Senior School Sport

Welcome back all. I hope you are well-rested and ready to be involved in a massive term of College and MCS Sport. Finally, we can welcome back families and spectators to all College training sessions and competition games, but I do ask you to remain as spectators at this point and refrain from interacting with members of the teams for the time being. I would also ask you to use the College or Service NSW QR codes upon arrival at the College to assist with attendance and remain in the designated seating areas away from team members.

We have a number of events taking place over the first few weeks of the term and the College welcomes any Parents and Carers to the grounds to watch our talented students compete. Please see below the dates of these events.

The Senior College held their Cross Country Carnival on Friday 23 April in sensational weather and some outstanding running was on show by the competitors. Well done to our Age Champions and our future Cross Country representatives who will now compete at the MCS and ISA Championships in the near future.

The Winter MCS competitions seem to be having some difficulty in completing their scheduled rounds with wet weather and a lack of referees and medical staff. Please ensure you see the amended draws for our sports which will be released shortly.

MCS Football – Round 1 (T1W8) and Round 4 (T2W1)

1st Grade Football (2) were defeated by Blacktown (3)

A great game and excellent resilience shown by the boys as they went down a man in the first 5 minutes. We were down 3-1 and managed to get back to 3-2 and almost got the draw with the last kick of the game bar a great save from the Blacktown keeper.

MVP: Tommy Mandarano – Laurentian 

1st Grade Football (0) were defeated by Parramatta (2) 

First Grade worked hard throughout the game to maintain control of the ball, this was done successfully for the majority of the game with key players showing an impressive level of skill. Unfortunately, Parramatta pushed hard at the ball after it was initially saved by SGC Keeper Declan Price and we conceded the first goal with just a few minutes to play. In the last couple of minutes, a handball was called in front of the goal and the Parramatta striker scored their second. The match finished with the score remaining at 2-0 to Parramatta.

MVP: Bayley Suters

Mr Witton.

2nd Grade Football (5) defeated Blacktown (0)

It was a very positive start to the season today. At the coach’s request, several players were playing out of their preferred positions, but they took on the roles with great school, team and personal pride. There were 13 great contributors from our team, all worthy of a mention, however, some highlights include the first goal by Bailey Wheeler who looped over the keeper from left field in the 10th minute. Brodie McConchie laid a ball off to Wheeler to tap in his second before half time. Oscar Coltman was dominant in the middle of the park, creating opportunities through hard work. Nick Watmough had a great header cleared off (or was it over?) the goal line. Brodie McConchie was denied by the crossbar. Great balls in from Harrison Gee throughout the match. Great control and volley by Wheeler to again hit the crossbar. Another Gee cross saw McConchie hit the crossbar again. Thomas Graham met a cross first time to side volley our third goal. McConchie headed the ball well and the keeper could only parry it. Jack Carey had followed up well to be there to slot in our fourth. 

A late 40m carry from Mason Bell finished with an unselfish lay off to McConchie to first-time slot the ball inside the far post for our 5th and final goal. To their credit, Blacktown never slackened off, however, we just played a very strong game and earned the 5-0 scoreline. 

MVP: Bailey Wheeler – Molloy

2nd Grade Football (3) defeated St Dominic’s (0)

We weathered some ongoing attack from St Dominic's for the first part of the match but maintained composure. Jack Carey returned to the field after a short rest to score in his first touch after coming back on, sliding the ball past the keeper in the 17th minute. Bailey Wheeler scored a great individual goal from 20+m, with an unstoppable strike to the top right corner of the goal. Soon after Jack Carey fought hard for possession and then slotted home his second of the match for a 3-0 half time lead. The second half was a pretty solid tussle, our defence including Mason, Nick, Luke and Tadgh was very effective, and whilst the second half was scoreless, we were the stronger of the two teams and continued to create chances. Once again and most importantly, the team demonstrated great character and commitment to each other, representing the school very well. 

MVP: Nic Whatmough - Laurentian

Mr Clarke

Year 10 Football – No game. T1W8

Year 10 Football (3) defeated Eastwood (0)

It was great to officially get our season underway against Eastwood.Great build-up play in the midfield resulted in Tommy Gee putting a ball through to Lachlan Good who slotted away the goal for a one-nil lead. A dominant display saw us control the rest of the half. The defence was strong and laid the platform for many attacking plays. We could not get the ball over the line for the rest of the half, with Jai Bista coming closest when his long-range effort hit the crossbar. We resumed strongly, the way we finished and before long it was Tommy squaring a ball into Cooper Mangan who set up Lachlan to double our lead. We had our third goal after some fantastic interplay which saw quite a few short passes in our attacking third. Ultimately Tommy took a shot that sealed our victory. Great team victory with many boys putting their hand up with positive performances.

