Sports News
Game on: JackJumpers take the court with our SMC crew
Hot on the heels of the Tasmanian JackJumpers’ exciting announcement of their new women’s team, the Jewels, we had some very special visitors at the College today!
JackJumpers players – forwards Archie Woodhill and Jacob Richards, along with community team members, Riley and Niamh, dropped by for a thrilling basketball clinic with our Prep–Year 6 students.
Students jumped at the chance to hit the court and take on the pros in team challenges while learning basketball fundamentals through fun drills and games.
The Nagle Centre was electric as students battled it out in a dance-off and push-up challenge, before proudly receiving a Game Time vest, Jewels sticker and player autographs. What an incredible way to celebrate the game and community spirit!
A huge thank you to the JackJumpers for inspiring our students and sharing the love of basketball.
Junior School Triathlon
This year’s triathlon, held at Bellerive Beach on Friday 28 November, delivered another unforgettable day of competition and spirit. With over 3,000 participants from junior schools around southern Tasmania taking part, Bellerive Beach was buzzing from the first splash to the final sprint.
Despite the chilly water, conditions on the day were otherwise fantastic: clear skies, light winds and a vibrant atmosphere that kept everyone motivated from start to finish.
Both individual competitors and team entrants put on an inspiring display. Solo athletes powered through all three legs with determination, while teams showed impressive coordination and camaraderie as they passed the ‘baton’ from swimmer to cyclist to runner.
Whether pushing personal limits or contributing to a group effort, or both, every participant brought energy and heart to the event.
As always, we were proud to take part, continuing a tradition that grows each year. The enthusiasm was unmistakable – all participants were eager at the start line and visibly proud of their achievements at the finish. A huge congratulations to everyone involved.
We also extend our thanks to the families who encouraged and supported their children to participate and enjoy this wonderful experience.
Here’s to another successful year, and to many more races ahead!
Mrs Fiona Rhodes, Sports Coordinator (Junior School)
First girls-only table tennis coaching clinic a smash hit
Congratulations to Suvaani Rajbhandari, Aurelia Santos, Amelia Santos, Bethany Gyde and Amarni Khan, who – alongside students from Lauderdale Primary School and Emmanuel Christian School – completed the first-ever girls-only Table Tennis Level One Coaching Clinic.
This clinic was delivered by Table Tennis Tasmania with the support of the Tasmanian Government and the Eastside Table Tennis League at The National Fitness Centre in Montagu Bay.
Over eight weeks, accredited coaches Grecia Loayza, Claire Huxtable and Phil Mollineaux taught core table tennis skills, including correct bat hold and stance, effective movement during play, forehand and backhand strokes, serving and scoring. The program concluded with a fun competition between participants.
These students will now have the opportunity to join the Level Two Clinic to further develop their skills. The key aim of this and future clinics is to increase female participation in this exciting sport and promote fitness among girls.
For other interested students, the Level One Clinic will be offered again next year at no cost, with all equipment provided. For further information, please contact Mrs Claire Huxtable (Year 3 Gumnuts Class Teacher).
State High School Basketball Championshps
Congratulations to our Junior Girls (Years 7–8) and Senior Girls (Years 9–10) Basketball teams for their outstanding performance at Basketball Tasmania’s High School State Championships, held on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November.
St Mary's College Year 7/8
The girls had a fantastic weekend at the State Championships in Launceston, starting strong with a win against The Friends’ School in their first game on the Saturday. Unfortunately, St Patrick’s College proved too strong in the afternoon.
The following day, the team faced Deloraine and secured a victory, which set them up for a preliminary final against Marist Regional College.
After a hard-fought match, SMC defeated Marist in what was arguably their best game of the tournament. However, playing three games in one day took its toll, and the girls narrowly missed out on the grand final, falling to St Patrick’s College.
The players were outstanding throughout, showing exceptional sportsmanship. They are a credit to their families and school for raising such wonderful young athletes.
A special shout-out to Milla Ransley (Year 8), who was named top-scorer for the 7/8 tournament with an impressive 103 points!
Coach: Simon Ransley
Players: Sienna Bent, Mackayla Cornish, Sophie Cunliffe, Ella Hanlon, Claudia Horne, Milla Ransley, Bethany Scharvi , Ella Sharpen, Mills Watson.
St Mary's College Year 9/10
Well done to the Year 9/10 Division 1 Girls on an outstanding weekend at the State High School Championships! After going undefeated in the Southern Regional Tournament, the girls progressed to the State Championships in Launceston. They played with incredible spirit, leadership and teamwork throughout the competition.
While the grand final didn’t go our way – losing by just six points – the girls walked away with their heads held high, having given 100 per cent effort in every contest and representing their school and the game with pride. It was a privilege to watch them play.
State High School Championship Results
- St Mary’s defeated Sacred Heart 53–8
- St Mary’s defeated SBSC 75–32
- St Mary’s lost to MRC 43–50
- St Mary’s defeated LCG 56–32
- Grand Final: St Mary’s lost to MRC 34–40
A huge thank you to all parents for transporting the girls to training and games, taking time out each weekend to support them, and helping with bench duty and cheering from the sidelines.
A special thank you to Team Manager, Heidi Mumme, for all her support organising the team.
Coach: Clyton Scharvi
Players: Remi Bester, Riley Causby, Ella Geard, Leila Geard, Heidi Hancock, Mackenzie Mumme, Harriet Nattey, Paige Nowland, Georgia Scharvi, Zoe Walkley.
Ms Mia Blignaut, Sports Coordinator (Senior School)
SMC Green triumphs in Year 7 Girls Southern SATIS Tennis grand final
Our SMC Green team claimed victory in the Year 7 Girls Southern SATIS Grand Final yesterday. Here are a few words from team manager, Karen Sutherland:
The Year 7 girls, Vivian Harris, Sophie Sutherland and Evie Woolley, played exceptionally well against Collegiate in a nail-biting contest.
After four matches, the scores were locked at two matches each and 11 games apiece!
In the final two matches, our girls held their nerve, winning 4–0 and 4–3 to secure the overall win.
They played so well and showed a lot of improvement throughout the roster.
Congratulations to these star students!
A grand effort from our touch football teams
The St Mary's College Year 7/8 Blue Touch Footy team made it all the way to the Grand Final, played on Monday 1 December. The girls had an incredible season, losing only one game along the way, which is a huge achievement!
While they didn’t take home the gold this time, they embraced the rain and gave MacKillop Catholic College “the best competition they’ve had". Final score: 7–2.
We hope the girls enjoyed a fun term and are excited for another go next time the opportunity comes around.
It’s been an absolute pleasure coaching them, and we couldn’t be prouder of their effort, attitude and teamwork.
Kalli and Scott Webb (Coaches)
