Sport News

Last weekend we hosted St Laurence’s College (SLC) on our Old Boys Day. It was a privilege to welcome back and meet Old Boys from every 56’, 66’, etc. years, whose continued connection to the College is a wonderful reminder of the rich history and tradition of Marist sport. Their presence on the day highlighted the strong foundations laid by generations before us, foundations that continue to shape and inspire our current students as they wear the blue and marigold. We thank all Old Boys, families, staff, coaches and supporters who contributed to such a memorable day for the Marist community.

The weekend commenced on Friday evening, with our 1st IV Chess team taking on SLC in the Cyprian Pavilion. In a gallant performance, our boys competed strongly but were ultimately defeated. Pleasingly, our Junior A team continued their impressive form, recording a strong team victory.

On Saturday, our 1st XV secured a courageous 17–15 win, scoring in the final moments of the match. This result was a true testament to the strength of the program and the positive culture being fostered by Mr Richard Graham and Mr Chris Daykin.

Our 1st XI will play their fixture against SLC on Wednesday afternoon. Thanks to a great initiative from Mr Blair Whitlock, the College will have the opportunity to watch and support the team, with the match commencing at 2:30pm. We thank the College Leadership Team for their support and approval of this initiative, and wish the boys luck in their top-of-the-table clash.

First Aiders

We are extremely fortunate to have qualified paramedics and first aiders onsite to support our students and ensure a safe playing environment across our fields. Their presence provides an important level of care and reassurance for our players, staff, coaches and families.

It is also important to acknowledge that, as part of their role, our medical staff are required to complete mandatory reporting following injuries, incidents or treatments. This process involves both hard copy documentation and online reporting forms. At times, this requires them to use their mobile phones while on duty to accurately complete these records.

Therefore, if you see a paramedic or first aider using their phone during fixtures, please be assured that they are most likely completing essential medical documentation and reporting requirements as part of their professional responsibilities.

Commitment

We have reached that point in the term when assignments kick in, exams are on the horizon and next term’s sports are starting to send out information about trials and opportunities. There is a lot to distract us from the commitment we have in front of the sport we are currently playing. Please make sure current sports, football, rugby, cross country and chess remain our priority right through to the end of the season.

Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Super Saturday | Save The Date

This year’s biggest sporting event is nearly here - Saturday 13 June!

It will be an amazing day of school rugby union, entertainment, celebrations, prizes, giveaways, supporter’s bar.

Marist College vs Padua College in 30+ games of rugby union.
Old Boys Reunion Day.
Boarding Family Fun Day.

...all together creates Super Saturday!

See you all here for a great day.

Marist Rugby Union | Round 4 vs St Laurence’s College

Thank you to everyone for their support over an incredibly colourful and sunny weekend. After another week of wet weather, Round 4 of the AIC Rugby season brought with it sunshine and plenty of bumblebee jerseys. The College hosted 30 games of rugby union on Old Boy’s Day in what turned out to be a wonderful day for the College community.

With one of the largest crowds in recent memory, the day delivered some super performances! Well done to all the coordinators, coaches and students for making it a wonderful day of Marist running rugby.

Under sunny skies, our 1st XV to 4th XV along with our 6th XV and 7th XV teams all secured victories against traditional rivals, St Laurence's College. Congratulations to all the teams for a fantastic spectacle of Marist physical attacking rugby on McMahon Oval. All games were played in great spirit, showcasing some exceptional skills, great teamwork and a genuine camaraderie. Thanks to Downlands College for sending their 2nd XV to play against our 5th XV in what was a great learning experience for our team. Rugby schedules are often limited to the AIC competition so any opportunity for the students to play against someone different is an enriching experience.

Our 9ths XV kicked off the day on McMahon Oval with a win against Padua’s 5th XV, whilst our 8th XV proved too strong away defeating Iona 5th XV.

