From the Head of Sport

Head of Sport Report

It has been disappointing over the past two weekends that we have had a number of cancellations due to wet weather. All students are encouraged to spend some extra time training to ensure that they are ready to play when the sun comes out. 

Last weekend saw the first round of the ISA competition. I have received a lot of positive feedback regarding the positive attitudes of our players and their effort on the court. Well done to everyone for a great start to the season. 

Just a reminder that all students should only be wearing Blue Mountains Grammar gear at both home and away games. Please remember that you are representing your school. 

Congratulations 

Each fortnight I would like to acknowledge sporting achievements both inside and outside school. Please email me if you are doing something great in sport so we can celebrate your achievements. 

Netball 

Olivia Harris had a very successful week in Frankston Victoria from the April 8-14th at the 2024 National Netball Championships. She represented NSW in the U19s State Team that went undefeated winning all 9 games (including semi’s and grand-final) throughout the week. A phenomenal effort by an outstanding team. Congratulations to Olivia for helping bring home gold for her team. 

Athletics 

Congratulations to Alton Freeman and Keeden Harrison who competed at the National Athletics Championships last holidays coming in 8th and 11th places respectively in the 2000m Steeplechase. Well done to both boys. 

Basketball 

Congratulations to Eric Downes for his recent basketball achievements. After competing at the Australian U18 championships on the Gold Coast he returned to play with the Lithgow Lazers who last weekend won the U18 Country representative championships. Eric was also named highest point scorer for this competition. Congratulations Eric on your recent basketball achievements.

ISA Cross Country Carnival 

The ISA Cross Country carnival will be held on Wednesday 29th May. Names are on the sports noticeboard and notes have been sent out. Please RSVP as soon as possible so that we can finalise entries. 

The bus will only pick up at Glenbrook on the way down the mountains as the bus leaves school at 8:30 am. On the return trip the bus will stop at Glenbrook, Springwood, Lawson and BMGS. 

All those attending the ISA carnival are required to wear a BMGS singlet. If you do not have a BMGS singlet you will need to hire one from the uniform shop next week. Please do not forget. 

Athletics Carnival 

The BMGS Athletics carnival will be held on the 7th June at Pitt Park. All students are expected to attend this carnival. Please ensure you have your house polo and BMGS shorts to compete. 

Parent volunteers are welcome. You can email me to express your interest. 

Rotary will be running a BBQ on the day so please support them. 

Mrs Megan Harris

Head of Sport

Junior Hockey Report

On Saturday the 4th of May, our junior hockey team arrived at our school bus stop at the early hour of 6:00am. As it was our first game, excitement was running high and all of our girls were ready for the game. We arrived at Barker for an 8:00am game. 

After winning the stick toss, it was an even game until Barker scored the first point. When Barker scored for a second time, it wasn’t long until we scored our first point. Eadie Macarthur scored this point. Barker scored twice more, despite our amazing first-time goalie Grace Wesley who was able to stop many of their other attempted shots. With a strong, precise pass from Hester Kinnear, Eadie Macarthur was able to score again. This was a great assist by Hester. In defence, Chloe Stenberg led by example. As centre forward, Hester Kinnear was fantastic all throughout the game. As two of our new players, Rosie and Izzy played really well, making good passes to players in the correct position. Goalie Grace Wesley saved numerous goals, assisted by her team in defence. Despite our strong efforts as a team, Barker won the game 5:2. As we reflect on the game, we have learnt we need to work on our defensive coordination. Overall this game was an excellent learning experience for all of our first time players.

By Eadie Macarthur (Co-Captain)

Netball

BMGS Firsts

As our first game playing in Division 1 after winning the Grand-final last year, we found ourselves up against a seasoned Barker team. We studied our opponents, we trialled positional combinations, and nailed being really competitive. 

The first half of the game saw us familiarise ourselves with what works for phase 1&2 in the attacking end, what defensive positional tactics work best, and used our drives to retain possession. 

