Saturday morning netball

Saturday morning netball resumed bright and early at Pedrina Park, with beautiful sunny weather marking the beginning of Term Four fixtures. The round featured an exciting match-up between the two College senior teams, College Thunderbirds and College Vixens.

In a strong performance, the College Vixens gained the upper hand, ultimately securing the win over the Thunderbirds. Both teams demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and competitive spirit throughout the game. A standout performance came from Saskia Gould, who made several crucial deflections, helping to control loose balls and support her team’s defence.

The game highlighted the growing connections within the teams, particularly as new players have been welcomed into the College netball program.

Our 7/8 College Mavericks and College Firebirds, coached by Mrs Haldane and Ms Dixon, played against each other. Both teams have a few familiar faces in the College uniform, and have welcomed a few first-time players, which is fantastic. There were some lovely passages of play down the court, which will become more consistent as they play together after the club seasons. There were some great displays of teamwork and improving skills. The Mavericks took the win.

In the Junior division, the College Rubies displayed outstanding development across their game. The younger players showed remarkable improvement from the first to the third quarter, impressing their coaches, Lily Giles and Pepper Bowes. The team demonstrated enthusiasm, teamwork, and a willingness to try new positions, reflecting their positive attitude and commitment to learning.

Overall, it was a successful and encouraging start to the term for all College netball team. We would like to thank all our volunteers for their contribution to our season. Between our coaches, Mrs Hausler, Mrs Malseed, Miss Dixon, Mrs Haldane, team managers Ms Honor Gibbins, Mrs Price, Mrs Spence, Mr and Mrs Malseed, and finally our many great umpires, Mrs Holcombe, Mrs McClure, Isla McClure and Leila Robertson, none of this would be possible.

Isabella Malseed

Netball Co-Captain

Rowing

Opener Sprint Success

Seamus McDonald was joined by dad Paul and crewmates Jack Oldfield Mann, Max Malseed and Heston Small, to claim victory in their heat, finishing 0.41 seconds ahead of Barwon, with Damascus trailing further behind. Returning to the start line for the final, the young College crew faced experienced club opposition, and despite their relative youth, drew on their energy and cohesion to secure another piece of Bendigo Pottery.

Mhairi McDonald delivered an impressive performance in the Under 15 Female Single Scull event, winning her heat in commanding fashion with a time of 1:50.27—nearly 30 seconds ahead of her closest competitor. She carried this momentum into the final, where she claimed gold for The Hamilton and Alexandra College in 1:55.06, comfortably ahead of Hawthorn and Barwon.

Mhairi went on to join her crewmates in the Under 15 Quad Scull, where College dominated the final with a decisive win in a time of 1:51.00. The crew of Daisy Hall, Louisa McDonald, Hannah Young, and Mhairi McDonald, coxed by Jack Oldfield Mann, crossed the line more than 13 seconds ahead of their nearest rivals from Korowa Anglican Grammar School. Their commanding performance showed the crew has returned this season ready to give it their all and take on the state with confidence and determination.

Rounding out an exceptional regatta, Mhairi teamed up with Hannah Young in the Under 15 Female Double Scull, where the pair powered home to claim another gold medal for College. Finishing in a time of 1:47.47, they were more than 17 seconds clear of the field, securing a clean sweep of gold medals across their events — an outstanding result for the young College athletes and a great start to a season.

Rowers will now prepare to head north to Dimboola and the Wimmera River for the 135th Regatta and Head of the Wimmera events next month.

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