Sport

GWR Football - Year 9/10 Girls

The Year 9/10 girls football team should be incredibly proud of the way they represented the school throughout the day.  After narrowly losing our opening game against Emmanuel College, there was some uncertainty around how the group would respond, particularly knowing it would be the only game the talented Pohl sisters, Leayla, Mikela and Anika would be available for.  Losing players of that calibre could easily have unsettled the group, however the girls instead rallied together and proved that talent, toughness, speed and resilience existed right across the squad.

From that point on, the girls elevated their football to another level.  Against Horsham College, they produced a dominant performance in what became a demolition derby.  The coastal division sides struggled to contain the pressure, run and determination of our girls, who continued their astronomical rise throughout the carnival before eventually culminating in a hard fought victory against Mount Clear.

Going into the final match, I believed Mount Clear may tire after travel and already playing three games.  Instead, they came out firing and provided our girls with their toughest challenge of the day.  To our players’ credit, they absorbed the pressure, stayed composed and fought the game out brilliantly.

There were several standout individual performances across the carnival.  Molly Sevior was dominant in the ruck and later provided a strong target forward in the final game. Georgie Harris was arguably our most valuable player of the day.  Fresh off kicking 13 goals for Cavendish in the WVFFL, she finished the carnival with four goals of her own. Georgie also became my “fix it” player through the midfield, using her experience, leadership and drive to send the ball deep forward while organising “the wall” defensively to trap the ball in our attacking half.

Molly Barry was instrumental all day as a key forward target.  Her marking was outstanding and she became a focal point of our attack, finishing the carnival with five majors across the games.  Ruby Spong also had an excellent day, spending time both rucking and forward, highlighted by a fantastic goal.

Tyler Tuckey tried convincing me she did not know how to play forward, however almost immediately after being moved there she booted a goal.  I think she may have been having me on.  Lexi Thomas looked as though she had played football every weekend of her life, showing composure and skill around the contest.  Darcy Rolls displayed real fight, grit and determination, with an obvious desire to improve and win the football.  Jane Cunningham provided important run and energy through the midfield throughout the day.

Arlee Wilson started the carnival forward, but after being swung into the backline became the full stop on opposition attacks.  Eliza Smith was also impressive down back, taking several strong marks and reading the play well.  Crystal Maina also impressed when given her opportunity.  Her willingness to run and gun with the football inspired others around her to take the game on and attack with confidence.

For first time players such as Hannah Lambert and Delaney Hol, I was extremely impressed with their skill, courage and willingness to compete.  Both showed genuine potential and I would strongly encourage them to continue pursuing football.  Jorja Hardy also demonstrated exactly why she is such an important player for Branxholme, bringing her experience, composure and football knowledge to the group.

Most importantly, the girls played for each other all day.  Their teamwork, resilience, encouragement and willingness to rise to every challenge made the entire day a fantastic success and one the team should be incredibly proud of.

All WVFFL clubs that had girls represent our GWR team should also be incredibly proud of the leadership, sportsmanship and skill their players displayed throughout the carnival.  In particular, Portland, Hamilton, Cavendish and Branxholme Wallacedale were exceptionally well represented by their girls, whose efforts both on and off the field helped drive the team’s success.

 Goals:

• Molly Barry 5
• Georgie Harris 4
• Tyler Tuckey 2
• Ruby Spong 1

 Best:  1st Georgie Harris

Mr Richard Brown

Coach

GD Football -  Year 9/10 Boys

Perfect weather set the stage for an outstanding day of football.  The boys kicked off with a strong victory over Good Shepherd College, followed by a hard-fought close contest against Portland Secondary College.  The final match against Bayview College determined the overall winner, and our team rose to the occasion.  Dominating from the first whistle, they secured the victory and brought home the title.  Well done, boys!

GD Football - Year 11/12 Boys

On Monday, 4 May, a team of Year 11/12 boys headed to Pedrina Park to compete in the Glenelg Division football.  The boys displayed a strong performance throughout the whole day remaining undefeated against competitors;  The Hamilton and Alexandra College and Bayview College.  Well done to all the boys' efforts and congratulations to the best performers:  Gus, George, Jett, Matt and Kareem.

Ms Sarah Byron

Sports Coordinator

GD & GWR Cross Country

On 11th May, Monivae sent a group of around 40 students off to Casterton Secondary College to compete in the Glenelg Division Cross Country.  Despite the early morning dew the students tackled the wet, muddy paddocks, climbing up and down the neverending hills.  Everyone gave both the 3km and 5km courses their best effort which resulted in Monivae winning both the girls aggregate and the overall aggregate.  Congratulations to Leayla Pohl on winning her individual age group (16 year girls) and to everyone else who participated on the day. 

Two weeks later, on 26th May, Monivae competed at the Greater Western Region Cross Country held at Albert Park (Reid Oval) in Warrnambool.  The icy weather didn’t deter our runners as they embraced the wind, grateful that the rain held off during the event. Congratulations to Leayla Pohl for again winning the individual age champion in the 16 year girls.  Thank you to Miss Pembroke and Mr Molan for their support on the day, ensuring all Monivae students gave their best effort.

Congratulations to the following students who have qualified for the State Cross Country in Melbourne early next term.

• Leayla Pohl
• Gwyneth Homer
• Lily Johnstone
• Ruby Fitzpatrick
• Noah O’Connor
• Archie Templeton

Holly Rook

Cross Country Captain