What a terrific finale to our Term 1 season, with all teams from the senior school having a win and showing their improvement and enthusiasm for the game. Ahead of the write ups from the Captains, I would like to thank all the players for their efforts to play fairly, with energy and for responding to both the coaches and the umpires positively. The girls have had fun, encouraged their team-mates, and had a laugh, which is the whole point.

It is always quite an effort to co-ordinate all the teams and players, and the coaches have done a great job in making sure that they had a team each week, especially with the dinner dance and Hampden League starting, that have interrupted the usual flow. Thank you very much to the other students who have stepped up and filled in – some of our girls played two games in a row helping the other teams, which is a huge effort and so greatly appreciated!

I would really like to mention a few key volunteers who are always willing to put their hand up and help without question. Whenever I ask for anything, these people answer with “whatever you need,” making my role so much easier! To Lisa Spence, Elly Dixon, Sharnah Malseed, Suse McClure, Susie Holcombe, Stacey Balkin, Sarah Alderman, and Scott Ogle – thank you for all you do! And to the students who have also put their hand up to play as well as help – Neve McClure, Sarah Richardson, Sophie Spence and Georgia Baker-Miller – well done, and thank you. It is very important to give back to the sport that you love, and you have contributed a great deal of your time and effort to this season.

Sadly, this Saturday was effectively the last time we will see our Year 12s playing in the HNA competition. To Hayley and Tessa – I really appreciated the leadership and great sportsmanship that you have shown the younger players this season. It has been terrific to see you as the two key players at either end of the court, encouraging your team-mates on at every turn. You have given every effort to play well and to contribute positively, which is so commendable. Hayley also should be praised for her follow up as captain for many of the reports that have appeared in the newsletter. To Georgia and Grace, who I have had the pleasure of coaching for a number of seasons now – thank you! You have always given your all and allowed others to grow around you with your encouragement and willingness to bring them into the game.

A couple of highlights for me this season have been when Grace effectively coached (on-court) an opposing player about where to run and to get the ball when the other player was obviously just learning the game and was trying hard to be involved. Her sportsmanship and recognition that the game is about more than always winning was fabulous. Georgia is a hugely talented player, and it fantastic to see her anticipation and ability to read the play, as well as landing fabulous goals. From excellent ball skills to great intercepts, Georgia - your team-mates are all worried about facing next season without your prowess on the court!

Next term will be busy – tryouts for the representative teams will be held early in Term 2. Participation in these teams is selection based and requires players to be fully committed to training and games. If there are parents who are available for umpiring (badged) or managing (competition is always during the daytime) or who would like to chat to me about coaching positions, please make contact. We aim to push the players to improve at every turn, and it is great to see them playing at higher levels.

Jody Ogle

Head of Netball

Last Saturday all College netball teams played their last game for the Term One season.

College Vixens played Baimbridge Bandicoots, starting the game strongly with players trying to get a lead on the opposition early. Despite losing momentum in the second quarter of the game, the girls managed to work hard and settle into a good rhythm. There was great movement down the court especially and passes were strong. Strong intercepts in the defensive half helped the team pull away on the scoreboard. There was great shooting by the goalers as well, and the final game really demonstrated how, over the term, the girls have joined together as a team. At the end of the match the girls managed to come away with a great win - 43-18.

College Magpies played Monivae Green for their final match. The girls had a great game with excellent shooting and a very strong mid-court throughout the whole game. Defensively, there were plenty of deflections and intercepts, which assisted the extension of a lead. They started off 9-7 but throughout the rest of the game managed to pull ahead further. Monivae put up a great fight with both teams being very competitive for the ball. With all their hard work and great teamwork, the Magpies managed to come away with the win and the final score being 36-24. The team were proud that they were undefeated for the season.

College Swifts had their final game against Baimbridge Red. The girls showed great effort going for every ball, and all players moved around the court and found space for clear passes from teammates. They were quite strong in attack as well. The girls really showed off how much they have developed this season and it was reflected with the final score of 31-23. This was a fantastic win to round out the season.

Thank you to all the girls who participated in netball this term and thank you to all the managers, helpers and the girls who filled in when needed. A special thanks also to Mrs Ogle, Miss Dixon and Sarah Richardson for coaching the teams and making the competition a lot of fun while improving our skills and fitness. Just a reminder to all netballers that School Girls netball tryouts are coming up early next term - see Mrs Ogle for more information.

Hayley Spence

Netball Co-Captain

Rowing

The Hamilton and Alexandra College rowing season concluded with a lovely dinner where we were able to recognise the hard work and highlights of the season. The rowers and coaches attended eight regattas in 2023 and four in 2022. Our rowers achieved much success and were well known as a ‘little club that punched well above its weight.’

Special congratulations go to Josh Frichot and Paul Mould for their commitment and expertise and many thanks to all of the parent helpers. In the words of our Rowing Captains, Will Merrin and Amy Innes, ‘we may not have always come home with a whole heap of medals, but we showed great skill and sportsmanship and we had a great time together as a team.” Rowing is an exceptional sport that allows students to learn skills both on and off the water. The cardio fitness and physical strength of our rowers is evident but so too is the camaraderie and care they show their fellow teammates.

Rowing at College is undergoing a restructure and will relaunch in Term 4 2023. It is an exciting time to strengthen our vision and approach to the sport and we welcome feedback from students and families.

Josh Frichot (coach)

Dates to Remember