Football

All of the home and away games have now been completed and finals time is now here, starting this weekend. The U12s, who don't play finals, have shown great improvement both individually and as a team throughout the year, being able to put many aspects they learnt at trainings into practice during their games. We hope to see many of the boys continue with their football into the future. Our U14 boys have finished 3rd and will play St Mary's Monivae in their first final. If the boys give it their all during their finals, they will have the confidence that they are a chance in every game they play. Better players lately include Zac Cunningham, Jack Sharp, Fergus Roberts and Jacob Mackenzie. Our U16 boys have been able to put forward great performances recently, and have finished second, and have beaten top team St Andrew’s the last 2 times they have met, which will give the boys great confidence. Better players lately include Toby Hawthorne, Seth Fiegert, Richie Johnson and Lachie Holcombe.

Finals games will be played on both ovals at Pedrina Park. It would be great to see a lot of support for the boys.

Also a reminder to players and their families that the College Magpies presentation night will be held at Alexandra House on Sunday the 28th of August. It would be great to see as many of you as possible on this night to celebrate the season.

Sean Barnes

Captain of Football

House Boys' Hockey

Last Thursday, six matches were held between the Houses to decide the fate of the Mackie Inter-House Boys’ Hockey Cup for 2016.

Results were as follows:

Laidlaw 2 (goals: J.Nichols, T.Nelson) def Berry 0

Learmonth 3 (R.Simons, T.Bunge, L.Gunn) def Young 0

Learmonth 1 (L.Barnes) drew with Laidlaw 1 (T.Verco)

Berry 4 (J.Sutherland, W. Allen, L.McMaugh, T.Mahwendepi) def Young 0

Learmonth 2 (J.Walter, L.Gunn) def Berry 1 (D.Mills)

Laidlaw 6 (J.Nichols 2, R.Madan, S.Rowe, L.Holcombe, L.Armstrong) def Young 0

Laidlaw won the trophy on goal difference from Learmonth with Berry third. Each of these Houses provided strong and committed competition for the trophy. Unfortunately, the ranks of Young House members do not include many hockey players but they frustrated Laidlaw for some time in the final, decisive game.

All games were played in good spirit. Many thanks to Miss Waldron and Mr Nelson for umpiring.

Boys' Hockey

College Blue played a closely fought 2-2 draw with the Barbarians team last Saturday. With Barbarians short, Will Manifold offered to swap teams for the day and offered them good run on the wing. Isabella Musson also took the field for the “oldies” and provided speed and a forward target while Taku Mahwendepi filled in also, allowing him to get a close look at Blue’s tactics. For Blue, Jack Green and Ferg Roberts scored the goals and the boys seemed in control at 2-0 early in the second half. They seemed to drop their intensity for a while and their opponents took advantage of this with a couple of smart goals by parent David Merrin. By the end of the game, with scores tied, the Blue boys rediscovered their game and nearly scored the winner at the death. I was impressed by Max Green’s game and Tane Nelson was effective throughout whilst Blue’s elder statesmen, Sami and Jack, provided plenty of run and drive.

College Gold faced a charged up Monivae side and spent the first ten minutes or so on the defensive. Once the boys had recovered their composure, they took control to record a 7-0 victory. At times, they showed some excellent “hockey smarts” with crisp passing and strong off-the-ball running. Dougal Sweeney, Jock Adamson and Dylan Cunningham each scored two goals; Zac Cunningham had started the goal scoring with a fine solo effort on the right wing. With a number of unavoidable absences, the boys played with ten and Charlie Rivett did a sterling job filling in as goalie. Captain Lachie Holcombe and Oli Hoskyns stood out in a fine team effort, with Reagan Simons controlling the game from centre half and setting up numerous forward moves. Taku Mahwendepi played a superb game in defence – the earlier warm up game obviously stood him in good stead!

