Sports Update 

EASTERN METRO SPIKEBALL CHALLENGE 

On Monday the 13th of November 37 students travelled to Balwyn High for the first ever Eastern Metro Spikeball Gala Day. There were 16 sets, 3 schools, 2 marquees and a set of speakers playing music throughout the entirety of the day. 

Vermont entered 9 teams into the beginner/intermediate division and one team in the advanced division. The day began with a workshop run by James from Spikeball Australia who demonstrated the different ways that Spikeball could be played to cater for ability and experience. 

After the workshop the round robin competition began between many teams from Vermont, Kew and Balwyn. Games were self-umpired by students, demonstrating their sportsmanship and integrity. 

Below is a report from Noah C who competed in the advanced league in a team with Ali C and Will S from year 9. 

‘We played a series of matches in the advanced league, and we hadn’t lost a set until the semi-finals when we lost 1 set against Kew. We didn’t lose any games fortunately, so we were undefeated. At the end the day we won the grand final against a different Kew team. Overall, the day at spike ball was very entertaining and I would recommend that people should sign up as it was a fun filled day. Even if you don’t want to play in a competition or anything it is a great sport to play at home with your family.’ 

Vermont had a fantastic day placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the beginner/intermediate division and placing 1st in the advanced division. We look forward to entering more Spikeball competitions next year as the sport continues to grow Australia wide. 

 EMR FINALS 

Intermediate Girls Hockey 

It was with high hopes that the Intermediate Girls hockey team arrived at the Hawthorn Malvern Hockey Centre. The first surprise for the day was the change to the fixture that put us in the same group as Balwyn. We had hoped to win our group and then meet Balwyn in the playoffs. We were scouting Balwyn and Brentwood in the first match of the day, and when they drew nil all, we thought we were in for a chance.  

Our first game was against Brentwood, whose team was built around one VERY good player. I mean, she was even wearing hockey gloves. We started well, passing the ball around and using our wings. Despite repeat entries into the circle, we were unable to find the back. We were also putting good pressure on their star, forcing her to pass the ball off, from which we could create a turn-over. But just before half time, disaster struck. Said star player gathered the ball in their defensive end, jinked their way up the field, then struck a REVERSE stick shot that just found the top corner of the goals. Knowing we had to score at least one goal to progress, we tried hard to create more passing opportunities inside the attacking circle to get around their defence, but it wasn’t to be. 

Having lost our first game, we were unable to progress to the play-off match, but we were determined to deny Balwyn. Unfortunately some of our girls dropped their heads and we lost our shape when bringing the ball forward. Balwyn started to play an extra player forward to create a mismatch, and eventually were able to score on a quick counter attack. Ultimately Balwyn prevailed and made it though to the play-off game (after winning a penalty shoot-out against Brentwood.) A couple of shout outs are warranted. Grace in goals was phenomenal all day, keeping us alive on countless occasions. Similarly Andrea’s defensive work caused plenty of turn-overs and set us up well in attack. The team overall should be proud of the way they battled all day, and can take solace in that we were mostly Year 9s playing mostly Year 10s. This will bode well for us next year. 

Year 8 Girls Hockey 

After winning the division competition, on the 11th of October the year 8 Girls went to Hawthorn Hockey Ground to take on the EMR Finals. Their teamwork was outstanding, with many near goals as a result of strong passes between all members of the team. All students have made tremendous improvements since last year, and have made strong connections to the umpiring teams who have helped the team come up with set plays and new strategies along the way. Special thanks to Elodie for coaching! 

Year 7 Girls Hockey 

The Year 7 Girls team showed tremendous resilience on their day of competition against the other schools. Team Captain Hadassah got the scoring underway in Game 1 with an opening half goal, unfortunately this was answered with an opposing goal and the first game was finished in a tie.  

All throughout the day students were picking each other up and supporting the team, I am proud to report we were the most positive and loud group on the day. 

Balwyn High took the final game of the day, but Vermont walked away with some great experience for next year! I strongly encourage all members of the 2023 Year 7 group to sign up next year for the year 8 group. A big thank you to all team members for attending training sessions and giving 110%. Additional thanks to Mr Smyth for taking the place of Ms Muirden on the day ! 

Year 7 Girls Cricket  

On the Tuesday 31st of October the year 7 girls cricket team went to Macleay Park to play regionals after winning division. The girls played well making many runs in the first match and getting many wickets. The second game we played we batted well and bowled brilliantly, getting a wicket on the first ball of our bowling innings, this secured our spot in the final. We came runners up in the final to a strong Balwyn team who bowled brilliantly. All the girls tried their best on and off the field with some helping with the scoring and other jobs. This was a great effort from everyone, and we were so proud to make the final. 

By Zoe G, Yr7