SPORT NEWS
YEAR 7 BOYS STATE TABLE TENNIS
The Year 7 quartet consisting of Ren Nagayama (7H), Konstantinos Dimitrakopoulos (7B), Oliver Leung (7H) and Nayuta Tsuchiya (7C) were primed and ready to go in the Table Tennis State Finals at MSAC. All four students had spent countless lunch times honing their craft and were frothing for the competition.
Whilst the field of schools was strong, McKinnon steamrolled the opposition all the way through the group and semi-finals stage with only Balwyn High standing between them and becoming state champions. The final score finished 6-0 rubbers in McKinnon's favour; despite this seemingly lopsided result, the singles matches were intensely fought. A special note needs to be made of Nayuta Tsuchiya and Oliver Leung's performances in the final. Oliver was extraordinary in his defense and outlasted his opponent in many long rallies. Nayuta showed tremendous heart to come back to win his rubber despite being down 2 games to nil.
In McKinnon's history, we have never won State Finals in Year 7 so to do so is an incredible achievement. As their coach, I also want to emphasize how respectful and sportsmanlike they were in their conduct with the opposition. McKinnon Secondary is extremely lucky to have such upstanding athletes representing the school. Special mentions to Dr Law and Jasper Wong (10P) for running training sessions after school for the Year 7s in the lead up to the competition.
Boris Chan
Coach
BACK-TO-BACK BRILLIANCE: YEAR 7 CRICKET SECURES CONSECUTIVE STATE TITLES
In a thrilling Year 7 Cricket season, the McKinnon Boys displayed exceptional prowess on their path to the State Final. Their first 20/20 encounter against Trinity was a nail-biter, culminating in a commendable total of 130 runs. The bowling attack, marked by the skills of Leith, Archie, Ajay, and Gabe, secured a victory with just 4 runs to spare.
Advancing to the Grand Final against Viewbank, McKinnon faced a formidable challenge after losing the toss. Undeterred, the boys showcased a remarkable bowling performance, spearheaded by Leith, Archie, Ajay, and Gabe, restricting Viewbank to 102 runs. The top-order batsmen, led by Leith, Finn, and others, rose to the occasion, securing victory with 5 overs to spare.
A heartfelt congratulations to all thirteen team members, each contributing significantly to the success. Special recognition goes to Mark Serebro for his valuable assistance on the crucial day. The team showcased not only individual skill but also exceptional teamwork, securing their well-deserved status as premiers.
Team:
Ajay Mehta (7H) (C), Finn Rowe Hansen (7R) (VC), Satyam Yadav (7R), Leith Salwathura (7M), David Serebro (7E), Kynan Koolstra (7O), Gabe Williams (7A), Archie Heath (7B), Arav Agarwal (7I), Thomas Varelas (7C), Jaden Leshetz (7C), Saumya Singh (7M) and Dishan Shanmuganathan (7H)
Mr Ben Reid
Coach
YEAR 8 CRICKET SMR FINAL
The Year 8 Cricket team continued their state title defence over the previous two weeks, starting with the quarter final against the Sale Catholic College at Yarragon.
We were presented with damp and slippery conditions and after unluckily losing the toss, we were fielding with the greasy ball. Sale got off to a fast start but after some clever run outs and ground fielding, we managed to restrict them to 105 off their 18 overs.
In reply we were keeping up the run rate early but with a couple of key wickets, the game was on a knife’s edge. Enter Archer Hankin (8M) who played a magnificent innings to steer us home with 55 not out.
That win presented McKinnon with the opportunity of making the state final day for the second year in a row. We drew Maribyrnong College in the semifinal. Batting first, our innings never reached the heights that we hoped due to a consistent stream of wickets as we were about to get on top. We managed a competitive total of 6/131 off our 20 overs with Archer Hankin again the pick of our batters with 49. Captain Tanish Singh (8M) also batted very well at the top of the innings with 40.
Maribyrnong were cruising at 1/44 in the 6th over in reply but a great spell of bowling by Akshaj Gupta (8B) 3/1 off 3 overs and Ayan Arya (8O) 3/19 turned the game in our favour and they never really threatened, finishing with 79.
The final was played in the afternoon against the very strong sports academy school in Rowville. Batting first, Rowville managed to hit the very impressive total of 5/156 off their 20 overs. Adam Arbaitman (8P) threatened to turn the game in the middle of the innings with two quick wickets (2/22) but we were unable to capitalise on this momentum and they batted very well.
We managed the fast start we needed with Tanish Singh taking 11 off the first over but from there we were unable to get any momentum and never really looked like chasing down the big total, finishing 7/85. Ayan Arya top scored with 18 but we were beaten by the better side on the day in all facets of the game.
After 19 wins in a row from the beginning of Year 7, it has been a great run for this team and they should be congratulated on their success and sportsmanship in their junior years, finishing with a state title in Year 7 and state runners up in Year 8.
Greg Hoskin
Coach
VOLLEYBALL NEWS
VOLLEYBALL VICTORIA JUNIOR OPEN MONDAY 27 NOVEMBER- FRI 1 DECEMBER
McKinnon entered ten teams into the weeklong volleyball tournament.
Congratulations to the gold medallists:
- Year 11 Girls and
- Year 10 Boys
Well done on receiving the silver medal, Year 7 Div 1 Boys team! It was amazing to see every player enjoy themselves, improve and contribute to the team spirit. Thanks again to the tireless efforts of our coaches throughout the week.
AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS SUNDAY 3- SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER
Best of Luck to our two teams (Year 9 Girls Honours and Year 8 Boys Honours) competing at the Australian School Volleyball Championships this week at the Gold Coast. We hope it's a wonderful week with lots of success.
Thanks to our staff Sandy Hope, Ellie Adler and Marro Karro, our past students Tayla and Zoe Fischer, and parents within our community who have assisted the trip. We hope to come home with lots of great stories and memories.
Sandy Hope
Volleyball Co-ordinator