The Open team faced Demons who were in great form following a fine win the previous week. Goals from Sam Rowe, in on the post, Tom Verco, at a corner, Harry Musson, also on the post, Tom Bunge, who gave great run all night, and David Merrin, with a clever finish, saw us win 5-0. I felt we controlled the game well for most of the evening and, pleasingly, kept our composure when pressured. Josh Nichols stood out in the middle of the field. I thought he was clearly the best on the ground but he was well supported by Nick Lacey, Liam McMaugh and Tom Bunge. Our defence stood up well in another very fine team performance.

Only three rounds to finals and all three teams are well placed!

Mr Neil MacLean

Head of Hockey (Boys’)

Women's Hockey

It was just like Spring had arrived early at Pedrina Park on Sunday. In perfect conditions for hockey the Thundersticks recorded a solid 3-1 victory over Dunkeld. All three goals were scored in the first half but it was a bit concerning that the team didn’t really switch on again after half time.

Abby Hayes played her best game of the season and it was great to welcome Charlotte Boyd-Walsh back after injury. The Russell sisters were dynamite across the half line and Emily Johnston showed just why she made the South Australian State Team. Phoebe Sweeney is really starting to find form and worked tirelessly all day.

Goal Scorers – Hannah Russell, Claudia Roberts, Shayleigh Ingelse.

Miss Kristen Waldron

Head of Hockey (Girls’)

Round 12 College v Blades

In near freezing conditions on Wednesday night, College Scorchers faced off College Blades. Our game was postponed to ensure all performers could attend the Seussical dress rehearsal on Sunday afternoon. Scorchers gladly welcomed back their Captain, Maddy Rowe, from injury and knee surgery. They came out strong, taking control of the play. Isabelle Musson scored the first goal for Scorchers. Blades took advantage of a couple openings in the back line to respond. In the second half, Maddy Rowe displayed grit and determination, scoring 2 goals within a minute of each other. In the closing minutes of the game, Isabelle Musson had to be carried from the field with calf injury. Scorchers are hoping it will not be the end of her season as she is a proven integral player. Scorchers held off to win 3 – 2, signs that they are determined to finish the season on a high. Ruby Cush and Georgie Snodgrass were outstanding players. A big thank you to Tom Bunge and Tom Verco for umpiring the game on such a cold night.

Mrs Ursula Murphy

Hockey Draw

Please refer to College Sporting Fixture

Schoolgirls' Netball

On Monday the 18th of July, the school’s junior, intermediate and senior netball teams travelled to Warrnambool for the Netball Interschool Championships. The junior girls played very promisingly, although tournament nerves got to them in the beginning. They managed to come away with two wins in the following games, sadly losing by a goal in a final hard-fought game.

The Year 9 and 10 team started the day off strongly with a win; however, an injury to Georgia Hodgetts during the day caused some rearranging of positions. They had some tight games, only losing by a small margin before they were able to win their last game, coming away with two wins for the day.

The Year 11 and 12 girls had a tough day playing against some extremely good opposition. Although there were only two other teams in the division they fought hard every game, always putting forward their best. Playing against Monivae was always going to be a challenge and they came out strongly. However, with great movement in goals from Annabel Mould and Grace Burgoyne, as well as steady defence from Sara Kosch and Harriet Fenton, our team were able to challenge them. Although coming away with a loss, they should all be proud of their efforts. In the second game, against Warrnambool College, the competition was once again strong and the girls were unable to keep up with their fast paced style of netball. Despite the tough day, all girls played to the best of their ability and never once put their heads down.

We had magnificent efforts from every team and it was very rewarding to watch some great netball with such a cohesive and willing bunch of girls. The time spent for selection and trainings two days a week had proved worthwhile. Thank you to our coaches, Millie Ager, Rosemary Langley and Mrs Ogle, as well as our umpires Kathy Mibus, Leanne Sherren and Alice Langley, who volunteered their time for the day.

Sophie Delahoy and Millie Ager

Netball Captains

Senior Years and Wellbeing

Great Efficiency Tip