Sport News

The past week has proved a difficult one to navigate after the big wet and this week we have had to deal with a three-day lockdown. Despite having to cancel a number of training sessions, it was great to see everyone out on Saturday getting a game under their belt. It has been a massive effort getting the volume of players catered for in trials as students and staff alike balance their end of term schoolwork demands. Our rugby and football season is always the most eagerly anticipated and it was nice to experience, in a small way, what the atmosphere will be like when our official AIC season kicks off in Term 2. 

Over the next few weeks, boys who are playing in our rugby and football seasons need to maintain a level of fitness that will allow us to hit the ground running when we come back next term. 

Remember rugby and football boys’ there’s always cross-country training to go to if you want to help you reach your fitness goals. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, starting at 6:30am over the holidays.

Unfortunately, due to lockdown, we have had to postpone tonight’s presentation evening for all our Term 1 Firsts sporting teams. 1st AFL, cricket, volleyball and swimming were planning on gathering together with parents at the Queensland Cricketers Club to celebrate their achievements over the season. All going well, we will now celebrate their success and acknowledge their service to the College at the beginning of Term 2. 

Whilst sport is often defined by those who take the field, I would like to acknowledge Lachlan Britcliffe (Year 12), who is out every weekend behind the lens capturing special sporting moments. Lachlan’s dedication to the College is incredible. Tonight’s planned firsts presentation night wouldn’t have had the polish without Lachlan’s work behind the scenes. What Lachlan does to compliment the achievements in the sporting arena can’t be understated. Last Friday, some coaches wanted to analyse the trials, to assist with their selection and help with the development of their teams. At the last minute, Lachlan organised all he could to make this happen. These are just two examples of the Marist charism that Lachlan conveys in all his actions. 

Thankfully, the boys got out and enjoyed their rugby and football matches over the weekend. Let’s all pray that when we return next term, we can hit the ground running, minus our current COVID situation and relish the opportunity to participate in an uninterrupted Term 2 sporting season. 

Cross Country

Last week we saw a disrupted week due to the weather conditions and unfortunately this week we have yet another COVID-interrupted week. A friendly reminder to all squad members that we will be training over the Easter Holidays to ensure we maintain our fitness levels. Our aim is to be as ready as possible so that we can attack the season to the best of our ability. The holiday training schedule and strength program for all XC students can be found on the College app. For students who are unable to attend the holiday sessions, Head Coach Shane Ward has developed a progressive training program for all runners to complete over the coming weeks. This has been emailed to all parents, please get in contact if you have not received this program. 

On Saturday 18 April we will be taking ‘invited students only’ to the Gold Coast Running Festival. These students were selected from last Saturday’s Park Run and recent time trials that were held at the College. I would like to wish all those who were invited the best of luck as they compete in a 5km dash at CBUS Super Stadium. 

Rugby Union

The dry weather came through just when we needed it last week and allowed the boys to get on the field in trials against Padua College. After only one training session for most teams, it was good to see some of the skill level on display for this time of year. Obviously, everyone was still very rusty with the intricacies of rugby union but the eagerness of our boys could not be faulted and 39 MCA teams were able to play footy on the weekend which was fantastic to see!

Thank you very much to the MCA groundsmen who did a superb job under the circumstances and the efforts of the sports department to organise the day. Thank you to all of our rugby coaches, age group coordinators and referees for their efforts in getting our season underway. See below for some team write-ups and results.

What is next?

We still have five weeks until the first official round of AIC commences. In this time, we have a COVID-interrupted week (again) and the school holidays. I urge all boys to do their best to maintain their skills and particularly their fitness over the break. When we return, we only have a four-day week ahead of trials with Sunshine Coast Grammar, St. Laurence’s and Ambrose Treacy. With this in mind, you will need to work hard over the break because we will be back before you know it. The AIC season begins with a huge round of competition against traditional rival SLC with all rugby matches out at Runcorn. A great way to start the season!

Term 2 Training

We will be releasing the Week 1 training schedule for Term 2 later this week on the College APP. Please lookout for this notification to make sure you are aware of what will be happening in Week 1. Next term we will send out the final schedule for Term 2 once teams are finalised after our last trial.

Rugby Union - Around the Grounds