Sport

from Spectemur Issue 1 2021

Alumni News

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 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 selected in the AGSV Representative team, while Sam Rendell was selected as an Emergency. Well done and thank you to Teacher in Charge, Ms Katrina Massey, and Head Coach, Steve Blackley.

While the First XI Cricket team endured a frustrating season as a team with limited success, pleasingly, Connor Laird (Year 11) was selected in the AGSV Cricket Representative team and Captain, Jordan McCleery (Year 12), was named as an Emergency.

The Orienteering Squad won the Roger Slade Trophy again, proving too strong for rivals, Scotch. The group was well led by Luke Burton and Matthew Rodier (Year 12). Callum Yates (Year 9) and Ben Gale (Year 10) enjoyed success at the inaugural Schools’ Midweek Competition held at Kew Golf Club.

The Golf Squad continues to grow, and students have made significant improvements throughout the season. Zac Kelly, James Stambe (Year 12), Logan Taplin and Kyle Scheer (Year 11) all had podium finishes in their respective divisions at various Cycling events. Meanwhile, in an interrupted season, the youthful Triathlon Squad achieved impressive results, as evidenced by top 10 finishes from Freddie Askew, Jack Dobbyn (Year 10), Ryan Humphries, Lucas Rodriguez, and Daniel Chen (Year 9).

Arguably, the biggest highlight of the season came on Friday 19 March at the outdoor pool of Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. For the first time since 1961, the Swimming Squad won the AGSV Championships! In an outstanding display, the Squad blew away the opposition, recording a whopping 42-point victory over their nearest rivals. Additionally, no competitor in the team recorded a finish lower than 5th place, demonstrating the strength of our Swimming Program. In total, including relays, there were 28 Gold, 13 Silver and 21 Bronze medallists. It is difficult to single out individuals in a performance such as that, however, special mentions must go to Xander Zefferelli (Year 7), Ric Shen, William Watson (Year 8), James Kerferd (Year 10), Cody Greenwood and Gregory Kerdemelidis (Year 11) for winning 4 medals, while Yanning Zhang (Year 11) won 5. All Swimming Squad members are congratulated on a special performance. Thank you and congratulations to all of the coaches, including Aquatics Coordinator, Nic Campbell, and Head Coaches, Matthew Belgiovane and Brad Smith.

The Sport Program continues to flourish at the School, which has been well supported by the relatively recent addition of the Sport Academy, headed by Mr Watson. Both Programs are working hand in hand to aid the development of students in their sporting endeavours. Attention now moves to the Winter Season, which our students eagerly anticipate, especially considering the season was not held last year.