Senior School Sport

As Term 2 ended, I don’t think anybody would have thought we were going to head into another lockdown. This lockdown saw some Newsletter deadlines get moved and as such we have not been able to report on Term 2 MCS Winter finals.

Rugby League and Football both had successful seasons in 2021 with four teams from each code playing in the Grand Final series. To come away with six premierships over the two weeks was such a great way to reward all the boys for their efforts throughout a season that experienced numerous interruptions. Please read below for our Grand Final wrap up.

This wave of good form carried over with three students representing NSWCCC at the NSW All Schools Championships. Congratulations to the boys for their effort, leadership and their commitment to their sport.

So where does that leave the College for sport for the rest of 2021?

Term 4 MCS competitions have to be organised but will be under some cloud of restrictions, if and when we return to inter-school sport. As you would be aware, we have several restrictions in place when we returned from the previous lockdown in 2020. I would not be surprised if these restrictions and more were put in place to see the re-instalment of inter-school sport in a timely manner. 

Our Thursday sporting competition and CSNSW pathway, MCS, will be moving through a transition period as we close the year. Three schools involved in MCS (Patrician Brothers Fairfield, Trinity Catholic College Auburn and Marist College Eastwood) will be departing and joining the Sydney Diocese Sporting Association. The remaining seven schools involved in MCS are aiming to fulfil all weekly and representative pathways for the MCS Association. School sport will still exist as we move into and beyond 2022.

As always, I will endeavour to keep you updated on our College Sports program as it happens as we move forwards.

MCS Rugby League

1st Grade League (18) def Patrician Brothers Blacktown (10)

After a convincing win over Fairfield in the MCS semi-final, the St Greg’s 1st Grade team took on Blacktown Patrician Brothers in the MCS Grand Final. After our assistant coach Stephen Bullock said to Coach Michael Bullock “let’s see if we can have a good start for once!” we, unfortunately, dropped the ball off the kickoff. We turned them away and got in a tussle in the middle of the field to become our own worst enemy with a drop ball and penalties, for them to get down our end and score in the corner.

0-4.

We gained momentum with some great runs and winning the ruck, capitalising with a barge over try from Thomas Carroll and a conversion made by Jack Rule 6-4. Some poor choices and ball handling from both teams saw the halftime score stay at 6-4, but we knew we had plenty of improvement in us!

After getting some rest and a rev up from the coach, Zak Clarke decided to take 4 defenders over the line with him and score, conversion made by Jack Rule 12-4. The St Greg’s team invited them back into the contest with another dropped ball from Blacktown’s spiralling kickoffs. They scored an easy try through the middle to make some nervous moments in the last 10 minutes at 12-10.

Attacking their line, there were plenty of scoring opportunities, however, Blacktown did well to defend their line. It took another strong carry from non-other than Zak Clarke to find his way across the white line. With Rule, making an important conversion to make it 18-10.

The boys defended their hearts out, showing great pride in the jersey to take the MCS Trophy back home.

A special mention to Jack Burrows, Oliver Kaluzyn and Lachlan McGufficke who made their 1st Grade debut in the GF!

Finals MVP: Jack Rule – Kilian

Coach: Mr Bullock

3rd Grade League (14) def St Dominic’s (10)

MCS Premiers

The Third-Grade team went into the Grand final as the underdogs. St Dominic’s had gone through the season undefeated and had previously defeated the St Greg’s team. With the season drawing to a close the Third-Grade team were without many players due to injury and school business to attend to. 

We fielded 16 players and two of the players on the bench were carrying injuries. There were no complaints or concerns from the team and there was a buzz of calm confidence and nervousness. A determined and courageous Third-Grade team took to the field ready to perform to the best of their ability. 

The game started with some nervous ball handling. The team would go into halftime four-nil down. The second half would see both teams settle down and some great ball running from Dean Bartolo, Fergus Shelton and Oliver Barrett set a good platform for the halves. Caiden Brincat had a great game at hooker exposing the St Dominic’s defence with great darting runs. Harrison Quinn started to organise the team and got the team moving forward, from a great line break and chip and chase he was able to set up Braith Macbeth for our first try. St Dominic’s were quick to reply and would run the length of the field to score next to the post making the score 10 - 6. A great fightback from the St Greg’s team started and a strong ball carry from Salvatore Cavaleri would result in a fine try. 10-10. 

Brodie Evans, Joseph Fealofani, Jack Williams and Bailey Johnson had excellent games. Harrison Wakeling and Alec McDonnell worked tirelessly all game tackling themselves to a standstill. Ben Whyte, Thomas Chell and Josh Yu offered great support throughout the game. 

It would be late in the game when Harrison Quinn would again attack the St Dominic’s defence and a clever kick would see Salvatore Cavaleri score his second try, bringing the score to 14 -10 in St Greg’s favour. The score would remain 14 -10 and Salvatore Cavaleri would be named MVP.

