Sport News

Mr Derek Lennon, Head of Sport

Another term of Marist sport has come to an end and didn’t we finish with a bang! Last Saturday saw Marist host the basketball and tennis and the senior AIC rugby league round, featuring seven schools. It was a really positive and collegial atmosphere around the campus as we played fixtures in all three sports against St Edmund’s College.

Marist had a successful day overall with a dominant set of results across all three sports. The 1st IV tennis won 8-0, the 1st XIII rugby league won 74-0 and unfortunately, the 1st V basketball went down 59-67. Overall, in basketball, we won 19 matches out of 23 with many strong team performances across the program. Congratulations to all the boys on a fine season. The 1st V finished in third place overall and we finished fourth in the aggregate.

The following teams have finished the season undefeated:

4th V
11B
7B
7C
7D

Thank you to Mr John Lambourne (Co-ordinator), Mr Corey Robinson (Junior Co-ordinator), Mr James Lidstone (1st V Coach) and all the coaches and support staff who have worked tirelessly this season to support our boys.

Our 1st IV tennis team were still in the hunt to claim the premiership, and we did our bit to defeat St Edmund’s, but St Peters had a good win to win both the 1sts and the aggregate trophies. We won the day 12 matches to 0. Both our 1st IV and the program finished in second place in a fine season for our tennis program.

The following teams finished the season undefeated:

Thank you to Mr Andrew Ward (Co-ordinator and Head Coach) and all the staff who were involved in the tennis program. It was a hugely successful year all around in tennis and something everyone should be very proud of, with room to grow further in 2025.

Rugby league was the winner on Saturday as Marist hosted St Edmund’s, Padua College, Iona College, St Patrick’s, St Laurence’s and St Peters. The boys enjoyed running out on a pristine McMahon Oval on a glorious, sunny day, and it was reflected in the results with 9 wins and 0 losses, culminating in the 1st XIII winning comfortably. Overall, we finished second in the 1st XIII and we won the aggregate shield in front of Iona by half a point.

Our undefeated teams in rugby league were:

2nd XIII
10A
9A

Thank you to Mr Ryan Apps (Co-ordinator), 1sts coaches Mr Dallas Williams and Mr Patrick Conn, and all the staff and coaches who give up their time to mentor our boys each week. Our rugby league program continues to develop year on year, in no small part down to the commitment of the staff and the community involved.

Thank you in advance to our track and field staff who are attending track and field camp this weekend and assisting with holiday meets during the break. These activities continue to play an important part in our overall preparation for the 2024 AIC Track and Field Championships next term.

Tennis

Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis

Wow, it’s over already—feels like we just got started, and now I’m here writing the final wrap-up. Time really does fly when you’re racking up wins!

First things first, a massive thank you to all the parents. Your unwavering support, your weekly time sacrifices, and your tireless efforts to ensure your sons arrived at every match (and on time!) were nothing short of heroic. Without you, we’d have fewer victories and more frantic text messages asking, “Where’s my racquet?”

Now, to the main event: This season, we didn’t just show up—we showed off. With two Premierships under our belt and two undefeated teams in 5A and 5B, it’s safe to say we had a season for the ages. And while some teams didn’t get to bask in Premiership glory, they still played their hearts out, making this year one to remember :

Out of 127 matches played over the season, Marist won 97 and lost 30, with 12 of our 30 losses against St Peters. Best season in a long time.

Here’s a look at the final standings.

1st IV: Runner-up with 6 wins and just 1 loss (so close, we could practically smell the trophy)
2nd IV: Equal second with 5 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss (not bad for a team that apparently enjoys variety)
3rd IV: Equal third with 4 wins and 3 losses (consistency is key—sometimes)
4th IV: Sixth place with 1 win and 5 losses (the "character-building" team)
10A: Fifth place with 3 wins and 4 losses (strong middle-of-the-pack performance)
10B: Second place with 6 wins and 1 loss (just one win shy of ultimate glory)
9A: Second place with 6 wins and 1 loss (clearly, 6 wins is the magic number this season)
9B: Equal first with 6 wins and 1 draw (Premiership winners, because sharing is caring)
8A: Equal third with 4 wins and 3 losses (a solid effort in a competitive field)
8B: Third place with 5 wins and 2 losses (a respectable finish)
7A: Equal third with 4 wins and 3 losses (the "just keep swinging" team)
7B: First place with 7 wins and 0 losses (Premiership winners, undefeated, untouchable)

Primary Teams:

6A: Second place with 5 wins and 2 losses (just one step away from greatness)
6B: Equal third with 4 wins and 3 losses (a solid mix of highs and learning experiences)
5A: First place with 7 wins and 0 losses (undefeated and unstoppable)
5B: First place with 7 wins and 0 losses (also undefeated, making the rest of us wonder what’s in the 5B water)

To sum it up, we didn’t just meet expectations—we exceeded them. Every player, every match, and every rally contributed to an extraordinary season. Whether they walked away with a Premiership or a few extra life lessons, I couldn’t be prouder of how far these teams have come.

So, as we close the chapter on this season, let’s give one last cheer to the players, the parents, and anyone who endured our constant discussions about string tension and top spin. You’re the real MVPs! Until next season—let’s do it all again, but with even more ace serves!