Congratulations to the 1st XV on an outstanding performance. After a highly unusual start where one of the players tripped and huge himself running onto the field, and his replacement broke his leg inside 5 minutes, the team showed enormous character and clarity to find solutions and overcome adversity.

In a game for the ages, their try early in the second half was a standout moment and a clear contender for try of the season. Their composure under pressure and belief in their skill saw them finish strongly and secure a well-deserved win. The option to turn down three points and a draw was rewarded when James Johnston burrowed over on the final whistle.

A huge thank you to The Hive for their incredible support. The energy, turnout and constant encouragement lifted the occasion and played a significant role in driving the team’s effort across the full 70 minutes.

The Year 10 teams continued the strong momentum with a series of impressive performances. The 10A’s were exceptional, delivering a dominant 91-0 victory, maintaining discipline and a consistent standard throughout. Their ability to play collectively is clearly developing and was on full display. The 10B’s also produced a commanding performance on Hayden Oval, continuing their habit of winning with a 34-5 result, while the 10C’s maintained their excellent start to the season with a convincing 46-0 win. The 10D’s fought valiantly against the Iona 10C’s but were outgunned 31-0. Well done to you all!

On Des Connor Park, the 9As broke a long-standing drought against their SLC rivals. Having never beaten this year level, the 9A’s played a fantastic game of rugby. Led by a dominant forward display, the team ran out winners 31-14. The 9B’s continued a strong run of consistency to see off the SLC 9B’s 37-0, whilst the 9C’s continued to play some exceptional rugby on Flat 8 to finish in front 52-0. Our 9D team were no match on this occasion for the Padua 9C’s and will have learned a lot from the contest. Finally, thank you to our 9E’s for making the journey out to Curlew Park at Sandgate to take on St Pat’s 9C’s. In a brave performance, the Marist catch pass, strong tackling and excellent breakdown skills were all evident. Congratulations to ST Pat’s on their victory in this game 15-5.

The 8As went down to the SLC 8A’s in a close encounter. Trailling 17-0 at halftime, the team clawed their way back in the contest at 17-14, however a late penalty goal sealed a 20-14 win for the Lauries team. The 8B-8C teams played very well for their wins. The 8B’s held their nerve in a close contest winning 29-24, whilst the 8C’s continue to improve the way they are playing and it is wonderful to see from the sideline some of the Marist catch pass skills and the contact skills becoming more consistent each week. They were convincing running out victors 70-5. Special mention must go to winger, Sam Brown for scoring seven tries. This is an incredible achievement – congratulations Sam and well done to his teammates for continuing to pass the ball.

The Year 7 teams had an excellent day. The 7A’s bounced back from defeat last week to deliver a strong performance on Des Connor Park. With some strong defence and consistent skill, the team ran out winners 24-12. In a fantastic game of rugby, the Marist 7B’s were to skilful against the SLC 7B’s running out winners 69-0. Harry Gerharty scored a mammoth 30 points – congrats Harry! The mighty 7C’s continue to dominate the opposition with some excellent rugby. Congratulations to the team and to coach, Mr Damien Nelson for the fantastic work they are doing each week.

Congratulations and thank you to all the students for their impressive displays over the weekend! The feedback from referees and parents continues to be very positive. We commend the outstanding manner in which you approached your games on the weekend.

Thanks to our terrific coordinators and committed coaching staff for once again preparing the boys so well. The Lauries’ round is always a highlight, eagerly marked on the calendar early in the season. It appears we had a wonderful day with numerous wins, very few injuries, and lots of fun. Your time and genuine care for the students are greatly appreciated!

Marist vs St Edmund’s College | AIC Round 5

Round 5 of the AIC Rugby Union season is away to St Edmund’s College.

At the time of writing this article, 13/34 teams are playing their games away at Tivoli. The remaining teams are playing at multiple venues, including here at the College.

Team lists for Round 5 will be released on Friday morning.

Best of luck to all teams for another great weekend of rugby.

