MBC Falcons prepare for 2021 take-off

A reassuring depth of talent, potential aplenty and a strong team ethic sees the 2021 Marlborough Boys’ College First XV head into their Miles Toyota Championship opener in a positive frame of mind.

The Falcons kick off their season on Saturday, May 8, against Mid Canterbury combined in Ashburton. MBC head coach Matt MacDougall said that, while the squad’s goals and aspirations were “realistic” they were aiming high, suggesting, “I think we will surprise a few teams this year, that’s for sure”.

MBC trained with an extended squad of 53 players for 10 weeks, then staged an internal trial match in Picton before naming their final squad of 28. They have had two pre-season games, travelling to Wellington to take on the imposing St Pats Town side, then heading south to Kaikoura on Thursday to meet St Thomas, a fellow championship contender, a match they won 35-19.

The departure of several key MBC forwards has made for some changes up front this year.

Experienced forwards such as William MacKenzie, a livewire loosie who will lead the side this year, the hard-working Toby McLeod, Ben Dalton, Ned Boyce, Sam Neal and Kyle Cooke have experience in the hard-edged UC competition while the pack has been boosted by two interesting newcomers.

Tongan No 8 Penisimini Fihaki, having previously played in the Rotorua region, has relocated to Marlborough and offers both size and power.

Front rower Josh Whittall has come into the side in just his first year of playing rugby. The former football and volleyball player has showed plenty of promise and has not taken a backwards step in pre-season games.

The backline has suffered fewer defections from the previous campaign. Jack Kelly, Bray Taumoefolau and Jimmy Morris will battle for the halfback jersey while Hugh Robinson and Kyren Taumoefolau will cover first five and fullback. The midfield combination of Jake Pacey and Cooper Roberts showed plenty of potential last year and will be hoping to take their combination to a new level in 2021.

Matt says it is the first time since he has been associated with the team that there is competition for all positions.

“There’s just a really good vibe about [the whole squad] … and it bodes well for the future.”

Matt is happy with the draw, which sees MBC host home games against Christchurch Boys’ High School (May 15), Shirley Boys’ High School (May 25), Rangiora High School (June 19), St Andrew’s College (July 3), Waimea Combined (July 10), Timaru Boys’ High School (July 24).

“We have a better run this year,” Matt said. “In 2020 we had a lot of the so-called tougher games up front, early and away from home. But there is a much better mix this year.”

A meaningful 2^nd XV campaign has also been organised, the side due to play at least seven matches.

This year MBC have secured the services of Mako hooker Quentin MacDonald as RDO, the vastly experienced campaigner and former MBC player helping throughout all the grades.

Of note is the fact that 19 of the 2021 First XV squad are eligible to return next season, ensuring a core of experience will remain for future campaigns.

MBC First XV squad 2021: Forwards - Kyle Cooke, Sione Papani, Josh Whittall, Jack Fisher-McKinney, Ben Dalton, Kobe MacDougall, Sam Neal, Ned Boyce, Watson Tahavalu, Jack Burdon, William MacKenzie (captain), Josh Hammond, Toby McLeod (vice captain), Blake Love, Penisimini Fihaki, Billy Sloan.  Backs – Jack Kelly, Jimmy Morris, Bray Taempefolau, Hugh Robinson, Kyren Taemoefolau (vice captain), Jake Pacey, Cooper Roberts, Senetenari Ponesi, Cohen Stewart, Caleb Leota, Nikau Peipi, Charles Tupoutoa, Tom Leonard.

Management: Matt MacDougall, Tonga Taumoefolau, Hamish McKerrow, Ben Filipo. Paul Beckett (strength and conditioning). Manager: Todd Nicholas.