From the Head of Sport

What an exciting day we had last Saturday with Rugby, Football, Hockey and Netball all at home. The BMGS First VII Netball team played against the BMGS Alumni team, the fast-paced game played in great spirit.  The quality of Netball played was of the high standard we have come to expect from our First VII, past and present.

A fundraiser was also held for Breast Cancer Research. Thank you to all those people who donated either their time or money on the day and a big thank you to Mr Stuart Collins who spent a long day on the BBQ.

Skiing/Snowboarding

Any students who are interested in competing in the Redlands Cup ski and snowboarding championships that will be held on the 9th July 2023, please come and see me or email me for entry information.

Athletics Carnival

The BMGS Athletics carnival will be held on the 9th June at Pitt Park. All students are expected to attend this Carnival. Please ensure you have your house polo and BMGS shorts to compete.

Parent volunteers are welcome. You can email me to express your interest.

Rotary will be running a BBQ on the day so please support them.

ISA Cross Country Carnival

The ISA Cross Country Carnival will be held on Wednesday, 24th May. Names are on the sports noticeboard and notes have been sent out. Please RSVP as soon as possible so that we can finalise entries.

There will be pickup and drop offs both on the way to the carnival as well as back from the Carnival. Bus numbers need to be confirmed by Monday.

All those attending the ISA Carnival are required to wear a BMGS singlet. If you do not have a BMGS singlet you will need to hire one from the uniform shop next week. Please do not forget.

Sporting Fixtures - Saturday, 20th May

Mrs Megan Harris

Head of Sport

Match Results - Saturday, 13th May - Boys' Football, Netball

BMGS 13s were defeated by Oxley College, 1-0

Expectations were high that this would be a tough grudge match for Oxley A, out to avenge the defeat our boys handed to their B team in the mud bath of 29th April. Our strategy was set, however, unfortunately a number of players were missing on the day, including quite a few of our strong players. Things were looking dangerously like we were heading into forfeit territory, when we were rescued by a few of the 13s boys in another BMGS team - Kit, Xavier, Thomas, and Dante on goals really helped us out, who then went on to play another full game for their team, giving their absolute best in both encounters. These boys were out-and-out lions.

Dante was outstanding in goals, being a really safe pair of hands, despite this not being his usual position. “Captain Courageous” Oliver played his heart out, covering all ends of the field in ferocious attacks, and making a good pairing with Thomas H up front, both of them showing their usual dribbling flair, intense focus and uncanny  ability to read the game. 

Xavier was a very competent addition to the two, gelling really well with them and strengthening our strike force; we were unlucky to miss a few shots. Angus “Steel Curtain” Rogers was again an impregnable wall, adding tackling and chasing down to his repertoire, ably assisted by Eli, who shut down numerous attacks, as well as Emil, and Thomas M. We were unlucky to lose Angus to injury in the dying minutes of the game. The boys didn’t let this setback get them down, hunkering down, getting on with the job and fighting hard for victory.

Kit was a dribbling machine, as was Emerson and Javier, who intercepted and stole quite a few balls and fed them to the strikers. Against impossible odds, when on paper we should have been the underdogs, the boys again displayed their indomitable spirit, showing no fear, taking the game to Oxley A, having them against the ropes for a good portion of the match, and coming so agonizingly close to winning the match at times. It was a nail-biting slugfest, which often looked like it could go either way. The boys fought like beasts, and never flagged, all the way down to the final whistle. They’ve well earned their appellation of The Grammar Beasts, who never quit. Oxley just managed to eke out a 1-0 victory against our makeshift team, whose fighting spirit is truly inspirational.

Mr Zen Nzula, Coach

BMGS 14s defeated Oxley College, 5-1

A bus drive to Bowral early on Saturday morning was an exciting prospect for the boys, particularly after an exciting camping excursion during the week (with several boys asking the bus driver, unsuccessfully, to stop at McDonalds on the way to get a double shot expresso)!

I would like to thank all of the Under 14 boys who volunteered to play for other BMGS teams as there were a few players missing from other grades on Saturday. Most boys in the team had already played at least one half of football before the start of our game.

Needless to say the pre-game warm up involved a rest, some orange slices for energy and a tactical discussion about goal celebration dance moves rather than running and football drills.

The return of Alton to our team added extra firepower up front which paid dividends immediately as he created numerous opportunities via mazy runs down the left, slotting away 2 clinical goals.

Xavier S (2) and James (1) were our other goal scorers on the day; we played a dominating style of Football to come away as 5-1 winners, with Oxley scoring their goal right on the final whistle!

Every player in the Under 14’s squad was subbed on and off at some stage during the game which shows the agility of the team as they were able maintain control as boys were replaced in every position on the field. 

Special mention must be made of Luke and Jaiden for their 'brick wall' style defence, Riley for his enthusiasm and effort playing any position asked of him and Dante for his great passing down the left wing.