Marist Rugby Union Year Level Coordinators – please contact your year level coordinator for all non-selection matters such as lateness, unavailability and timings.

Year Level Coordinator

Opens - Mr Peter Gaiter - gaiterp@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 10 - Mr Michael Abbott - abbottm@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 9 - Mrs Liz Walsh - walshe@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 8 - Mrs Sharon Davidson - davidsons@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 7 - Mr Damien Nelson - nelsond@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 6 - Mr John Lambourne - lambournej@marash.qld.edu.au

Year 5 - Ms Ella Graham - grahame@marash.qld.edu.au

Marist Rugby Union | Wet Weather Plan

Rugby Union training will rarely be called off due to bad weather. If rain is forecast, students are asked to place their school bags and formal hats under cover.

Parents dropping students at Des Connor Fields are asked to use the canteen end, where the gear shed and canteen balcony provide shelter.

Thank you for your support.

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

In 2025 the College consistently delivered some wonderful rugby memories through our social media pages. From the smallest bumblebees in Year 5 through to the biggest bumblebees in Year 12, all of it was captured in wonderful colour.

To stay connected with Marist rugby and with all the program’s achievements, please follow our Instagram page @marist_ashgrove_rugby.

Football

Mr Blair Whitlock - Football Coordinator

Round 4 vs St Laurence’s College

Cameron Oval and The Flats were a hive of activity on Saturday as we hosted St Laurence’s College across all grades. There were closely contested matches throughout the day with the 30 matches against Lauries resulting in 12 wins, 5 draws and 13 losses. This marked an improvement on the same round last year and just reward for the hard work our boys and coaches have been putting in throughout the season. A special mention to the 5A, 5C, 6B, 6C, 7D, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10C, 6th XI, 4th XI, 2nd XI and 1st XI who remain undefeated heading into round five against St Edmunds College.

Week 6 Training Schedule

1st XI Football Match vs St Laurence’s College – Wednesday 27th May

The 1st XI Football team have their Round Four match against St Laurence’s College taking place on Wednesday 27th May. The match will be a 2:30pm KO on McMahon Oval which may be the first time Football has been played on the #1 Oval in College history. The whole College will be watching from the John Eales Grandstand in what promises to be a special day for the marist Football program

Student Achievement – Joshua Pola

Congratulations to Year 9 student and 1st XI Football player, Joshua Pola, who represented the Met North U15 Football team at the Queensland State Championships. The team had a strong tournament reaching the Grand Final before eventually going down on penalties to finish in 2nd place. Well done Josh.

Wet Weather & Cancellations

Any training cancellations due to wet weather will be communicated through the Parent Orbit App by 6:00AM for morning trainings and 2:30PM for afternoon trainings. We have such a short Football season and training will only be cancelled if absolutely necessary.

Year Level Coordinators

Year 5 – Mr Blair Whitlock (whitlockb@marash.qld.edu.au)

Year 6 - Ms Sharon Davidson (davidsons@marash.qld.edu.au)

Year 7 – Mr Damian Volker (volkerd@marash.qld.edu.au)

Year 8 – Ms Maddie Henry (spannm@marash.qld.edu.au)

Year 9 – Mr Marcus Schrader (schraderm@marash.qld.edu.au)

Year 10 – Mr AJ Gray (graya@marash.qld.edu.au)

Opens – Ms Kathryn Badini (badinik@marash.qld.edu.au)

Rugby League

Mr Cam Mabey - Rugby League Coordinator

AIC Rugby League Sign Up

Sign on for Rugby League 2026 is now available via the "Extra-Curricular Sign-On" tile within Parent Orbit / Student café.

All Players must be signed up to trial.

Basketball

Mr Matt Millward - Basketball Coordinator

Welcome to the new season of AIC Basketball at Marist Ashgrove College. There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to make the 2026 Basketball season enjoyable and beneficial for all participants. There is already a significant amount of interest in the season, with a large number already registered!

