ESC Sport Update

SENSATIONAL DUCKS GUTS

On Thursday, 4th August, twenty-six mighty ducks flew down to the local duck pond for the Intermediate and Senior Northern Region Finals. With so many teams in action (4) at this prestigious level, it was all ducks on deck.  Both the girls' teams battled valiantly all day, with several girls being asked to play well above their age group in the Senior division, due to lack of players.  Both girls’ teams won two of three matches but were unable to make the finals.  As these girls gain more experience and match practice they’ll be flying high!

Now the Senior boys team lead by current legends of the mighty ducks in Ashtyn and Josh, easily made the finals but came up against two monster players from University High.  They were unable to beat these guys in singles or doubles but the likes of Jebran and Jack both won their singles games as well as their doubles. This meant that the match was tied at 3 – 3 and had to be decided on points.  Sadly, the farewell swan song for the Seniors was not to be and the lads went down by an annoying margin of 5 points.  Now 5 points over an hour of badminton involving 6 games is heart breaking. But that’s sport and they were just that little bit better than us on the day.

Finally, it was the Intermediate boys’ team who went on a rampage winning through to the finals then again coming up against University High. This time the results were reversed with the boys winning 5 – 1.  One of these games involved young master Ethan who played the game of his life. With the overall match in the balance and down 16 to 20, Ethan went onto win an absolute cracker 24 to 22.  This broke University’s back and gave our boy’s the final surge they required.

Hats off to the Intermediate boys, who as a team have prepared every way possible and left no stone unturned with their 110% commitment. They’ve pretty much trained themselves all season, with extensive drills including extra weekend training sessions. One of these players William Tran, is one of the most dedicated, helpful and hardworking young sports persons I’ve ever met.  Results are always nice but it’s the memories of all the little 1%’s over the long journey and witnessing improvement within, that bring the biggest and best smiles.

Thank you to all the ducks involved with these four teams on yet another fantastic season.

We wish the Intermediate boys' team all the best at the upcoming State Finals, as well as the three teams going out to Region Finals on 25th August.

Carn the ducks!!!

Mr Cooke 😊

DUCKS GO STATE

On Wednesday ,10th August, the Intermediate Boys' badminton squad ventured into the city to the home of Badminton Victoria (MSAC), for their State Finals matches.  The boys had an encouraging start by winning both of their first two matches. Everyone’s heart rate was up with excitement, as we then came up against Melbourne High to decide who’ll finish on top of the section.  

All players battled their absolute guts out and fought extremely bravely for every point but on the day Melbourne High were just that little bit stronger and Epping went down 1 – 5.  This meant in the Semi Finals, Epping had to play Maribyrnong College who were light years ahead of the competition.  We set our goals by aiming to get more than 5 points in each game against such elite competition.  It has been long argued that schools such as this, with much financial support, facilities and academy’s, become defunct from entering as it’s such a massive unfair advantage.

The Intermediate boys displayed sensational commitment and sportsmanship throughout the entire season and will now have life long memories of their fantastic achievements.  Epping clearly finished as 4th in the State from 512 schools.  

A truly amazing feat, considering the time and effort that’s required to compete at such a high standard.  Love your work ethic lads as it’s always been highly commendable and can’t wait to see what 2023 brings for you all.

Mr Cooke 😊