Sport It was a true delight to see students involved in sporting fixtures again after being deprived of competitions for much of 2020. The entire Summer Season took place throughout Term 1, with most students participating in a 6-week season, and they embraced it to full effect. Participation rates were high, and the results were some of the best the School has ever recorded. The Season couldn’t have got off to a better start for our First teams. For what could have been the first time ever, Firsts Basketball, Cricket and Tennis all defeated Trinity. Cricket, in particular, was an incredibly close match, passing Trinity’s score with just one wicket in hand. Meanwhile, Firsts Table Tennis and Volleyball made it a clean sweep, as all First teams won their matches on the first weekend of competitions. A relatively young side, fielding only one Year 12 student, Firsts Tennis continued their encouraging start to the season to remain undefeated and win the School’s first AGSV Tennis Premiership since 1994. Captain Isaac Hui led the team with class and composure and was well supported by Number 2 and 3 players, Matthieu Gibert (Year 10) and Andrew Lee (Year 11). However, it was the depth of the team and the mixture of youth and experience which proved the difference and ensured victory each week, especially against formidable opponents in Peninsula and Ivanhoe. Congratulations to Isaac, Matthieu, Andrew, Ashwin Prabaharan, Lachlan Wei (Year 11), Darcy Albert, Sam Keenan, Lachlan O’Neill (Year 10), and Kadell and Orlando Kuti (Year 9), as well as Teacher in Charge, Mr Manfred Pietralla, and Head Coach, Peter Owen. After a stellar season, Isaac and Matthieu was also rewarded with being selected in the AGSV Representative team. The depth of the Tennis Program was evident throughout the season as well. The Seconds, 10A, 9A, 8A and 7A teams only lost one match between them. The Firsts Lawn Bowls team consisted of William Cook, Elijah Pannozzo (Year 12), Kristian Bite and Hieu Tran (Year 11). A team that has played together and experienced success for multiple years, they continued their dominance in 2021 by claiming the AGSV Premiership and by also winning the annual AGSV versus APS representative match. All teams were under the guidance of Teacher in Charge, Mr Andrew Worsnop, and Coach, Bob Jones. Both of whom I thank for their efforts throughout the season. While not competing for an official AGSV Premiership, due to only 5 schools competing, Firsts Table Tennis also went 26
through the season undefeated. The team looks destined for continued success. At just Year 8, Justin Kwan dictated the competition playing as the team’s number 1, going through the season without dropping a match. In a rare feat as a Year 6 student, Aiden Tang demonstrated his rare talent, comfortably negotiating opponents up to 6 years his senior as the Number 2 player. They were well supported by more experienced players in Eugene Goh (Year 11) and Joshua Hui (Year 10), while the team also included Joel Cheok (Year 9) and Matthew Shi (Year 8). Justin and Joshua gained selection in the AGSV Representative team and Eugene was named as an Emergency. Thanks goes to Mr Stephen Smith, Teacher in Charge, and Joe Gerada, Head Coach. Firsts Basketball had a history making season, finishing second for the first time since becoming an AGSV Premiership Sport in 1990. The team won every game of the season until the final round, where they met eventual Premiers and Basketball powerhouse, Marcellin. It was a remarkable season and, again, it was the consistency and depth throughout the team that fostered their success. Flynn Chable (Year 12) was the heart and soul of the team, leading with enthusiasm and empathy. Sam Veitch (Year 11) and Sam Rendell (Year 12) led the scoring, and Liam Thomas and Luke Doblin (Year 12) were pillars in defence. Others improved considerably throughout the season, including Tom May, Callum Rutledge and, especially David Mutavdzija (Year 12). The team was also kept on their toes from newcomers, Thomas Power (Year 11) and Ryder Cheesman (Year 9). A fitting reward, Sam Veitch was
