The Rutherford College Boys 1st XI Football team produced an outstanding week of football
The Rutherford College Boys 1st XI Football team produced an outstanding week of football at the Trident Tournament in Rotorua, held as part of the annual Winter Tournament Week. The team delivered a series of outstanding performances across the week, showing great determination, discipline and togetherness on their way to the final and an excellent 2nd-place finish.
One of the most impressive aspects of the week was the team’s defensive organisation. Rutherford progressed through the tournament without conceding a single goal from open play until the final, reflecting the collective effort, work rate and determination shown by the entire squad.
The final reflected how tight the initial pool fixture between the two schools. In a closely contested match, the boys pushed their opponents all the way through regulation time before eventually being defeated after extra time. While the result was understandably disappointing, it was still an exceptional tournament from the group.
Special recognition must go to Bono Kacurov, Aiden Wileman, Elan van Dolleweerd and Year 10 student Alfie Colegate, who all produced outstanding performances across the week. The tournament final also marked the final game in Rutherford College colours for our Year 13 players. Their commitment and contribution to the 1st XI programme has been significant, and they can be extremely proud of the way they represented the school in their final tournament. They leave having helped set high standards for the next group of players to carry forward. A huge thank you must also go to all of the parents, families and supporters who supported the team throughout the week. Whether travelling to Rotorua, supporting from the sidelines or helping behind the scenes, your time, effort and encouragement were greatly appreciated by the players and staff.
The tournament result caps off an excellent year for the 1st XI, backing up a 2nd-place finish in the league during the regular season. The focus now turns towards the next challenge, with the returning squad preparing for a promotion playoff at the beginning of 2027 and the opportunity to take another significant step forward as a programme.
Finishing runners-up at Trident, alongside a 2nd-place league finish, reflects an outstanding season and one the players, coaches and wider Rutherford community can be extremely proud of. More importantly, the year demonstrated the character, resilience, togetherness and high standards developing within the group.
Congratulations to the entire squad and staff on a fantastic season, and thank you to everyone who contributed to making 2026 such a memorable year for Rutherford College 1st XI Football.
by Hamish McKay
