away for the type of run forwards dream of, scorching over the line from 40 metres out to see the scoreboard tighten to 21-12.

Old Boys showed their quality though, quickly striking those two tries off with two of their own. 33-12 heading towards half-time. Then — in the last play of the half — came an extraordinary pass from one-time Choppers winger Travis Moody, sending the ball wide to Dave Tamou to acrobatically touch down in the corner. Though he hurt himself in scoring, Dave wasn't going to leave the field that easily. 33-17 to the home side at half-time.

The second half kicked off and it was more of the same from Old Boys, two quick tries once again extending their lead, 47-17. Dave Tamou then once again crashed over in the corner, his pain immediately forgotten once the ball was in his hand. A quality try, followed by an ice-cold conversion from the touchline by his nephew Cyril Tamou, saw the scoreline read 47-24.

Unfortunately, that was it really for the Crocs, as Old Boys put the pedal down and scored another five tries before full-time, ballooning the scoreline out to 78-24. A humbling loss for the Crocs, but with short numbers and favours having to be called in with friends and club stalwarts alike to fill the bench, the boys can be proud of the fight they did show.

A big thank you to those that turned out to support us, and huge appreciation for those lads that laced up the boots when the emergency call for numbers went out. You're all bloody good lads.

Lessons learned as we head into the Bowl playoffs this weekend, taking on Sydenham at Christchurch Park this Saturday. Another chapter in this thrilling Div 2 rivalry we find ourselves in. Hope to see you down there.

Up the Crocs!

Written by Andy Scally.

Colts Premier Match Report
12 July 2025 at Christchurch Park
CFC vs Shirley
Won 64-17
Player of the Match: Samuele Marchi

We started the game strong, defending well from the kickoff and quickly turning that pressure into a positive attacking phase, resulting in a well-earned try in the corner.

However, after the next kickoff, we struggled to clear the ball effectively, putting ourselves under pressure and allowing Shirley to score. From there, the team refocused and began applying consistent pressure, leading to multiple tries. A standout moment came from tighthead prop Samuele Marchi, whose quick hands helped create space out wide and set up the backs beautifully.

Just before halftime, a second missed clearance gave Shirley another opportunity, and they capitalised with a try, taking us into the break with a 27–12 lead.

The second half opened up nicely, with Sam Samuelu, Xavier Doocey, and Garin Schroeder carrying strongly throughout. It was great to see the boys working together, playing as a cohesive unit, and scoring some impressive team tries.

Late in the game, we found ourselves with a No. 8 and flanker playing in the midfield—but you wouldn’t have known it! Sam and Xavier looked right at home, finishing off a well-executed try under the posts.

The match ended with a dominant 64–17 victory. The team should be proud of their performance—and it was fantastic to see a strong crowd on the sidelines supporting the boys.

Player of the Day: Samuele Marchi – Worked tirelessly across the field, dominated in the scrum, and showed great skill to draw defenders and create space for his teammates. A top all-round performance.

Written by Tim Brocket.

Choppers Match Report
12 July 2025 at Christchurch Park
CFC vs HSOB
Lost 21-27
Player of the Match: James Dyne

The sun was out finally, which was the opposite of the conditions the last time we played these chaps. It was Round 2 against Old Boys Keith's, and after spending some time trying to figure out who Keith actually was, we got on with it.

We started by kicking off and confidently went about our business before what can only be described as a parting of our line—as if Moses himself was out there—and they strolled over for a rather easy early try. After that wake-up call, we started defending normally, actually quite well, and we held them off for a long time before making them earn another try.

They were, however, starting to blow arse, and just before half-time we crossed the line with some slick passing.

As the second 40 kicked off, we noted their bench had grown—hmmmm—and they got the first points of the half. But fear not, for we came to play, and wow, did the boys turn it on. As we came steaming back with superior attack and punishing defence, the Old Boys were struggling.

We dotted, then we dotted down again—and it was on. Our third consecutive try saw us take the lead, which we desperately held onto with only one reserve warming the bench.

The Keith's did the Classics grade sin and opted to take a lazy 3-pointer to steal back the lead by 1 point, before on the final play of the game they were awarded a try that wasn’t really a try—but ah well, what can you do!

It was still a brilliant game from the boys. With limited numbers, we took our chances and very nearly had an upset!!

Up up the Choppers!

Written by Richard Spivey (Spitty).

Shu’s Corner

We were treated to two excellent games on Number One on Saturday, involving our Colts A and Premier teams both winning their respective games, with our own Choppers going close to toppling HSOB on Number Two. Well done to the Colts A team, who showed all their strengths and teamwork in putting away Shirley 64–17! Our Premiers played some great footy and dug deep to have an awesome win over Shirley, 36–31, and finish the season on a high – well done lads!

To our Premier team – on behalf of myself and all our members – thank you for hanging tough all season, for sticking together, supporting each other, and giving everything you had week in and week out. It is truly very much appreciated by us all.