MVP: Tommy Gee - Molloy

Mr McGovern

Year 9 Football – No game. T1W8

Year 9 Football (2) were defeated by Eastwood (3)

The boys started the game well and were unlucky to concede against the run of play. Despite this, St Greg’s fought back with Coby Holland scoring a left-foot drive into the top right corner. The score at half time 1-1. In the second half despite dominating possession and chances, Eastwood were lethal on the break and scored two quick goals. With 10 minutes left to play Cooper Ross calmly placed the ball into the bottom left corner with an assist from Bailey Danjoux. Despite pushing for an equaliser, it was not to be our day. Great spirit gentlemen keep your head up for next week.

MVP: Matthew Parkin - Donovan

Year 8A Football (2) were defeated by Parramatta (4)

The St Greg’s 8A’s played extremely well throughout the game. The team went down 2-0 in the first half through a penalty and a great shot from a distance by Parramatta Marist. The team had an early free kick in the second half to make it 2-1. The 8A’s were caught on the counterattack as they applied pressure to secure a second goal and conceded 2 goals in a similar fashion. In the last minute, the boys scored an indirect free kick to make it 4-2. The boys played very well throughout the game and will look for a win next round.

MVP: Jet Jeffress – Laurentian

Year 8A Football (4) defeated Eastwood (1)

Eastwood scored first early. SGC equalised with a volley by Mervyn Stone. Chase Parker scored a fantastic free kick in the second half to make it 2-1. Mervyn Stone then scored a free kick just outside of the box to make the game 3-1. In the last 5 minutes, a great counter attacking move by SGC and a flick pass by Mervyn Stone allowed Declan Malone to score. The game ended with SGC the winner 4-1. Eastwood played very well throughout the game.

MVP: Mervyn Stone – Laurentian 

Mr Kripal

Year 8B Football (2) defeated Parramatta (1)

The boys were full of nerves and were keen to compete against their opponents. A pre-game talk and we were away. After several minutes of sound build up play, the boys adjusted to their opponents playing style and soon were on the front foot with several attacking sets in the opposition final third. Noah Walker may be small in stature, but he unleashed one almighty shot on goal and St Gregory's were in the lead. The game ebbed and flowed and soon after the game was tied up, as we failed to clear the ball from a loss of possession at the halfway line. As the game came to a close, St Greg's executed a corner and Flynn Roach headed the ball into the goal with 20 seconds remaining and the St Greg's fans went wild. In the blur of excitement, Flynn failed to regain his feet and stayed down, as he had fractured his arm as he landed from the contest. A terrible tragedy for Flynn, but a great result for the 8B Football team. 

MVP: Sebastian Francois (Laurentian)

Mr Cook

T2W1 the 8B’s had a bye

Year 7A Football (7) defeated Parramatta (1)

With much excitement and anticipation, the Year 7A squad began their season convincedly. After watching the B squad come off with a close win, they were pumped by the traditional guard of honour that we send off the boys. We struck the first blow with a fantastic goal by Finn in the first 5 minutes of the game. The next couple of goals by the team saw us slacken off in intensity to allow our opposition to score a goal. At that point, the boys knew that to be their best they needed to step up the talking and spread the ball around the pitch. A procession of goals came next from Massimo, Max and then again Finn. The defence of Ben, Jesse and Jack denied the opposition opportunities on goal. Our substitutes played a fantastic part in the game with energetic legs and St Greg’s passion. Byron played a great second half, along with Dom and Finn, who carved up the opposition. An awesome display of energy, spirit and skill was demonstrated by all. 

MVP: Finn Miller – Donovan

Year 7A Football (16) defeated Eastwood (1)

With a depleted side due to injuries, we fielded a squad where we called on a number of players to play out of position…and play they did. Whilst Eastwood had size on their side, we definitely had the grit, skill and focus from the outset. With not much time at all, it was obvious that St Greg’s was going to dominate the game. Lead by Jesse and Ben at the back, Max in the middle and Domenico at the front, the whole team played as one very cohesive unit. The ball passes in the midfield were sharp, the defensive line was solid and the forwards weaved their magic. Our substitutes played a fantastic role in giving players breaks and played an important role in keeping the team cohesive. Fantastic display of skill by all boys but most importantly humility as they not once showed contempt for their opposition. That is what I am most proud of. Well done boys. 

