Cricket Academy Update

Match Report

Recently, our Junior Cricket Academy took on Geelong High School in a live practice match held onsite at Lara Secondary College. The game took place on Thursday 5th March during Session 3-4, which allowed for a shortened T20 style format. Here, Captain Avaniish K (9B) won the toss and elected to bat first under sun-filled, blue-sky conditions. Jaskirat S (9E) immediately took to the bowling with positive intent, crashing the second ball of the innings to the boundary, and followed up with a number of powerful strikes on his way to 21 from 13 balls. Avaniish continued the early assault with a ‘six’ from his first ball, which kick-started a quick-fire 25 retired from just a dozen balls. At the other end, Bailey P (9D) remained calm and composed - keeping out the good balls with a straight bat and nudging a few singles to rotate the strike. After such a strong start, unfortunately a middle order collapse (3/64 to 7/78) saw the run rate stall, however a steady hand from Jed W (8A) who compiled 15no from 21 balls, including a boundary from the final ball of the innings, had the lunchtime crowd cheering as we pushed the score up to 7/100 (17 overs) following our allotted batting time.

Geelong HS commenced the chase with caution as our opening bowlers maintained an accurate line and length, conceding just five runs from the first three overs, including an early wicket for Oscar C (8A) courtesy of some impressive leg-spin bowling. Harvey B (7E), Xavier C (9D) and Jed also collected a wicket, however some wayward bowling toward the back end of the innings, resulting in 28 extras, proved costly as Geelong HS reached the target with two overs to spare.

Congratulations to all students who participated in this experience. Indeed, there were some exceptional examples of teamwork, commitment and respect displayed throughout the afternoon and the match was played in terrific high spirits. Finally, many thanks to Geelong HS, and in particular, Mr Batters, for getting a team together (at short notice) and making the trip across town to Lara. We’re already looking forward to a rematch later in the year!

Upcoming Field Trip

Date: Monday 16th March

Location: CitiPower Centre / Junction Oval

Both our Senior and Junior Cricket Academies have been invited to visit CitiPower Centre to observe a high-performance elite training facility, and engage with a guest speaker from Cricket Victoria. This experience coincides with a Sheffield Shield fixture (Victoria v South Australia) held onsite at Junction Oval. Students must report to staff at Lara Station by 8:15AM on the morning this excursion, and will be dismissed (from the station) at approximately 3:15PM upon our return. A short period of time will be scheduled to purchase lunch, within clear and explicit boundaries, however students are encouraged to bring a packed lunch, snacks and water bottle. Group Travel Authority, which allows for FREE travel on public transport, has been acquired for this excursion. All other activity costs associated with this experience are covered by the Cricket Academy levy.

Senior Practice Match

Date: Monday 23rd March (S2-3)

Location: Lara SC Oval

Opposition: St Francis Catholic College

Brent Hodges & Ty Norman

Cricket Academy

Boys Rugby Update

In today’s LARA update, we’re excited to touch base on a massive new initiative in the LARA community! This program is all about mentorship and giving back, as our Senior Boys 1st XV, the Mana Shield Defending Champions, have been dedicating their time to support the younger age group players. Their goal is not just to help them improve on the field, but also to guide them in life skills, teamwork, and discipline, because as they say, “Rugby is a game and a way of life, but you have to win off the field before you win on it.” This commitment shows how much the senior players care about the future of the team, the school, and the wider LARA community.

The senior boys have been closely working with the younger players, running training sessions, fitness drills, and team-building activities. They’ve noticed that while the younger group is in excellent form, they still need to gel as a team—but with continued effort and guidance, the seniors are confident this team will be something truly special. From high-intensity fitness runs to mastering technical skills, the younger players have shown incredible determination, never giving up and always pushing themselves to do more. The seniors are inspired by their dedication and are proud to be helping shape the next generation of LARA players.

A comment from the senior boys captures their excitement: “The younger boys are in really good form. They need to gel together a bit more, but man, this team is going to be special this year. Who knows—maybe they’ll bring home a shield of their own! From the way they’ve been training to their effort in fitness and team runs, it’s amazing. They never give up and always want more work!”

This mentorship initiative is about more than just rugby—it’s about building character, leadership, and a sense of community. With guidance from the senior boys, the younger players are learning to uphold LARA’s values, work hard, and strive for excellence. As the seniors say, “Once LARA, always LARA!” Their message to the younger players is clear: don’t be a DH, be a good person at heart, and always be comfortable in being uncomfortable. By instilling these values, LARA is ensuring that the next generation of players will not only succeed on the field but also contribute positively to the school and community.

This mentorship program is setting the tone for a bright future, and with the dedication of both senior and junior players, LARA rugby is stronger than ever. The seniors’ leadership and the younger players’ determination show that the spirit of the game extends far beyond the field—it’s about growth, teamwork, and leaving a lasting legacy.

Baylee, Tristan, Josh, Upeke, Jayden, Kava, Izzy & Tyrell

Senior Rugby Students

Girls Rugby Update

2026 has seen a growth in our Girls Rugby Academy program with new students adding to our numbers across all year levels. This year the Girls have really locked in to creating a positive environment in which they can all strive to learn and become better athletes.

The students are embracing working on fundamental rugby skills in controlled drill environments. This term they will play in an U16 game against Narre Warren Secondary School and participate in a Girls Development Day at Footscray bulldogs RUFC. We have lots to look forward to!

Women and Girls in Rugby week saw our academy students and female staff participate in a training and skills session. We would like to thank the teachers for giving a new sport a go and being involved with us.

Emma Brown

Rugby Academy Coach

Rugby Academy Youtube Channel

To watch the lastest from the Rugby Academy head over to our YouTube channel using the following link.

Athletics Day

Lara Secondary College held its annual Athletics Carnival on Tuesday March 3rd at Goldsworthy Reserve.

Students enjoyed a fantastic day of competition and house spirit under sunny skies and a pleasant 22-degree day. It was great to see so many students proudly representing their houses in bright colours and getting involved across the range of track, field and novelty events.

One of the highlights of the day was the house tug-of-war competition, with You Yangs proving too strong and taking out the bragging rights before also finishing the day as overall house champions. The always-entertaining staff vs student 4x100m relay brought plenty of laughs, with the teachers unfortunately finishing in last place this year.

Thank you to all staff and students who contributed to making the day such a positive and enjoyable event. Events like this are a great opportunity for our school community to come together, show house pride and enjoy a day of participation and friendly competition.

Cameron Fennell

Sports Coordinator

Important dates