Senior School Sport & 

Co-curricular 

Football 

12 August 2023

1sts

Whilst the late kick off was under grey skies the action on the field was bright. The ladies have been in great form lately with this being reflected in their 2nd place on the ladder. Defensively the team looked solid with Charlotte England, Bonnie McPhee, Steph Wong, Emma Gaston and Lillian Armstrong keeping Waratah’s scoreless. Goalkeeper Sophie Heath a standout player in the competition this season was also a “Brick Wall” on the day. The midfield worked tirelessly with Captain Phoebe Gordon, Issy Wong, Felicity Knox and Lucy Ashton covering every blade of grass on the field and setting up many opportunities for their forwards. Up front Ruby Smith, Xanthe Tozer, Emica Carter, Audrey Headley and Iona Anderson were a constant threat which led to 2 goals being scored. Iona scored her first for the season. Overall, it was an excellent performance with the enthusiasm and teamwork standing out to the ever growing crowd.

1sts Men

With the top 4 now out of reach for the season it seemed to give the KWS lads a boost. With a laissez-faire attitude in the early minutes the boys seemed to delight in the “fun” of it all. There were more tricks, flicks and nutmegs than we had seen all season and this led to more confident passing and movement around the field. Whist the team went into half time 1-0 down there was a quiet confidence about them. They were taking on CYMS, who were the top of the table, and even an early goal against in the 2nd half did not deter them. With Will Gaston moving up to left wing and Max Bloomfield playing higher up the pitch there were many chances created. By the final bell the score was tied at 2-2 with Liam McKenzie and Gordon Suthers on the scoresheet.

U15/16

Whilst this season has seen a huge improvement with passing, movement and game management for the team the results were still not heading in the optimum direction. This was the day for it all to change. A strong defensive showing from Pranav Srikanth, Cam Nash, Tim Lowther, Felix Kairaitis, Georger Hogg and Chamara Fernando kept the Tah’s team at bay and the crowd on the edge of their seats. Whilst the Tah’s team had a few shots on target Eli “Great Wall” Cunningham was up to the task in goal. Saves were made with at least 15 different parts of his body as he literally threw himself around. In the midfield and up front there was more attaching verve than usual as Sam Balcomb, Daniel Lord, Seb Skinner, Hayden McKenzie and Hamish Hall all worked hard to put pressure on the opposition. It took a freak shot/cross from about 20 meters out to give Tah’s the win but it was a wonderful performance by the team.

U13 White 

The U13 white team has been improving all season. Their training sessions with Mr Barbagello and Dr Ernist have been fun but challenging for the students. This hard work all came together for a thrilling 3-3 draw against Waratah’s in North Orange. Hannah Cunningham scored a brace and Fraser Johnstone slotted home as well. A thrilling comeback from 3-1 down to put pressure on Tah’s till full time.

U13 Blue

Whilst U13 Blue are full of confidence at the moment they came up against an OAGS team who are topping the table. Whilst they went in at half time only a goal down an early strike by OAGS saw them down by 2 early in the 2nd half. Undeterred the KWS U13 Blue continued to attack and make life difficult for the opposition. It was an excellent game in which two fine sets of players were able to show their skills. 

JNR A - ISA Netball

On Saturday the Junior A netball team travelled to Sydney Olympic Park for the ISA semi-final against Chevalier College.

This was always going to be a tough game for the girls, our previous wins were only by a few goals so the team knew they would have to work hard for every ball. 

The score was tied 28-28 at the close of the third quarter, but an outstanding final quarter meant we took the win 45-35 to go into the grand final next week against Barker. 

A huge congratulations to all the girls! Annabel Swift, Lucy Atkinson, Clancy Murray, Phoebe Paynter, Zara Ward, Sophie Staniforth, Emme Wyllie, Holly Wilson, Charlotte Mulcahy, Isla Callaghan, Isla Wass

This is an outstanding achievement for such a young team who’s first game together was only the start of this season. 

Bring on Saturday!

Hockey

KWS 14 Spurs vs KWS  76ers

 The mighty Spurs put together their most solid performance of the term. From the outset, the emphasis was on each player doing their role well and contributing to the improvements we have been working on in fitness, skills and teamwork. Ollie Garard and Chloe Provost were very dominant, controlling the centre of the field which allowed the strikers plenty of time, space and opportunity. Jane and Livvy also had very impressive games against a quality opposition. In the end the Spurs ran out 6-0 winners. This was a great confidence boost for the team as they approach the end of the season.

