SOUTHERN METROPOLITAN REGION GIRLS SOCCER

Monday 25 July dawned sunny if a little icy but this did nothing to cool the Senior Girls Soccer team’s enthusiasm and determination to progress to the State Final - something that this group of girls had never not achieved during their dominant five or six year march across the soccer pitches of Melbourne.

The side was bolstered by the inclusion of gun striker Emily Harbis and powerful midfielder Cassie Semple since the initial Kingston Division qualification but had been hit hard by the lack of Melina Ayres on international duty (Australian U/20 side).

A couple of hard fought wins with standout performances from Sophie Highnam and Serina Ueda saw the side through to the Final against Frankston High School - the winner of which would progress through to the State Final.

In a see-sawing affair, in which the best of both teams were on display McKinnon came from behind to level proceedings at the full time whistle. Extra time ensued, but a freakish goal that was blasted past keeper Maya Mackey from outside the box ended the girls’ hopes of another State Finals appearance.

Disappointment abounded. But all the girls can hold their heads high after a stirring performance on the day.

David Machin

Coach

INTERMEDIATE STATE SQUASH REPORT

Congratulations to our two Intermediate Girls and one Boys Squash teams who competed in the Squash Victoria State Finals on Thursday 4 August. Competition was fierce as the eight best teams in the State played off for the title.

Our A Girls team of Lucia Roohizadegan (C), Kathy Lee (2) and Anita Zhao (3) had an amazing day, going through the rounds easily defeating Kurunjang Secondary College and Koonung Secondary College to reach the Championship Final. Unfortunately they lost to Melton to take the Silver Medal.

The Boys team of Gabi Basman (C), Alex O'Neill (2), Ben Solly (3) and Matias Fernandez (3) played very competitively throughout the day. They beat Balwyn High School 3-0 but lost to Melbourne High School and the eventual winner St Arnaud. The boys finished 6th overall, a good effort given the high standard of squash.

The B Girls team comprising Zo-Ellen Stannus, Evie Krieger and Xin Er Wee had a very enjoyable day and improved as time went on.

They lost to Melton but rallied and defeated Kurunjang Secondary College to finish 2nd in their pool. The girls finished 4th overall, a good effort.

With squash being rated as the "Healthiest Sport" in the world, the Intermediate Squash Squad certainly got a work out!! Well done to all for being fine ambassadors for the school.

Keep enjoying your squash.

Mrs Hooper

Coach

SOUTHERN METROPOLITAN FINALS REPORT - NETBALL

NETBALL YEAR 8 B TEAM

The girls were enthusiastic after getting through Kingston undefeated. Our first game was against Dromana and we made a great start shooting away to a three goal lead. However, it was pegged back in the 2nd quarter after some bad passing errors. Alicia Tran was doing her best intercepting everything but we couldn’t catch Dromana and lost 15 - 11.

The second game was against Frankston, and once again started well. Tayla Fischer was outstanding in goals for the first time, and Remi van Denderen was converting everything. A 11 - 0 first quarter set up a 21 - 10 victory. Unfortunately we couldn't win through to the final, but the girls should be very proud of their efforts.

INTERMEDIATE A TEAM

A star-studded line-up took to the court for McKinnon’s Intermediate A team and quickly stamped their authority on their first match, defeating Dandenong 45 - 8. Tess McCartney was steady and creative through the middle, with Abby Jones demonstrating her versatility by taking intercepts in defence one minute, then sinking goals down the attacking end the next. They next took to the court against Mornington, with a hard-fought eight goal win. Anna Donnelly and Elana Fellini were unstoppable in the defensive circle, creating countless opportunities through their pressure and timely intercepts. Brianca Tran was also a standout - relentlessly driving through the midcourt and providing great defensive hustle.

The Grand Final was a nail-biting affair, with the lead changing hands throughout the match. Against a quality opposing side in Mentone, the McKinnon girls rose to the occasion and put on a cracking display of disciplined, determined netball. Five goals down halfway through the third quarter, the girls stepped up and clawed themselves back to within a goal at the three-quarter time break. Cate Bell was everywhere and Mia Lopez and Gemma Jones were moving beautifully in the goal circle, leading strongly and fighting hard for every ball. The last quarter saw all the girls working hard, encouraging each other and playing great netball. Goal for goal in the last two minutes we were just beaten by the clock, final score 25-26 to Mentone. Despite the result, the girls can be very proud of their efforts. They maintained a supportive, determined approach to each challenge thrown their way and showed some real fire under pressure.