1st IV report by Henry Lambley

Last week, we wrapped up our season in style, taking on a determined St Edmund's side eager to end their campaign on a high note. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go quite as they planned.

We came out firing in the doubles, with both pairs delivering a pair of 6-0 masterclasses, rocketing us to a 2-0 lead before the singles even began. Fletcher, playing in the top spot, and Hamish continued their campaigns of domination, each securing flawless 6-0, 6-0 victories. Their serves were untouchable, their power, otherworldly—a real treat unless you happened to be on the other side of the net.

Lachie, not to be outdone, followed suit with his own 6-0, 6-0 win, showing off his finishing flair. I, however, decided to be a little more generous in my final match for Ashgrove, handing my opponent a couple of games before winning 6-0, 6-2. (One mustn’t appear too ruthless, after all).

With the team up 6-0 and victory assured, Mr Ward and I seized the chance for a feel-good moment. We decided to debut Oscar Darwin, pairing him with Harry White for their final Ashgrove outing, subbing in for Hamish and me. These legends have been playing since Year 5, so what better way to say "thank you" than by throwing them into the deep end for one last hurrah?

Meanwhile, Lachie and Fletcher cruised to a breezy 6-1 victory, but the real action was happening next door. Harry and Oscar had a bit of a wobbly start, finding themselves 5-1 down. But what followed was nothing short of cinematic. Oscar unleashed a barrage of first serves that left scorch marks on the court, while Harry delivered some jaw-dropping groundstrokes. They clawed their way back to 5-5, and in a nail-biting finish, pulled off a stunning 7-5 win. It was the tennis equivalent of a comeback from the dead. For their heroics, Harry and Oscar were named joint MVPs for Round 7—totally deserved after pulling off that Houdini act.

In the end, we walked away with a commanding 8-0 victory, securing second place for the season. After that heartbreaking loss to St Peter’s, the boys showed grit, determination, and more than a little flair to finish strong. Huge thanks to all the parents who faithfully supported us week in and week out—you deserve an MVP title of your own!

Term 4 Coaching

We’re now taking bookings for Term 4, and it’s looking like a race to the finish line with students scrambling to join our Squad program. The earlier you book, the better, because those prime-time slots are disappearing fast. Don’t be that person stuck with a 10:00pm session because you waited too long!

Our group classes this term will be on Monday afternoons and Thursday mornings. If you’re looking for some serious court time, here’s what we’re offering in the Squad lineup:

Preparation Squad: For the budding tennis stars just starting out. It’s the first step on your tennis journey, where we turn "what’s a backhand?" into "watch this backhand!"
Junior Development: For those ready to step into the world of match play. Here, students will start identifying their strengths (smashing forehands) and weaknesses (accidentally hitting the ball into orbit).
Tournament Squad: This is where things get tactical. We’ll dive deep into swing patterns, strategy, and how to outsmart your opponent. Think of it as chess but with sweat and racquets.
High-Performance Squad: For the tennis elite, the chosen few who can already hit with power and precision. Here, the focus is on consistency, knowing when to unleash that big shot, and, of course, being unstoppable on all fronts.

Hurry up and grab your spot before the only time left is sunrise.

Jade is ready to take any bookings or give help if needed.

MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au

Holiday Clinics

Looking for a fun way to level up your tennis game and cool off with a swim? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, our tennis program is running for two weeks, Monday to Wednesday, 8:00am to 11:30am - perfect for students in Years 5 to 9.

Each day will be packed with tennis drills, skills, and matches to boost your game, followed by a refreshing swim to chill out after all the action. Yes, you heard that right—bring the swimmers and a towel.

For all bookings please contact Jade on the above email.

Marist Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

AIC Practice Meet #3

Last Thursday afternoon and evening at the State Athletics Facility (SAF), the Track and Field squad had another excellent day of competition at AIC Practice Meet #3. It was great to see all the AIC schools again competing in preparation for the AIC Championship in Term 4.

There were some outstanding individual performances, showcasing both the hard work of our students and the coaching group. It was especially great to see the age groups starting to come together in the relays, building on the teamwork and unity the team has created throughout the season. The real strength of Marist Track and Field continues to be the depth across the entire team.

Thanks to every student for the way they have embraced the AIC meets. It has been a very easy and enjoyable event each week to be a part of.

Track and Field Camp (Thursday 12 – Saturday 14 September)

Invitations to the annual Track and Field camp have gone out and the squad is looking forward to assembling for the 2.5-day camp. The camp will be held from Thursday 12 September to Saturday 14 September.

This year the camp will take place at Marist College, the Sleeman Sports Complex (Chandler) and the University of Queensland athletics track.

A further addition to this year’s camp is the one-day invitation to a group of Year 6 students. A significant part of the program is the teamwork and unity within the squad, and the invitation to the Year 6 students is a further demonstration of the importance of the depth needed to win both AIC Secondary and AIC Primary championships.