Finals MVP: Salvatore Cavaleri - Laurentian

Coach: Mr Cave

13A Rugby League (10) were defeated by Patrician Brothers Blacktown (40)

St Greg’s under 13A’s took on Blacktown in the MCS Grand Final. After a slow start in defence, the team found themselves down by a try. The boys were then able to pick up their defence which allowed the attack to flow, resulting in two quick tries pushing us in front. Some great attack from Blacktown just before halftime made them ahead at the break. 

After another slow start to the second half, St Gregory’s found themselves down by 4 tries. Although this didn’t stop the St Greg’s boys who showed great resilience scoring another try before the end of the game. Unfortunately, Blacktown was too good on the day taking the championship. 

Congratulations to the St Greg’s boys who played well and had a great season. Other congratulations to Ashton Large who was named the Finals MVP for St Greg’s and also captained the side.

MVP: Ashton Large

Coaches: Mr Allen and Mr Singh

13B Rugby League (36) defeated Patrician Brothers Blacktown II (16)

MCS Premiers

The 13B’s displayed a great game of football in their first Grand Final for St Greg’s. The boys started the game very strong with Joshua Vella scoring early in the game and successfully converting his own try. Blacktown came back and scored 2 consecutive tries, but our boys kept their heads held high. Kye Penfold scored a breakaway try which gave the boys the confidence they needed; this try was the beginning of a scoring frenzy for St Greg’s. The remaining tries were scored by Ashton Tsagalas who bagged a double, Kye Penfold for another try, Oscar Saunders and Ewan Murgha. The final score for the game was 36-16 with Man of the Match going to Ashton Tsagalas who was phenomenal in attack and defence throughout the game. 

Great effort to the 13B’s and congratulations on your first Grand Final win for the College, and hopefully there will be many more to come!

Finals MVP: Ashton Tsagalas - Laurentian

Coaches: Mr Hastie and Mrs Dooner

MCS Football Grand Finals

Year 10 Football (2) defeated Patrician Brothers Blacktown (1) 

MCS Premiers

In our toughest game of the season, the boys really stood up and showed why they had been the best team in the competition all season. Even though the rain caused a wet and slippery surface, we stuck to our regular game plan, playing a free-flowing passing game that had been so successful this year. As usual, our midfield took control with Tommy Gee, Cameron Ryder and Cooper West busy on the ball. Our defenders in Frank John Murdocca and Sam Gelder worked hard in shutting down the opposition wingers and were always a safe outlet when we were in possession. They often linked up with our wide players in Cooper Mangan and Jai Bista whose skill and speed really caused trouble for the Blacktown defenders. Bryce Bell had an enormous first half upfront not only creating chances but shutting down the ball in our attacking third. Bryce and the other attackers were so successful that Blacktown resorted to long balls. This resulted in our centre backs, Harry Elson and Andrew Salian being extremely busy. They did a great job in restricting the Blacktown players from creating too many real chances and were able to win possession and kick start our attacks as well.

We had the lead from some great work down the right-hand side. The cross was sent into the box with Cameron Ryder surging forward to meet the cross with a well-timed volley that whizzed past their goalkeeper. The boys were pumped to be in front in the final.

Xander Benad was introduced, and he had some extra speed down the left flank which caused Blacktown some headaches. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find another goal and conceded in the final minute of the half. Yet another long ball from our opposition bounced down our right-hand side, with Sam willing it over the sideline when their attacker snuck around Sam to keep it in then sent a speculative shot goalward. In the wet and slippery conditions, goalkeeper Cameron Salter was unable to keep the ball from crossing the line.

At halftime the team was dejected after copping the equaliser and Blacktown sprang out of the blocks buoyed by their lucky goal. Expecting our goalie Cameron to miss every ball, Blacktown shot at goal early and often. Our defence was such that these were nearly exclusively long-range attempts and Cameron had no difficulty in dealing with them.

The go-ahead goal came from an unlikely source. Left Back Frank John Murdocca!!! When we were awarded a free kick on the left side of the field near the top of the box, we pushed forward the tall timber looking for a header from the cross. Frank had other ideas. While we lined up at the far post, Frank took a shot and expertly steered it past the keeper. There was a great roar from the parents in the crowd and the players all flooded our new team hero.

Lachlan Good and Bryce Lawrence were injected into the game off the bench and the fresh legs helped relieve the pressure applied by a desperate Blacktown team. Cooper West stepped up defensively in the midfield. His physical tussle with one of the bigger key players in the opposition was essential in ensuring we didn’t let Blacktown back into the game.

In the dying minutes, the ball found its way into our box with Harry and Andrew pressured by two opponents in a tense standoff when it was ricocheting around and could have landed anywhere. The ball popped out and landed at Cameron Ryders feet, who sent the ball sky high out of our danger zone. Not too long afterwards the referee blew full time and St Greg’s was the Year 10 MCS Football champions for 2021. Cooper West was judged Player of the Match and awarded a match ball.

Finals MVP: Cooper West - Kilian

Coach: Mr McGovern

Year 9 Football (2) defeated Greystanes (1)

MCS Premiers

The stadium was set, 'Blacktown Sports Park', the opposition, 'St Paul’s Greystanes' whilst the weather was wet and blistering cold for the MCS Grand Final. Our opponents were victorious in the 2019 Grand Final, which gave our boys extra incentive to win back the trophy for St Gregory's. 