Sign On

2026 Basketball Season Sign On is now available on Parent Orbit and Student Cafe.

All students interested in playing Basketball in 2026 are encouraged to sign on ASAP, so you do not miss any information surrounding the season ahead.

Thank you to those who have already done so.

Key Documents

The 2026 Handbook, selection policy and key dates calendar can be accessed via Parent Orbit. Here you will be able to find key information regarding the upcoming season!

2026 Basketball Trials

CBSQ Sophomore Trials

Selection of the CBSQ Sophomore (Y7/8) squad will be based on the Year 7A and 8A Squad trials that are taking place in Weeks 5 and 6, with a squad being selected to train for and play in the CBSQ Sophomore Wildcard tournament in Brisbane on 16 and 17 June.

Cohort Trials

Trials for remaining players will commence in Week 8, and will run until the conclusion of the term. A schedule for this period will be circulated early next week.

Primary Basketball

Trials for primary school basketball will commence in Week 8, and will run until the conclusion of the term, a schedule for this period will be circulated early next week.

Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Inter-House Track and Field Carnival | Week 9

THREE WEEKS TO GO!!.. The Inter-House Track and Field Carnival is the largest school sporting event in 2026.

We are now in Week 6 of Term 2, and the Inter-House Track and Field Carnival is fast approaching in Week 9.

Pre-events will be held from Monday 15 to Wednesday 17 June, with the main carnival taking place on Friday 19 June. It promises to be an incredible day full of colour, fun, and competition. With a combination of championship events and novelty activities, there is something for every student to enjoy and take part in.

For students nominated in championship events, Mr Rob Martin is running his usual Sunday afternoon training sessions. These are a great opportunity to prepare and perform at your best early in the season.

Back to back champions in 2024 and 2025, Ignatius House, will be looking for a three-peat this year, and with every point counting, all students are encouraged to get involved and give their best.

Marist Track and Field | Sunday Sessions

For those students wanting to get a head start or start the season strongly, Mr Rob Martin will continue to run his usual Sunday sessions. The Sunday sessions are an excellent introduction. We have some exceptional coaches leading these sessions, and creating an environment of learning and enjoyment. Some benefits include -

1. Improvement in technique and speed.

2. Technical development for throws.

3. Improved repeat speed / conditioning.

WHEN: Sunday afternoons

WHERE: Hayden Oval

TIME: 3:15-4:45pm

DRESS: Marist sport shirt, Marist sports shorts, white or blue socks.

Marist Track and Field | Sign On

Parents - please find the Extra-Curricular tile on Parent Orbit to find information regarding sign on. Students who wish to be involved in the Track and Field program, you are able to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup and edit or update any medical details.

This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and to deliver the necessary resources, and ensures all relevant information is forwarded to you via communication channels.

Marist Track and Field | Camp (SAVE THE DATE)

Following our success at the 2025 AIC Primary and Secondary Championship and win at the National Schools Challenge (Intermediate Division), the Track and Field program continues to provide excellent opportunities for students to be involved in a high-quality program.

The Track and Field Camp is a vital component of the team’s preparation for the AIC Championship. Over 2½ days, students will receive high-level coaching and mentoring from an exceptional team of specialists including National and Olympic-level coaches across various track and field disciplines.

Attendance at the camp is by invitation only and invitations will be sent to selected students in late August. Selection is based on a range of factors, including performance, attitude, attendance and team composition.

This camp provides an outstanding opportunity for students to refine their skills, build team camaraderie, and gain valuable insights from elite-level coaches as we prepare to defend both our AIC Secondary and AIC Primary Championship trophies.

Camp Information

Dates: Thursday 17 – Saturday 19 September 2026

Venues: Sleeman Sports Complex (Accommodation) / UQ Track and Field (Training and Performance)

Marist Track and Field – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_sports

Marist College has continued to showcase incredible moments in Track and Field again this year, from Year 5 victories to exceptional feats by our Year 12 students, all vividly captured on our social media pages.