Term 3 T&F Meets

For all students wishing to earn a spot on the team, the final Track and Field practice meet is on this week –

Wednesday 11 September – AIC Practice Meet #4 (SAF – State Athletics Facility)

It would be great to see all students wishing to be a part of the team attend the last meet as it is an important part of the preparation as the team challenges for a 10th successive AIC Secondary Championship and a 4th successive AIC Primary Championship.

September Holiday Training and Practice Meets

Keep an eye out for training days and times on the Marist app.

Practice Meets will be held on Thursday 19 and Thursday 26 September. More information will be available on the Marist app next week.

Track and Field Uniform

Thanks to everyone for their support with this matter. We have had the majority of students training and competing in the correct uniform.

With the AIC Practice Meets already underway and the AIC Championship coming up quickly, a reminder that the DRESS CODE for all T&F training sessions is as per the 2024 Track and Field Handbook. MCA sports shirts / Marist T&F singlet, Marist sports shorts, and white or blue socks.

For competitive events including Internal Mini Meets, the DRESS CODE is as per the 2024 Track and Field Handbook. Marist T&F singlet, Marist sports shorts, and white or blue socks.

Please use the time now to make sure you have the correct uniform as we will be competing in the AIC Championship AS A TEAM wearing this uniform.

Safety Notice – Hayden Oval

Thank you to everyone for their continued support with this. It has made the training sessions a lot safer and a lot more enjoyable.

Could I ask everyone to remain focussed on safety when Track and Field training is on Hayden Oval? Discus, shot put and javelin training is Monday and Wednesday afternoons.

At any time you are walking across Hayden Oval or wanting to enter the tennis courts area, please adhere to the following safety guidelines:

Look for Bunting, Signs, and Witches Hats: These markers are placed to indicate restricted areas.

Safe Route: To move between the bus stop and tennis courts, please use the road up to the new primary building and the stairs closest to the tennis shed. Please do not walk across Hayden Oval.

Your cooperation is essential in ensuring everyone's safety during training sessions. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Track and Field Handbook

Please see the Marist app for the 2024 Track and Field Handbook.

The Handbook includes the relevant Track and Field information for students and parents / guardians. If you have any further questions, please contact Mr Richard Graham.

Marist Track and Field – Sunday Sessions

This year, Marist College will be looking to win its 10th successive AIC Track and Field Championship. To be successful, a lot of planning, commitment and effort goes into the program across the calendar year.

For all students wanting to train, Mr Rob Martin will continue to run his usual Sunday sessions. Please see below details -

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 – 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.

Marist Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Australian U18 Rugby Squad

Congratulations to 1st XV captain Tom Howard on his selection into the 40-man Australian U18 Rugby Squad for 2024. Tom had an outstanding year in the 1st XV and thoroughly deserves his selection.

The Australian U18 team is the highest level of national representation in this age group providing school and non-school-based players the opportunity to represent their country.

The 40-man squad will go into camp in Canberra where they will train and play games before selecting a final squad of 26 players to tour New Zealand.

In New Zealand, the team will play two tests, against the New Zealand Schools Barbarians (Wednesday 2 October) and the New Zealand Secondary Schools (Sunday 6 October).

It is a busy time with exams and we wish Tom all our best in his preparation for both his exams and also his selection in the final Australian U18 team.

U16 Emerging Reds Cup

Congratulations to Josh Heinrich, Archie Searle, Taj Cook and Will Bagnall for their selection in the upcoming U16 Emerging Reds Cup. The competition provides players the chance to play amongst and against the best talent possible in Queensland.

Both Josh and Will have been selected for the U16 Brisbane White team, whilst Archie and Taj have been selected for the U16 Brisbane Grey team.

The Reds U16 squad is selected at the end of the Emerging Reds Cup. That chosen squad plays in the Super Rugby U16 competition against other Super Rugby franchises.

We wish the students all the best for the competition.

The Armidale School Rugby Carnival 2025 – U12 EOI

We are excited to announce that Marist College Ashgrove will be registering for a place in The Armidale School Rugby Carnival for U12s on 12 and 13 April 2025. Registration for the carnival takes place on Monday 16 September with confirmation of a place shortly after.

The carnival is a significant event in the junior rugby calendar, and as per carnival rules, we are looking forward to selecting a strong team of 20 students to represent the College. To ensure ample preparation for families, and also for the staff and students, team selection will take place in Term 4, 2024, with trials scheduled for Weeks 2 and 3.

Due to the carnival being an age group event and not a year level event, and the urgency to start organising, we will be selecting a team based on the below criteria -

Please note, to be eligible:

Students must be born in 2013
Students must be enrolled at the College in 2024

Given the popularity of the carnival, and based on advice from the organisers and schools who are regular participants, we have been told that accommodation will need to be secured ASAP. Students will be required to travel to Armidale and stay with their own families, and early team selection will allow time for planning and organisation. Along with the 20 students selected, an additional 3-5 students will be named as standbys which I understand is a difficult scenario for those involved.

For those interested in participating, please go to Parent Portal > Extra Curricular > XV Rugby > U12 and register your interest.

We understand the challenge of organising planning so far out from the event and also the challenges with team selection amidst Term 1 AIC sports preparations, and we appreciate your understanding and support.

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

In 2024, the College continues to deliver 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 is 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.