After watching our Year 7 team go down 3-2 in a very tight contest (versus St Paul's) the Year 9 squad were keen to put their stamp on proceedings. After a strong warm-up, and some inspirational words from our College Principal, Mr Lee MacMaster and team Captain, Cooper Ross the boys were ready. I would like to thank the Year 7 and Year 10 St Greg's finalists who made a guard of honour/ tunnel for the boys to enter the field, both teams were very supportive throughout the match. 

St Greg's started the match in a strong fashion, dominating possession and chances in the opening 15 minutes. Despite this, it was St Paul’s who would take the lead after a long ball into the box was ruled to have struck a St Greg's player’s hand, with the referee awarding a penalty kick. Despite Adam Papaleo's best effort in goals making the initial save, Adam was unable to keep out the rebounding shot. At this point, the boys lost a bit of confidence and structure as they felt a bit hard done by. Despite this, the boys continued to battle and create chances. Just before halftime, the team was rewarded when Captain- Cooper Ross smashed home a right-foot drive from close range after a St Greg's corner. The goal was well deserved and gave the boys a lift going into the break. 

The second half was an even battle with both teams creating good chances. Our backline was excellent (as they have been all season) and limited St Paul's chances to counter-attacking efforts. After a great battle, the match finished 1-1 and extra time would be required to determine the winner. The teams would drop off to 9 players per side and then in the second half of golden goal 7 players per side before match-winner 'Mason Hunter' took a chance and placed a powerful shot from 25-30 metres beyond the St Paul's keeper. A spectacular way to win a Grand Final as the St Greg's squad erupted with joy. 

A special congratulations to Coby Holland who was awarded Finals MVP and was given the match ball as his reward. I would like to commend all boys on their effort throughout the season. On and off the park the team were a joy to coach each week. 

Finals MVP: Coby Holland - Donovan

Coach: Mr Goodhew

Year 7A Football (2) were defeated by Greystanes (3)

With much enthusiasm and some nerves, we headed out to Blacktown for our Grand Final. It was a cold and miserable day but there was significant excitement in the air. After a stirring speech by Mr MacMaster on the bus, we were on our way. 

Experiencing their first St Greg’s tunnel running on the pitch, the boys were pumped. The whistle blows and within 4 minutes Max performs an overhead kick that goes desperately close to putting us up by 1. It was miraculously saved by the keeper. As the rain started coming down stronger and a very solid start by our boys, the tides turned to Greystanes favour with successive goals in the 7th and 12th minute of the 1st half with a couple of clever through balls by the opposition. You could see the boy’s enthusiasm and confidence drop. Not deterred, led by Max and Massimo in the midfield, we brought the score back by 1 to score a clever goal that saw Max, Dom and Finn connect. The strong crowd of St Greg’s supporters were again up on their feet cheering and encouraging the boys on. The halftime whistle blows just as Ben saves a through ball to the opposition’s striker. Solid defence lead by Ben, Jesse as our centre backs. Half time discussion focused on clear strategies to get back into the game. We needed to mark up some key players and needed to provide more through balls to Finn and Dom out front. 

As the second half whistle blows, the boys push hard and within the first 5 minutes, a through ball to Finn sees us equal up the score. Now the boys were on fire. The second half was characterised by solid defence by both teams and sporadic attacks by the attackers. 

Unfortunately, in the 16th minute on the left side of the paddock, a through ball passed by our defender who pushed towards the goal. Riley did all he could to stop what was a fantastic hit of the ball. From that moment onwards the boys played a hard game, but we ran out of time to even up the score. Extremely disappointed with the outcome, as a team, we made a commitment to return next year and turn the tides on our opposition. 

MVP: Max Anastasio - Kilian

Coach: Mr Ivancic

NSW All Schools Rugby League

On top of the MCS Winter Season success, the College had 3 representatives take part in the NSW All Schools Rugby League Championships Tri-Series Carnival from 21 June to 24 June.

Congratulations to Lachlan Dooner, Emmanuel Kandidakis, and Liam Sutton for their selection in the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Rugby League teams, Charlie Guymer was also selected but unfortunately was unable to play due to injury. 

This year due to COVID-19 restrictions, it meant a different format to the usual Schoolboy Championships and a Tri-Series was played between NSW Combined Catholic Colleges, Combined Independent Schools & Combined High Schools.

Both the U/15’s and U/18’s NSW CCC teams had a successful carnival with the U/15’s winning both their games 30-14 against CHS and 42-8 against CIS. Lachlan scoring 2 tries and kicking 6 conversions over the series. The U/18’s won against CHS 18-14 and then in a nail-biter had a 20 all draw with CIS. Emmanuel scored 1 try and Liam kicking 3 goals over the 2 games.

The boys played fantastically over the Tri-Series and proudly represented St Gregory’s College both on and off the field over the week. Congratulations again boys, your selection was well deserved.

To ensure you remain up to date with the latest sports news, please use the following link to access the Catholic Schools NSW Sport website  https://csnsw.sport/

Jamie.Cook@stgregs.nsw.edu.au

Yours in Sport,