Senior School Sport &
Co-curricular
Rowing Report
After a strong focus on T2 Volume throughout Term 4 and the summer holiday camps, the past fortnight has seen a shift towards Speed and Lactic work. Fast-paced, high-energy, and fuelled by booming enthusiasm—that’s how I’d describe the last two weeks for the 'Two-Blues' Rowers.
The good times just keep rolling for Kinross Rowing, with an outstanding team performance at the Kings/PLC Regatta which featured 1700 athletes. While some of our senior crews remained in Orange for training, we took a squad of 53 rowers to Penrith to compete. Kinross featured in countless tight races—many of which turned into thrilling victories! With multiple photo finishes landing in our favour, the grit and determination to fight for every inch was on full display. The most pleasing aspect was the performances of our 2nd and 3rd crews highlighting the strength and depth of the program.
Race of the Day: It’s hard to pick just one standout performance, but the Under 16 Men’s Quad stroked by Reuben Cleary takes the cake! Just 45 minutes after racing their first-ever 2km event, where they placed second to another KWS crew, this determined group didn’t even leave the boat—simply refuelling on Powerade and Allens snakes as they rowed lightly back up to the start line for their final race. After trailing St Augustine’s for 990 metres, these young Kinross men found another gear, surging past their Northern Beaches rivals in the last stroke to snatch victory by the slimmest of margins (see photo below)! A huge congratulations to Ted Sheedy, Will Latham, Sam Attenborough, Reuben Cleary, and coxswain Harry Grinter!
Other notable performances included:
- The Schoolboy 3rd Quad smashing a sub-7-minute PB.
- The Schoolgirl 2nd Eight dominating their Sydney-based competitors.
- The Year 9 Schoolgirl 2nd and 3rd Quads winning Gold in their divisions to kick off the day in style!
A special mention also goes to Xavier Zinga, Heathcliffe Bell, Ash Robinson, Angus Sawtell, and the indefatigable Sam Thomas, who won the Under 17 division while racing up an age group in preparation for Nationals. This was a particularly exciting race as the boys stormed through the last 500 metres to overtake the older Canberra Grammar crew. Even more impressive, they had already raced in the Under 19s just an hour earlier, securing a 4th-place finish in that event with a redhot time of 6:51.2.
With exceptional results at the NSW State Championships and Kings/PLC Regatta, the momentum has only increased as we build towards the penultimate Heads of the River, scheduled for 8–9 March.
Congratulations on a fantastic fortnight, KWS Rowing!
Best of luck to all of our sporting teams in their upcoming fixtures.
Ben Watt
MIC Rowing
Basketball Report
I would like to thank everyone on the start that they have made to Basketball this term.
I would like to especially thank the players that assisted in Try a sport with the year 7s it was great to see the two captains of basketball and a few 1st players volunteer their time to assist with the year 7s in promoting the sport of basketball. A big shout out to Olivia Martin and Lincoln Robinson who led by example and assisted in running the program.
It is apparent by the skills and enthusiasm that Basketball will continue to grow as a sport and co-curricular option at KWS. The year 7s coming through will make a worthy contribution to the program and I look forward to seeing tjem progress in future years.
I would like to thank the parents who have come along to games held at PCYC there was a overwhelemingly positive vibe at the games especially with the 1st girls and boys games whereby a number of parents were encouraging and cheering on the KWS teams.
On Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 February the 16s Western associated Schools team and Open WAS teams travelled to Castlehill to play in the ACIES basketball carnival. I thank all the competitors for attending and a big thanks to the coaches that came along to assist on the day.
A reminder to check the Basketball HUB page for updates on fixtures and other important information. There are a number of players whose registration has expired and I encourage you to make sure that you have completed the registration before you take to the courts. There are codes that allow you to register free of charge.
A reminder that any new players will also need to register. Emails have been sent out to these players and if you are having any trouble please come and see me and I can assist.
Mr Lee Taylor
MIC Basketball
ISA Touch Football Report
The ISA Touch Football Round 8 games were held in Orange on Ex Student’s Oval against Scots All Saints. This was the first home game of the season due to poor weather cancelling the KWS Gala Day in Term 4. Thank you to Matt Tink and the Rugby boys for assisting with the morning set up.
The first games for the day were Division 1 and the Junior B side. Despite a few mistakes made throughout the game, the Division 1 girls showed great determination in the second half and worked together to achieve a 5-2 win against Scots. All girls should be proud of their efforts. The Junior Bs were the only team set to play two games. Up first was the Scots Junior B side. Despite going down by 1 in the first game, all girls played as a team and showcased their skills in attack. After a short break, the Scots Junior C team were up next, and the girls won 4-1. The Inter A team played exceptionally well this weekend and kept the intensity high throughout the entire game. The girls showed great leadership and determination and won the game 7-2. The Junior As have kept their winning streak and won their game 7-2 also. This is an outstanding effort from the team.
All of our teams have made the ISA Semi Finals and hopefully we will see all four teams in the grand final on 15th March.
Emma Sweeney
MIC Touch Football
Tennis Report
ISA Tennis report Round 8 Saturday 15/02/25
On Saturday the 15th of February, KWS played Round 8 of the ISA Competition in Bathurst. Our Evens team played SSC Evens whilst a forfeit from the opposing team meant that KWS Odds had a weekend off. The Evens team won 12 sets to 8 sets, consisting of James Ashton, Ollie Hyde, Toby Gee, Xavier Todd, Alfie Lord and Fergus Whittle. Special mention to Ollie and Toby for winning their singles matches 4-0, 4-0! Congratulations to all of the doubles pairs for winning their matches despite close tiebreakers.
ISA Tennis report Round 9 Saturday 22/02/25
Last weekend, KWS hosted Round 9 of the ISA Competition in Orange. Our Evens team played SASC Odds whilst the KWS Odds team were up against the SSC Evens. The Evens team won 16 sets to 2 sets, consisting of James Ashton, Ollie Hyde, Toby Gee, Lachlan Watts, Alfie Lord and Charlie McLaughlin. Well done to our doubles pairs of James and Ollie as well as Toby and Lachlan for winning their matches 4/0 4/1.
The KWS Odds had a tough weekend against the SSC Odds, coming away with a close win of 13 sets to 8 sets. Anabelle van Wyk and Mackenzie Mitchell came away with 4-0 4-0 wins in their singles matches. A special mention to Ashton Quinn-Woonton for coming away with the win in his singles match after a well-earned comeback. Good luck to our ISA Team as we head into the Playoffs next weekend! It will be an all KWS final, with our KWS Odds and Evens teams competing against each other for winning school of the ISA competition.
Anabelle van Wyk
Captain of Tennis