Thank you also to Fabian who started the game and his cracking shot which was only saved by a defiant crossbar.

Mr Chris Johnson, Coach

BMGS 15s were defeated by Oxley College, 2-0

The 15s boys took the field with fewer numbers than desired, yet again bolstered by some 14s players, including Luke, Josh, Toby and Sam. The game kicked off at a furious pace, with our squad working hard to communicate. After a bit of time, we found our rhythm, settling on the ball and taking our time with more passes. Otto showed serious tenacity on the sideline, backing up after his appearance for Seconds, chasing down the wing repeatedly. Similarly, Jed dug deep and ran himself until he had to come off due to injury. He got a solid run up front and worked to link passes with Josh, Toby and Fabian.

Unfortunately, Oxley knocked a goal or two in, and, despite excellent saves from Luke we ended the half with a score of 2-0 in the opposition’s favour.

Throughout the second half, we saw a rotation of 14s players stepping in to share the load. Thank you to Riley, Xavier J, Kit and all the others who chipped in! This was supported by the core of our 15s team, working better and sharing the ball with greater skill. We continued to work on calming down, taking our time and connecting passes when we could, gladly keeping a clean sheet for the second half. Unfortunately, we were unable to get past a solid Oxley goalkeeper and ultimately ended with a score of 2-0. Appreciation must be expressed for our assistant coaches this week, Callum and Jem from the Second XI. Despite our loss, it was wonderful to see the leadership and connection between players on multiple teams.   Joint Men of the Match – Otto Umbers and Toby Hammon

Ms Annaliese Stammer, Coach

BMGS Second XI defeated Oxley College, 7-0

From the kick off, BMGS Second XI went in strong, and Charlie Mannes was quick to make an impact, smashing home the opening goal with only 4 minutes played. With the score now BMGS 1 - Oxley 0, the boys weren't dropping the intensity and kept the pressure high. Cooper Mackie held the line in defence alongside Raph and Jed. Otto linked up well with Jem in Midfield, constantly creating chances for our attackers. Jules scored our 2nd goal with great composure and skill making the score BMGS 2 - Oxley 0. Callum Knussen was providing great direction and communication from between the goals, keeping the team calm and pulling off some excellent saves to keep Oxley at nil.

Charlie got his name on the scoresheet once again, scoring his second goal and our third of the Match, putting us up BMGS 3 - Oxley 0. Tom was instrumental in attack, displaying excellent control and composure on the ball and providing chances left, right and center. Otto then put in a solid shift in defencee, shutting down any threat Oxley had on our goal.

The ball made it back down the wing to Jules, who again found the net, leaving the score at 4-0 at half time.

Oxley were looking for a way back into the game from the kickoff of the second half, but Callum was continuously denying any chance of a goal, pulling off some great saves yet again. Jed and Jem kept dominating the midfield and, with some strong passing, found Tom's feet who brilliantly assisted Jules to complete his hat-trick.

Cooper was having a blinder of a game and kept that defensive line strong. Otto and Raph adding even more strength to that line, found a gap and put a ball through to Jem, who caught out the defense and created another chance for Jules, who took charge and slotted in his 4th goal with the score now BMGS 6 - Oxley 0. 

With the game coming to an end, Jem, who had been dominating the midfield all game, smashed in his first goal close the game off at 7-nil. Well done boys! A much deserved win!  Goal Scorers - Jules Beale 4, Charlie Mannes 2, Jem Sullivan 1.  Man Of The Match - Cooper Mackie

Mr Cameron Flaherty, Coach

BMGS First XI defeated Oxley College, 4-1

The First XI kicked off strong with a new formation to cater for our injured players and both teams applying the pressure early on.

BMGS held majority of the possession for the first 15 minutes, with Isaac filling in at center back and linking up well with Connor in the midfield. Trin controlled any threat on our goal with some simple but effective clearances. Both teams were battling it out, but a loose ball in the box saw Oxley through on goal, forcing a great save from Jack that was unfortunately tapped in on the second attempt. 

With the end of the first half nearing, Oxley were awarded a penalty after an unfortunate foul in our box, giving them the chance to double their lead. The Oxley striker stepped up and smashed it low, only for Jack to guess the right way and pull off one of the most amazing penalty saves, denying Oxley a 2nd goal. Jack's save lifted the team's spirits and from the restart, Max was quick off his mark, smashing home our first goal of the match right before halftime. With the first half ending, the scores were locked at BMGS 1 - Oxley 1. 

In the second half, Richard and Will Zakis displayed some excellent defence, with Jaxon and Jaiden providing support to keep the ball in our possession. Will Groenewegen and Oliver controlled the midfield alongside Jett, creating chances for Max and Flynn upfront. BMGS were looking strong and through some extremely skillful passing, Flynn scored his 5th goal of the season, putting BMGS up 2 goals to Oxleys 1. The boys kept on pushing and after being brought down in the box, Jett was awarded a penalty which he rifled into the back of the net making the score BMGS 3 - Oxley 1. With the end of the game nearing,

Will G slotted in our 4th goal – much deserved after a brilliant performance all game.

