The Chronicle caught up with Mitchell Swan who, at year 11, plays for Hamilton Boys High 1st XV. Last weekend in Palmerston North they won the national final against Napier Boys High to secure the title of “The National 1st XV Champions 2022.”
Congratulations Mitch. Such a great result for you all and a great way to finish the season. How were you and the team feeling prior to this big final?
A bit nervous but we knew that we could get the job done
How did the game play out ?
Napier scored the first try with the conversion early on in the game, we retaliate 10 minute before half, but we missed the kick. Napier then kick off and with a bad pass in our 22, Napier were on attack scoring 5 minutes before half time. Luckily they missed their kick making the half time score 12 to 5. Napier extended their lead to 15 with a penalty shot at goal with 10 minutes to go. We scored a clutch try to close the gap making it 12 to 15. Phase after phase of attack, then we’d knock the ball on. On our 40 meter line they’d spine it wide and our line defense was good – putting pressure on them until they fumbled the ball – we scooped it up and we got tackled 5 meters short but we keep it in the forwards drawing there defenders in, we then spun it wide to score on full time making the final score 17-15 to us.
How long have you been playing for the 1st XV?
This is my first year
It must be a serious commitment. What training is involved ?
Pre-season fitness training started for 50 teammates in December last year, we continued 3×1.30 hours per week till the end of term 1, then 32 were selected for the 1st XV.
During the season training was 8 times a week
3 mornings, 6-7.30am which involved the gym, shuttles and weights
4 afternoons 3.30-5.00pm we trained against the 2nd XV, we had skills sessions and team runs where we practiced set moves and calls.
Friday it’s a Captain run at lunchtime.
Saturday, game day.
Sunday was a recovery day which was a run/bike/swim.
We had rugby homework. I’d watch our previous week’s game and next week’s opposition on you-tube and then I’d write in my rugby diary my thoughts on how we can improve and how I played and strengths /weaknesses of the next team we’d play.
What have been some of the highlights of the season?
Scoring my first try against Gisborne Boys High in the Super 8 competition.
Beating St Johns in the first round of the Chiefs Cup then winning the Chiefs Cup.
Winning the 1st XV National Competition.
So a couple more years for you in the top squad. What do you hope to achieve moving forward?
I am in the Waikato U16 squad, we have a competition in October.
Continue to develop my game as a halfback in year 12.
Making the Chiefs under 18 year in 13.
