Interschool Motocross
Motocross CHAMPIONS
There is no sport like Motocross. It is not just the riding of motorbikes, it is the atmosphere that comes with it.
On Friday 3 November 8 highly enthusiastic LHS students competed at windy Warrnambool Motorcycle tack for the final round of the Interschool Motocross State Championships.
The day began sunny, but blisteringly cold with the Warrnambool winds encouraging everybody to rug up. Most of the team spent the previous night camping in howling winds, but this in no way dampened the mood. The track was prime for riding. Our squad was perched up on a hill above the track, where we could view the entirety of the event. This was important because this is a rare competition where interest transcends age. In Motocross, Year 7’s get advice and mentoring from VCE students, but also talk play-by-plays of their races. Its what makes motocross so invigorating as a spectator.
Our students competed with vigour and vim often finishing one race only to ride straight to the starting line to commence another.
On the day, our 8 riders were so committed to riding as often as they could, that Lilydale represented one quarter of the competing bikes despite having 8 of the total 70 people competing. This commitment led to our students earning the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP for the second time in succession. A brilliant result, for all participants who competed in the events throughout this year.
Tayla Allan our only Year 12 Representative, finished her time at Lilydale High School with a highly competitive day. As 'Team Captain' this year, she led the team to victory through hard work, a competitive attitude and compassion (she has been known to stop racing to help fallen riders up).
Tayla Street battled furiously with the typical grit and determination that comes part and parcel with Tayla. She was always fighting at the front of the pack, often providing lessons in competitiveness.
Jacob Street was fresh off an injury, but if you saw him race you would question if he really ever had one. Jacob finished on the podium and was a determined participant in every competition this year.
Ellie Beecroft showed true tenacity in her determination to ride. Cleverly riding with a strain to finish on the podium in all of her events. Ellie also partook in the relay for another school, to help them gain enough entrants for the event.
Matt Garner managed to wrestle his way on to the podium. Matt is always the quiet achiever, but this event he improved his results and his riding to place second in his event.
Derek Findlay rode like a madman consistently pushing for position. His efforts were rewarded placing himself third in his events.
Mark Carroll was a new addition to our team, he raced like a professional finishing a clear first in each of his events.
Xavier Williams was our other new addition, who won his first race by a monster margin. He then went into a more advanced class where he raced competitively.
The last race of every event is a Relay. Given that the team were achieving very good results throughout the day, our team went in with high hopes. Our riders were switching between first and second throughout all six rounds. Eventually, the team finished a very close second, but well ahead of third.
The results of the day compiled with the other rounds culminated in Lilydale High School retaining the impressive 'State Title Trophy', which is now on display in the Administration Office.
I would like to congratulate every student who contributed in the maintaining of the STATE TITLE.
Most importantly, I would like to thank the parents who committed to the travelling and attending the events this year. The trophy would have been unattainable without them.
Finally, myself and the students would like to thank the School Administration for allowing the option of Motocross to be available to students at Lilydale High School.
We look forward to defending the trophy next year and making a valiant attempt at the ‘Three peat’.
Christopher Pennycook