This was an excellent comeback and a much deserved win, 3 wins from 3 games. Well done boys!  Goal Scorers - Max Anicic 1, Flynn Nicholls 1, Jett Fendall 1, Will Groenewegen 1.  Man Of The Match - Jack Roberson.

Mr Cameron Flaherty, Coach

Netball

Round 1:  BMGS First VII defeated St Andrews 30-26

This was a gritty win by the Firsts in our new season with new players.  A disconnect in attack meant that only brilliant circle defence from Ruby and Zoe kept us in the game while the attack end sorted out their timing. Incredible strength, calm, determination and  persistence in the attack end, along with great shooting from Freya, meant that, by quarter time, the game was virtually ours.  Red faces and bloody noses were the order of the day as all girls gave 100% effort.  This was a well deserved win for our players; Olivia (as cheerleader only) Freya, Zara, Alana, Rose, Jess, Kate, Tarana, Ruby and Zoe. 

Round 2 – BMGS First VII defeated Oakhill College, 62-32

The 'comfortable' attacking combination of Zoe, Olivia, Alana and Jess clicked into gear and scored over 60 against a very physical Oakhill team. Umpires gave cautions to more than one player. Rose played an outstanding game in the unfamiliar position of GD and may have played herself into more outings in that position. Ruby was again brilliant in GK, as has come to be expected. Tarana battled a cold and musical exhaustion to deliver her usual, relentless, determined defence. 

Round 1 - BMGS Intermediate Blue were defeated by St Andrew's Cathedral School, 26-10

In their first ever Netball game for BMGS, Yvette, Indi and Meenatchi showed a great deal of promise with their efforts midcourt. Zoe, Rose and Kiah formed a strong defence unit, putting up a strong barrier for St Andrews’ attack. On the other end of the court, Rose, Iluka and Arrow work tirelessly in the goal circle, displaying some fantastic shooting skills. Despite some strong defensive plays, we were unable to keep up with St Andrews. However, the team did well to stay positive and keep fighting until the end. The season still looks promising for the Blues! 

Round 2 – BMGS Intermediate Blue defeated Chevalier College, 24-22

The BMGS Blues had an incredible match against Chevalier, with both teams showing great skill and determination throughout the game. The spectators were treated to a nail-biting match with the a close score the entire game. Zara and Kiah, the formidable defence duo, made it exceptionally difficult for Chevalier to put more points on the board. Indi found a new love and talent for defence, with her efforts and skills as a basketballer are really paying off. In the midcourt, Ava, Yvette and Meenatchi played well and worked together to create some excellent attacking opportunities for our side. In the goal circle, Arrow, Rose and Iluka were working hard to score some crucial points for BMGS. It was an intense game, with BMGS emerging victorious with a final score of 24-22. 

Round 3 –BMGS Intermediate Blue were defeated by Barker, 34-30

Another closely contested match for the Inter Blues, this time against one of the top teams, Barker 9. Ava and Kiah put in some series efforts in midcourt attack and worked hard to ensure that the ball kept moving forward. Yvette and Meenatchi have continued to perfect the balance and art of midcourt attack and defence, showing great improvement in their game. Their hard work was crucial for our performance. Indi, Zara and Kiah kept Barker on their toes with some intense defence and managed to secure many intercepts throughout the game. In the goal circle, Rose and Liz worked hard together to score some spectacular goals. In the end, it was a close defeat for BMGS. The girls should be proud of their performance, great spirit and determination. We look forward to meeting with Barker 9 again in the weeks to come to even out the score.

Round 3 - BMGS Intermediate Gold were defeated by Barker, 48-31

In a tough match against Barker, the BMGS team gave it their all, but were unfortunately defeated with a final score of 31-48. Despite the loss, the girls can hold their heads high as they played with great determination and teamwork throughout the game. Liz and Bella were once again a force to be reckoned with in the shooting circle, displaying incredible accuracy and precision with their shots. Their ability to work together and play to the conditions of the game was a key factor in keeping BMGS in the game. Ruby and Gretel were outstanding in defence, putting in some serious pressure on Barker’s attack and making it difficult for them to score. Giselle provided valuable support to the team and provided a strong presence on the court. She managed to secure some crucial intercepts and help BMGS collect points on the board. Olivia and Sophia played hard in a WA/C duo, showing great skill and determination throughout the game. Whilst Sophia was only able to play half of the game, her efforts in the first half did not go unnoticed. Despite the loss, the girls can hold their heads high knowing they showed great teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship. Also, a special thanks to the team members who volunteered in the canteen this weekend and assisted with scoring for other BMGS games.