To Sam, William, James, Logan, Tony, Scott, and Megan (and all of your physio team), a big thank you for your outstanding contributions this season and for stepping up when required!

This Saturday will see our Junior Club Day in full flight, so get down to Christchurch Park and support our young players, coaches, and managers with their games and enjoy what will be an awesome day.

On that note, we ask that you respect our neighbours, the Western Association Football Club, on Saturday when using the carpark at Westminster Park (remember, it will be closed at 5:00 pm, so please move your vehicle before then), and that the football grounds are to have no rugby activity on them – i.e., individual and team warmups.

I would also like to recognise our Netball club, who each and every week represent the whole club exceptionally well, and we are proud of your support! To Georgia, who is here every Saturday giving the club an update on the results, how the teams are going, and the respective Player of the Day awards – we thank you! And our thanks to the players who are in the clubrooms each week along with Georgia, as well as the Netball Committee who do a fantastic job behind the scenes.

This week will see Hydraulink as our Match Day sponsor. Matt Aked is a fantastic sponsor of the club and epitomises a true club man – having himself and his family involved in the Junior Club, coaching our awesome Premier Development team, and being a current Board Member. Many thanks for all you have done and are doing for the club, Matt!

Please read the awesome feedback received (thanks, Vicki!) about the U18 Girls and what a number of the players achieved during the holiday break – extremely proud of you all.

Shout-out for the week goes to Roger Geddes, our Groundsman, who Monday through Friday each week is here at 7:00 am sweeping and washing out the changing sheds, cleaning up after Saturday night activities, attending to the grounds in preparation for the weekend, and doing other jobs as well (ably supported by “Dad’s Army” every Wednesday morning). Thanks, Rog – we really appreciate and thank you for all that you do for us!

Housekeeping – Urgent!
As mentioned, subscriptions are now due, and team management have been advised on what is outstanding for each team.

If paying directly to the club via online banking, please use the following information:

Payee: Christchurch Football Club Inc Account Number: 06 0996 0541746 00

Using the above information will see the details match, as is now required by each bank. Remember to reference player name and team name.

You can also pay via the Xplorer app and generate a Stripe payment.

Lastly, a big night of test rugby on Saturday, with the All Blacks playing France in Hamilton with kick-off at 7:05 pm, followed by Australia playing the British & Irish Lions with kick-off at 10:00 pm. So stay on, enjoy the drinks and food specials on offer, and have a fun night!

Written by Shu.

Coaches Corner
Meeting the Junior Coaches this week was very important. The relationships you build with your coaches, as you do with your players, are key to their learning.

Many of our coaches are only there because their child is playing, and many are simply doing what their coaches did with them when they played.

There are three things we need to focus on as coaches to improve the outcomes for our players:

Run, Catch, Pass

Ball into Contact

Tackle Technique

As coaches, these three areas need to be a part of our sessions every time to ensure our players are growing.

Learn the correct way of delivering each area and grow your players.

I am always available to help!

Written by Budgie.

U18 Girls Update

The school holidays have been a busy and exciting time for our U18 Girls. Charley and Tahlia from Kārearea and Pouākai both trialled for the NZ Māori U18s on 8 July. Then on 14 July, Hadassah Timo and Perez Lene took the field in the NZ North vs South game in Hamilton, alongside former CFC U18s player Avalea Maxwell and current South team member Metua Cranwell. It was great to also see Angie Sisifa involved as a coach for the South team. A proud week for the CFC whānau!

From left to right:
Hadassah Timo - Pouākai
Unknown - HSOB
Poppy Baxter - HSOB
Metua Cranwell - Pouākai
Avalea Maxwell (ex CFC - Now New Brighton women’s)
Amaleila Tiatia - Linwood women’s
Perez Lene - Pouākai
Angie Sisifa - Pouākai Coach

Junior Rugby Update
It’s been fantastic to see all our junior players back on the field training this week!

This Saturday is Club Day, and we’re excited to have all our junior teams playing at CFC in what promises to be a full day of rugby action. The day kicks off at 9:30 AM, with games running right through until our senior boys wrap things up at 2:45 PM.

A big thank you to our junior committee for successfully organising the Pie Fundraiser—everything is now ready for collection, and your support is greatly appreciated.

We hope you enjoy Club Day! Stick around, watch some great rugby, and be sure to cheer on the Red and Black throughout the day.

You're Invited – 2025 Annual Prize Giving
We invite all members of Christchurch Football Club including the Netball Club – players, coaches, managers, Axemen, board members, life members, and partners – to join us for our Annual Prize Giving on Saturday, 16 August.

This is our opportunity to celebrate the season, share some laughs, and farewell 2025 together.

The ticket includes:

• A meal
• Some drinks
• DJ and dancing
• A great night with our club community

To register your interest, please fill out the form HERE to let us know.

Ticket price is set at $50 per person. Keep an eye on our social media pages for information on how to buy tickets. We look forward to seeing you there.