INTERMEDIATE B TEAM

This energetic bunch hit the ground running with a convincing win over Frankston in their first game for the day. Jess Ponsford sprinted here and there with typical enthusiasm and a smile and Emma Hattingh pulled in countless cracking intercepts against a strong, tall opponent. Finishing at the top of their pool, the girls came up against Alkira in their Grand Final. After a confusing false start, the girls managed to compose themselves and channelled their nervous energy from the first whistle. The supportive team spirit of this group held them in good stead - huddles, pep talks, laughs and encouragement saw them united on and off the court. Lara van Zyl played a ripping game in Centre in the Grand Final and Holly Watkins rose to the occasion in both goals and defence. Incredible work by these ladies to come away with a winning margin of 24 goals.

SENIOR B TEAM

The Senior team played Frankston in their only match for the day and despite a loss, showed fantastic leadership throughout the day. They worked well together on court and maintained energy, enthusiasm and optimism. Hannah Rosenberg showcased her versatility as she played in several different positions in the match. Brinda Manogaran kept hopes alive and was one of the loudest voices on and off the court. Maille Todd and Tara Fellini were a dynamic duo in defence and communicated with each other really well. The girls were a great beacon of support for all, cheering on all the McKinnon teams and demonstrating great resilience.

SENIOR BOYS TEAM

In the midst of the VCE year, our boys put studies to the side to focus on netball. The first game was against Lyndale, who had a 7ft giant playing in defence. The boys used their smarts and managed to break away to an early lead. Some poor footwork allowed Lyndale back into the game, but we held on for a 15 - 11 win. Our second game was against Frankston, who had beaten the boys earlier in the week at basketball. Matt Wilkins was dominating in attack and the boys went on to win 21 - 11.

The Final was against Melbourne High School, who had dominated their pool games. Our boys started well turning the ball over and scoring straight away. However, the pressure of the final was causing some passing and stepping errors. This meant Melbourne High were up by two at half time. We fought back taking the lead, only to lose it again before three quarter time. Umpires warned all players to keep their cool in the final quarter as the intensity stepped up. Josh Wilkins converted a goal to give us the lead and then Melbourne Highs GK was sent off for talking back. They had to play the entire last quarter one player short. It was still a tense last quarter, but we came away with a two goal win. Next stop SSV State Finals on 29 August.

Tim Blackwood

Coach

JUNIOR BOYS SQUASH TEAM

On Thursday 11 August the Junior Boys Squash team comprising of Josh Osadchiy, Jules Goldenberg, Liam Gordon-Shore and Adam Stikoltzik ventured to MSAC to compete in the Victorian State Finals.

Three teams progressed through to this level from the Regional competition in Term 2, which was a strong competition, so the team knew State Finals would be tough. In their first match up against Belmont High School, the McKinnon team came away with a solid victory 3-0. In the next two rounds against Sunraysia and Balwyn High School, the boys faced competitors who play regularly in pennant competition. They fought valiantly against these teams but did not prevail. McKinnon faced Kurunjang Secondary College in the Finals and had a fantastic win again to secure fifth place in the competition. Congratulations to Josh, Jules, Liam and Adam for a fantastic demonstration of enthusiasm and the McKinnon spirit!

Renée Gordon

Coach

YEAR 8 BOYS SOCCER. FINALLY

On Tuesday 2 August at the Southern Metro Regionals at Kingston Heath the two pool games saw McKinnon up against Minaret College and Rosebud.

Minaret were up first. Their counter attacks were dangerous but Marcus Sarra and Mannie Psarakis at the back double teamed him to try to eliminate the threat. Meanwhile, we tried to break down their tight defence. In the last minute of the first half Cian Ford found space and clinically finished into the corner of the net. In the second half we doubled our lead when Samuel Ghobrial blasted a shot in from 25 metres via the underside of the crossbar.

We then played Rosebud needing a win or draw to advance to the Final. Ishan Malakar opened the scoring with a low shot past the impressive Rosebud keeper. Soon after Yanai Rabinovich met Levi Scholz's cross at the far post and slotted it home. We had control of the game in the second half without adding to the score.

Our next task was the final against Leibler Yavneh College.

Yanai Rabinovich opened the scoring, getting onto a cross from Levi Scholz. 2-0 soon followed when Yanai scored from the penalty spot. We had been impressive in the first half but in the second we raised our level. Ishan, Samuel, Kai Smith and Yanai combined effectively as we maintained possession for long periods. Eventually all our possession translated into a goal when Nicholas Lee slotted past the keeper.

Congratulations to all members of the team - and also Mr Reynolds and Mr Killeen who had coached the team during the Kingston matches but had been unavailable on the day of the Regionals. Seven goals scored and none conceded was testament to the ability shown by all the boys. We now look forward to the State Finals next month where further challenges await.

Team in the photo:

Back: Max Van Denderen, Oliver Lopez, Levi Sholz, Mannie Psarakas, Nicholas Lee, Marcus Serra, Kai Smith, Samual Ghobrial, Oscar Yuen

Front: Cian Ford, Yanai Rabinovich, Ishan Malakar, Killian Ford.

Matthew Shaw

Coach

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