Southland Boys’ High School Football

Day 4

The sun has finally set on the 2026 Linwood!

SBHS finished in 6th position as a result of a 3-0 loss to Mt Aspiring in our only game today.

What started off as an even contest soon swung the way of the opposition who were able to string together phase after phase of attacking moments. Conceding a well hit goal from a corner mid way through the first half and a second in the last minute of the first took us to the break at 2-0.

On a day where we couldn’t find the spark to get us into the game, Aspiring scored their 3rd with 10 minutes to go, and locked in a deserved win.

Lots of effort but no luck today, as it definitely looked like we had played a week of football. Aidan Barclay was our player of the match for his endless efforts in the middle of our midfield.

A great squad effort over the week, where small moments had a dramatic impact on a couple of key results over early pool play games. We have been fortunate to be able to gain valuable experience at tournament level football over the four days, and our returning Year 9-12 players in this squad will all be able to build on this in our 2027 season.

With that we acknowledge the efforts of our Year 13 players who played their last game in the royal blue today. Dadly Mulaji, Conrad Goodwill and Angus Manson, our Captain of 2 years, have all worn the shirt with pride over the last few years.

Thank you from all of us!!!

Day 3 Afternoon Game

The southern derby sure lived up to its reputation as the heavyweights of local football battled it out on the Logan Park Turf

A sublime turn and shot at goal from Mercy Ramazani opened the scoring in our favour in the 7th minute. A real heavyweight battle continued until late in the half, when JHC had a strong period of possession and territory.
Despite losing Will Lankow to injury in the dying minutes, we went into the break with a one goal advantage.

JHC started strongly which culminated in a goal from a corner put away at the far post. 1-1. The battle was on!

An excellent display of football from both teams over the next 10 minutes showed the quality of Southland Football’s youth, as each attacking phase was broken down by solid defensive moments. On the 20th minute mark Hugh Dermody broke free into space and slotted yet another goal this week to break the deadlock.

A frenzied 10 minute period, where everything was thrown at us by the impressive JHC attackers, was unsuccessful and we ended up on the positive side of a 2-1 score line.

Much credit to a quality JHC squad who can hold their heads high with a committed performance.

Hugh Dermody picked up another player of the match for breaking the deadlock which led to the SBHS win!!!

It’s all on tomorrow when we take on Mt Aspiring at 11:30am for 5th place! ⚽️

A Southland derby has eventuated in Dunedin!!!

James Hargest v Southland Boys’
Kick off 2:40pm

To decide who plays off for 5th place tomorrow morning.

Day 3 Morning Game

Our last pool game was against Maruawai in a must win clash for the royal blue.
Early dominance finally paid off with Hugh Dermody netting to take us into the break at 1-0.
We knew one goal would not be enough to secure 2nd spot in pool, so we pressed hard and brought on fresh legs to help. The result was a coaches dream, with two goals in 5 minutes from Angus Manson and Matthew Lamont. The game finishing 3-0 and 2nd place locked in!

Hugh, with a further display of energy and dominance, was our player of the game.

We start our challenge for 5th place this afternoon, our opposition yet to be confirmed.

No photos sorry, we were too focussed on the game.

Day Two afternoon game.

1-0 loss to Taieri in the afternoon game.
After being reasonably dominant and controlling big portions of the game , we conceded a 38th min penalty which lost us the game with 2 minutes left.

We could finish second or third in our pool now and need to wait until after our game against Maruawai Wednesday morning to find out our placing for the afternoons game.

Player of the match Mercy Ramazani who locked very dangerous when in possession of the ball.

Day 2 Morning game

Pleased to say that weather conditions were much more pleasant this morning with the sun out and a chilly breeze blowing.

A dominant 2-0 win over Roncalli this morning. Hugh Dermody and Mercy Ramazani nabbed the goals in the first half.

Everyone got some time on the field this morning. Hugh was our player of the match, scoring one and creating numerous other chances, causing havoc for the Roncalli defenders. .

Taieri College this afternoon at 2.05pm

Thanks Sheree for more photos of this mornings game.

0-0 draw.

Played Wakatipu in howling wind rain snow in our only game on the opening day of tournament.

Shortened games as they are playing all games on the artificial turfs, which gives very little time to get into the contest.

Mucky first half with the wind at our backs, we were much stronger in the second with controlled passing and movement.

Had our chances but couldn’t convert.

Arley McLaren got the nod for our player of the game.

Sorry, no photos as we were too busy trying to keep warm!!!

Our squad, full of talent, for next weeks Linwood Tournament in Dunedin.

We had our final warm up game last week with a worthwhile hit-out against James Hargest, and now head north with goals for the week firmly locked in place!!!

The Southland Boys' High School football whānau are saddened to hear of the passing of former 1st XI coach Jacques Vercauteren.

Jacques was widely respected for his wisdom, dedication, and passion for the game. During his time at SBHS in the late 1970s, he made a lasting and positive impact on countless young players.

Following his time at SBHS, Jacques went on to coach at New Zealand Secondary Schools and National League level, where he continued to inspire generations of players through his commitment to discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong love of football.

Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends, former players, and all those whose lives he touched. Rest in peace, Jacques.

All school football players are invited to watch the FIFA World Cup final at SBHS tomorrow morning between Argentina and Spain.

Kick off is at 7:00am and the game will be on the TV in classroom 38U.