KWS Lakers

The KWS Lakers are having a great hockey season in the under 16 mixed competition.  We are currently on top of the ladder as we near the end of the season.  The girls are an effective team with strong passing shots executed in fast paced games.  Katie Ivey is the leading goal scorer in the competition, and she is well supported by her teammates who are also great goal shooters including: Zoe Wood, Lucy Reidy, Maggie Kirby, Tessa Wong and Phoebe Hunter. The team has strong midfielders and backs including Bianca Wong, Claire Wood, Grace Hansen, Jessica Thompson, Poppy Gordon, Siana Anderson and Phoebe Hunter. These defenders rarely give the opposition a chance of scoring. We have enjoyed playing other Kinross teams are looking forward to playing Molong this coming week.

KWS Celtics 

The Hockey Celtics were nervous with the start of Term, having lost 2 key players and our goalie being injured.  Despite the trepidation, each player has risen to the occasion and demonstrated the growth in their confidence and ability this season. Charlie Swift is an impact player and has executed some amazing goals in our last couple of games.  He is ably supported on the wing with Eva Bonnington often keeping pace with his rapid sprints up the field.  Fergus Whittle is justifiably proud of the goal he scored and his ability to accelerate to the post.  Ebony Inman maintains a strong position in the mid-field in both attacking and defensive play.  We have been thrilled to have Zoe Lane return from injury and resume her goalie position. 

Tuesday’s game against the Knicks proved challenging particularly for our players with glasses (!) due to the wet, slippery conditions.  Our team was down players due to injury and our remaining players rallied for a draw result 1-1.  The improved communication and coordination between the players has been excellent to see and their adaptability to playing in different positions.  Zoe Harmer is incredibly reliable in her position as back and Laura Cox continues to gain confidence in the rules of the game and in her contributing to play on the wing.  We are looking forward to our next game against the KWS Raptors. 

KWS Rockets vs Molong – won 2-1

On Monday 14 August KWS Rockets squared off against a determined and full strength Molong/ExServies Speckles.

Rockets could field the bare 11 players, thanks to Hunter Hobbs for making 11.  The game was an arm-wrestle that could have gone either way.  The Rockets blasted off to the lead opening the scoring early in the initial phase of first half.  Some deft, accurate and no-nonsense passing between Phoebe Poole, Jess Tudor, Jackson Essex, Hunter Hobbs, & Taylah Hobbs set up Chloe Muddle for a brilliant one-touch into the corner of the goal.

It was the Rockets defensive line that weathered the storm before another one of Josie Muddle's first-time passes converted defence into attack to quickly allow our clever mids to combine for a sharp set up play from Caitlin Adam’s, Chloe Muddle and Taylah Hobbs to enable Phoebe Smith to double the Rockets lead.

Of course the Speckles were sparked into action and hit back to make it 2-1 going into the half time break.

In the 2nd half the Speckles drew level with the Rockets despite unrelenting defensive pressure from Megan Connan, Phoebe Pool and Jess Tudor.  The Speckles would have been even brighter and scored more if it were not for the brilliance and determination of Maka in goals and Josie Muddle making saves on our line 

Another goal earned by Phoebe Smith seemed fitting for her immense work-rate in the midfield, took the Rockets to 3-2 up,  Again the Speckles hit back with a determined effort to collect the rebounds off Maka's pads, but only after 3 saves by Maka.

Of course everyone expected Taylah to make a goal after unselfish passing and break away work by Caitlin Adams to connect with Hunter who was able to provide the assist for Taylah.  someone heard the words " i think you O me Siss"

Rockets enjoyed moral support and encouragement from Gus O'Neil who was recovering in the dug-out from a concussion sustained playing rugby on the weekend.

Hunter Hobbs ended up with the match winner after an effort of many sprints to cover-defend and then back into attack to help set up many attacking raids (as did Phoebe Smith).

Of Course the Speckles were not done and had the last say in a late goal.  Final score Rockets 5 Sparkles 4

The Rockets unselfish passing game and never-give up effort adds to team confidence earning respect internally and from opponents.

Thanks Speckles, your skillful play and determined effort really made Rockets work hard and play smart hockey.  You really made us lift our game for you.