MVP: Domenico Minici – Donovan

Mr Ivancic

Year 7B Football (1) defeated Parramatta (0)

A great start to St Greg's Year 7B's season. Parramatta produced a very energetic opening couple of minutes testing the defensive line and goal keeping of St Greg's. The young men did a great job defending and after finding their groove, produced some sharp counter attacks to give us a 1-nil lead. 

A strategic second half was played with a focus of shutting down Parramatta scoring opportunities and maintaining the early lead - this approach lead to Parramatta being unable to take a shot on goal in the second half. 

MVP: Luca Reveler – Molloy

Year 7B Football (5) defeated Schofields (0)

St Gregory’s Year 7B played a very convincing game of football from the opening minutes of the game. Ball position was strongly in our favour from start to finish with the midfield playing a crucial role in our win. Jack Alim was named man of the match for his control from centre back. Leading goal scorers included Cooper Clugston and Mohammad Ahmed. A great effort from all the young men and a well-deserved win. It is promising to see the increased level of team cohesion from the start of the season. 

MVP: Jack Alim - Kilian

Mr O’Brien

MCS and NSW CCC Swimming

The College sent a strong team of 33 swimmers to compete at the MCS Championships held at Homebush this year and once again, St Gregory’s were very competitive throughout the night. There were some new records set by the boys and numerous 1st place results. Fantastic job by all the students representing the College to a very high standard, in and out of the pool.

MCS Swimming results:

MCS Swimming Age Champions

Jaxon Colman 13 Years Runners Up

Jaxson Smith - 14 Years Age Champion

Oliver Pullen - 15 Years 4th overall

John Dimech-O’Connell - 16 Years Age Champion

Chris Seton - 17 Years 5th overall

William Winsor - Opens Age Champions

Junior Boys - 2nd place

Senior Boys - 3rd place

MCS Overall standings - 2nd place

NSW CCC Swimming Championships

The College had 12 swimmers progress through to the NSW CCC Championships held on Monday 29 March. Our swimmers competed to the best of their ability and we applaud the following students on their achievements.

NSW CCC Age Champions

Jaxson Smith of Year 8 was named the NSW CCC Age Champion for the 14 Boys after winning 5 individual gold medals and two relay gold medals. Fantastic effort Jaxson. Three other students ranked in their respective age groups:

• Jaxon Colman 13 Years - 5th place
• John Dimech-O’Connell 16 Years - 7th place
• William Winsor Opens Age 3rd place

Congratulations to all our College representatives at the MCS and NSW CCC Swimming competitions. I believe five students have qualified for the NSW All Schools Championships on Friday 28 May.

Good luck to Jaxson Smith, Riley Parrish, Andrew Nothdurfter, Phinnean Bracken and Will Winsor.

2021 Senior College Cross Country Carnival

The 2021 Cross Country Carnival was held on Friday 23 April on our superb College grounds. Originally scheduled for Term 1, our 'Competitor’s Only’ carnival experienced a sensational Friday afternoon where the fastest athletes competed for representative honours. Commencing this year, College representatives will have two pathways to follow as we compete in the MCS and ISA Cross Country carnivals.

The Junior age groups (12, 13, 14 and 15’s) competed on a 3km course around the Junior and Senior campuses while the Senior students (16, 17 and Open’s) completed a 5km course on similar grounds. The boys were enthusiastic to compete, and this was demonstrated by their efforts on the course.

Congratulations to all the boys who completed the course in the allotted time but there are still areas to improve in regard to the number of competitor’s in Junior and Senior age groups.

Congratulations to the following Age Champions and Runner’s Up. 

12 Years Age Champion - Cooper Clugston who completed the 3km course in 11:45. 

Runner Up – Giles Consunji.

13 Years Age Champion – Ethan Matthews who completed the 3km course in 12:10. 

Runner Up – Max Anastasio

14 Years Age Champion – Archie Nott who completed the 3km course in 10:35. 

Runner Up – Lachlan Suffell

15 Years Age Champion – Mason Hunter. 

Runner Up – Liam Walsh

16 Years Age Champion – Joel Offord who completed the 5km course in 18:29. 

Runner Up – Cooper West

17 Years Age Champion – Lucas Bucca who completed the 5km course in 19:10. 

Runner Up – Blake Ciscato

Opens Age Champion – Declan Price. 

Runner up – Bayley Suters.

* The Opens Age Group experienced course error. The top group of runners failed to make the correct turn and actually ran a further distance. Compliments to Jacob Shortland who completed the correct course but in a slower time (Jacob will receive 1st place House points).

