Sport

Cricket

SPC 1st XI: SPC 8/103 def Ballarat Grammar 10/89 

After losing the toss in the first round of the 1st XI T20 season and being sent in to bat, it was trouble early losing two wickets in the first over before falling to 3/8 not long after. While wickets continued to fall at one end, it was Lachlan Rea who was carrying the innings to keep the side somewhat in the game. With a big partnership needed every time a wicket fell the game felt further out of reach on what was a nice pitch considering the start of the season. 

At 7/42 it was looking very ugly, however a 20-run stand with Tyler Kelly and then a further 40-run stand with Lewis Harrington meant we were in the game thanks to Lachie's 57 not out leading us to the 103 total. Jack McMahon (11) and Lewis Harrington (10 not out) the only other players to reach double figures. 

Dot balls and early pressure the key message heading into the bowling innings, the Grammar top order were solid without troubling the scorers too much meant we were in the game as they found themselves 1/40 after 10 overs and below the required run rate. 

Wickets in the shed meant they were in the box seat, however the belief was still there if we could get a few quick wickets. With the run rate remaining stagnant, the pressure built and the wickets came. After Ryder O'Brien's two in two balls and wickets to Tyler Kelly, Jack McMahon and a screamer from Albie Cheeseman to remove the Grammar captain off the bowling of Xavier Coutts meant we were in control late.

A staggering five wickets for two runs at the death thanks to the bowling of Man of the Match, Lachie Rea and also Oliver Behrens - we went on to win the game by 14 runs. 

A great start to the T20 season for the 1st XI.

Year 9 & 10 (SPC Blue)

This talented group of young players have been plying their trade on a Wednesday afternoon in the BAS 1st XI cricket competition. Playing above their age group, this is a great opportunity to develop our cricketers against strong opposition. This is a great foundational program for these players as they are up against players much older and physically bigger than they are. 

 Luke Weidemann (Capt) has led the side well and has been well supported by players such as Will Steenhuis, Luke Irvin, Harry Hopkinson and Aayush Ahlawat. The future of our cricket program looks bright.

BAS 2nd XI Cricket: SPC 5/105 def by Ballarat Grammar 3/106

The 1st Round of 2nd XI cricket for Term 4 saw us host Ballarat Grammar in perfect conditions on Main Oval. After a couple of no shows, Joey Wesley was called up from the Boarding House to support the skipper Hunter Vansomeren and give us 10 players.

Batting first we were off to a steady start with Dane Lafranchi and Henry Williams. Dane was the first to fall, run out for five attempting a difficult second. Ryan Cook arrived late after doing some extra classwork. Together, they put on 64 before Henry was out for a well compiled 41 with five boundaries. 

Eamon Wakefield and Hunter were both dismissed cheaply but Ryan held the innings together, before he was dismissed off the final ball for a great 42. Harry Clark finished not out on one, as we finished with a respectable 5/103.

Defending 103 would always be difficult with only 10 players. Hunter and Joey Wesley opened the bowling and kept Grammar to only 15 from the first four overs. Eamon Wakefield 0/22 from three and Ryan Cook 0/22 from three kept the game close. Zephyr Neihus bowled extremely well to claim a wicket to give us a faint hope of victory. Azaad Madahar 0/9 from two and Henry William 0/10 from two forced Grammar into the 20th over. But with only one required for victory we were unable to defend and a quick single, which saw Grammar victorious with four balls to spare. A great team effort to start the season.

Tennis

BAS Junior Tennis: SPC White

Team White may not have taken the win against Ballarat Clarendon College, but they were great sports and had plenty of fun!

Lauchlan Hill and Dyson Griffiths battled through an incredible 17 deuces in one game, while Joshua Titheridge and Aden Norman-Hade kept everyone entertained with a thrilling rally that went back and forth countless times.

A fantastic effort from all the boys — full of energy, teamwork, and respect to their opponents.

Communication

The best form of communication we have with parent/guardians is via the Parent Access Module (PAM). Students require permission to participate in all sport. Parent/guardians will receive the information through a PAM activity permission. Please ensure that you read the information prior to giving permission and that you also talk to students about the information. 

The daily messages are one of the best ways we can distribute information to students about sports that are on offer and where sign up meetings will be held. Students should check the daily messages regularly.

Once students have signed up for a sport, we will be adding them into a MS Teams group where they can communicate directly with their coach. Students must communicate with their coach if they are unavailable for a match so we can find a replacement to ensure we have a full team for each match.

If students are unsure of how to sign up for a sport or want more information, they can visit sports staff in the gymnasium. 

SPC Sport Uniform

All sport uniforms can be purchased at Dobsons Uniform Shop, located in Mair St, Ballarat. Students need to ensure they are in the correct uniform to participate in Sport. We have a fantastic uniform, and students should wear the Green, White and Blue with pride. 

The general sport uniform is the navy blue polo top, navy shorts and white socks. Certain sports will require very specific clothing e.g. 1st XI Cricketers require SPC Whites, SPC cricket shirt and SPC cricket cap. Students should check with their coach as to what is required. Also remember to wear sunscreen at all times.

I wish all students and coaches the best in 2025. Always play the game in the right spirit, wear the correct uniform and respect the facilities, home and away. St Patrick’s College is steeped in sporting tradition and 2024 was an historic year for Sport at SPC. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me (jlappin@stpats.vic.edu.au) or our Sports Administrator Mr Simon Dwyer (sdwyer@stpats.vic.edu.au) at the College with any questions.