The second half saw us utilise a new rule in 2024 of "rolling substitutions" which worked seamlessly, we kept working hard and digging deep providing multiple options bringing the ball down to our shooting circle and maintained high shooting accuracy.

We are lucky to have so many talented players who are incredibly versatile in this team. Every single person made a positive impact on the court and really rallied together to have a great game. Everyone gave it their all.

This week we came second to Barker. We learned a huge deal, played incredibly well, and showed great sportsmanship on and off the court. Barker named Jessica Harris their player of the match - big congratulations! We also sang to our captain Alana to wish her a very Happy Birthday...Looking forward to next week's game on our home turf.

Coach: Mel Perisce

BMGS Opens

The BMGS Opens team started the season with very tough opponents in Barker College 6. This BMGS team, playing together for the first time, were very successful in their down court defence and achieved lots of good contest to the ball, tips and turnovers. Our defensive circle had a good workout and applied their skills very well, making the Barker shooters work hard for every goal. Indigo Herron and Libby Thomson deserve recognition for their great work in this part of the court! 

In the second quarter, Barker only won by 4 goals to 3, which is a testament to the hard defensive work this team put in. This effort resulted in Barker making changes to their attacking end for the third quarter; a strong reflection on this team’s downcourt and goal circle defence. Attacking players demonstrated some good drives and connections, showing what is possible for the season ahead!

Coach: Lauren Knussen

BMGS Inter As:

The Inter A team had a great start to the season taking the win over SACS, 35-22. The game started slowly with the teams very close at quarter time. With a few positional changes at the end of the first quarter, the team was able to break away and take a strong lead. Defensively we made a lot of intercepts and the quick turnovers saw us able to get the ball down the court quickly with all players showing strong passing skills. Well done to all the girls on their positive attitude, great team work and good sportsmanship.

Stand in coach: Megan Harris​

BMGS Inter B's

In our first away game of the season, our Inter Bs went up against Barker in a challenging but lively game. For their first game of the season, the girls played with excellent spirit. In particular, Gabby McGhee, Daisy Galway, Freya Sheen and Rose Burgess came out swinging in the midcourt. Amelie Emmerson and Annabella Navarro played well in shooting positions, while Marnie Rogers and Sasha Kelly both made some excellent intercepts in defensive positions. Although victory may have eluded the girls this time, they played a strong game.

Coach: Mrs Crespis

BMGS Juniors

On Saturday the Junior Girls Netball team played their first game of the season against Central Coast Grammar. Although we had a significant loss, 34-1 the girls are to be commended on their efforts, they all tried extremely hard and improved in each quarter with the final quarter being our best where the girls were able to move the ball down the court a lot faster and gel better as a team. For a team who have never played together, with some that have never played netball before & with only one training session they should all be proud of themselves. I’m sure as the season progresses the team will improve immensely.

Stand in Coach: Raelene Lord

Match Report - Hockey 1st Verse CCGS

The much-anticipated first game of the season saw BMGS face off against a formidable opponent, CCGS, on their home turf. Despite a valiant effort from BMGS, they ultimately succumbed to a 4-0 defeat.

From the opening whistle, both teams exhibited exceptional skill and determination. BMGS displayed excellent teamwork, maintaining strong defensive organization, however, CCGS proved to be a formidable adversary, capitalizing on any loose ball with clinical finishing. CCGS seized their opportunities with efficiency, scoring two goals to take the lead going into halftime.

In the second half, BMGS continued to press forward in search of a breakthrough, pouring their hearts into every play. Despite their best efforts, CCGS extended their lead with two more well-executed goals, securing the victory. Special mention should go to Eliza Umbers who stepped up for the team this week into Goal Keeper, and deflected many a goal.

Despite the final scoreline, BMGS can hold their heads high knowing they gave it their all on the pitch. The match served as a valuable learning experience, highlighting areas for improvement and providing motivation for the challenges ahead.

Rachel Hyslop

MIC Hockey