Carnival Results

1st Place - Molloy                        545 points

2nd Place - Kilian                          445 points

3rd Place - Laurentian                  352 points

4th Place - Donovan                     250 points

Congratulations to the following students who are the 2021 Cross Country Age Champions and Runners Up.

Back row: Lucas Bucca, Blake Ciscato, Bayley Suters, Declan Price, Cooper West, Liam Walsh, Joel Offord.

Front row: Mason Hunter, Archie Nott, Ethan Matthews, Max Anastasio, Lachlan Suffell, Cooper Clugston Nathan Consunji

MCS Junior Chess Championships

On the 22 April students from Years 7 to 9 participated in the 2021 MCS Chess Championships at St Patrick's Marist College, Dundas. We made a punctual start and were the first team to arrive at the venue with the students displaying a love of work by helping set up the boards and chess clocks. For the majority of the boys, this was their first MCS representation with the larger La Valla centre making for a great new location, moving from the library where the completion had been hosted previously. As in past years, the event was well organised allowing for six, fifteen-minute rounds – in a Swiss-system tournament style of elimination.

Having three Year 8 teams and two Year 9 teams, our students soon encountered tough offence from the other schools, with our Year 8 team’s allocating some quick points in the middle rounds. As a result, we finished the day with Year 8’s in 3rd and 4th place in their division and the Year 9’s placing well in a very competitive environment. These are unprecedented results, having some very promising young players joining the ranks. 

Notable mentions to Alexander Goodsell and Joseph Bradley who displayed exceptional sportsmanship and chess strategies though out the day. Thank you to the fantastic St Patrick's Marist Colleges staff for hosting and all of our students for laying a solid foundation for our Years 10-12 to capitalise on during their rounds on 29 April.

NSW Pathways Sporting Representatives

So far this year we have had numerous students selected for teams in the NSW Sports pathways. Congratulations to the following students on their sporting achievements thus far.

MCS Selection

• Liam Walsh, Joshua Sykes and James Sykes for U15 and Opens Touch Football
• Lachlan Dooner, Luke Fielding, Callum McMenemy for U15 Rugby League
• Charlie Guymer, Thomas Fletcher and Emmanuel Kandidakkis for Open Boys Rugby League

NSW CCC Selection

• Evan Wulff, Joel Byrne and Oliver Stewart for Opens Softball
• Riley Kingsell, Matthew Canellis and Liam Sutton for U16 and Opens Cricket
• Mark Ombina, Jayden Alvarez and Alex Pucovski for Opens Volleyball

NSW All Schools Selection

• Evan Wulff and Joel Byrne for Opens Softball

I have also heard the news of several students making great sporting achievements outside of the College.

• Baseball – National Championships – Lachlan New and Fletcher Willard who represent the Macarthur Allstars placed 2nd in the recent State Championships and have qualified for the National Championships in Adelaide in May.
• Dominic Curtin is in training for the NSW All Schools Championships which will take place in Grafton on the 15th May.
• Maverick Sorojovic of Year 10 has recently been making great strides for the Sydney Swans. Maverick has been asked to play up an age group and continues to be a rising leader in their ranks. Maverick can be seen at the front of the pack in the image below.

House Cup

With selection into the above representative teams, members of Kilian House have received plenty of representative points. College swimming and cross country carnival results and age champions have seen the following House Points. There are still plenty of representative opportunities across the Co-curricular program for all students to contribute to the College House Cup.

Upcoming Events

St Gregory’s College

MCS Rugby League

Re-draw is in the works to accommodate the lost games. The updated draw will be shared with the Senior School community in the near future.

Swimming

• NSW All Schools          28th May          SOPAC

Cross Country

• MCS          4th May     Sydney International Regatta Complex - Penrith       
• NSW CCC    8th June  Sydney Motorsport Park – Eastern Creek                   

MCS Trials and Competitions

• TBA    MCS Tennis (12 – 15 Years)       Parramatta
• 29th May   MCS Football trials (MCS Central venues)    Blacktown Football Park   
• NSW CCC Championships      25-26 June @ FNSW
• 19th May    MCS Rugby League Rep team training
• 29th April   MCS Chess (Years 10 - 12)
• 26th Aug    MCS Golf Championships     Glenmore Heritage Golf Club

For all other NSW CCC individual and team nominations and trials can be found on the following links:

https://csnsw.sport/

Jamie.Cook@stgregs.nsw.edu.au

Yours in Sport,