SPORT
Jarryd’s big day out Jarryd Garner (Yr11 M) had the most astute of cricket followers searching for superlatives after scoring 178 runs off just 96 deliveries against Melbourne Grammar School at Domain Road Oval on November 6. Jarryd’s remarkable innings included 29 boundaries (11 sixes and 18 fours), and was described by resident cricket guru John Hendry as “the most powerful and sustained hitting I have seen in 31 years of being involved with APS 1st XI cricket”. “He destroyed competent bowling,” Mr Hendry said. “Some of his hits straight and over mid on were huge – one cleared a three-storey building and Domain Road. Those present and playing witnessed something of which Jarryd can be rightly proud… for these are extraordinary feats.” While the opening round fixtures of the APS Summer season were plagued by wet weather, the School’s cricketers provided a shining light. Jarryd, Meyrick Buchanan (Yr11 FB) and Corey Ogle (Yr11 Cu) made their Victorian Premier Cricket debut with Geelong’s first XI team, with Meyrick snaring 3-26 in the season opener against Hawthorn-Monash and Corey claiming
the scalp of former New South Wales and Victorian batsman Graeme Rummans in round two. Meyrick was consequently selected in the Victorian under-19 team, while Meyrick, Corey and Dom McGlinchey (Yr11 A) were all selected in the Victorian under-17 squad. The School celebrated further sporting success when Year 12 students Billie Smedts (Yr12 FB) and Troy Davis (Yr12 FB) were selected by Geelong and Melbourne respectively at the AFL National Draft on the Gold Coast on November 18. Billie was snapped up by Geelong with its first pick (number 15 overall), while Troy was selected in the third round by Melbourne (number 50 overall). Both players will now join the elite ranks of the AFL in a ringing endorsement of the School’s Sport Scholarship programme. “For my footy it has been great,” Billie said. “But I love being there (at Geelong Grammar School) for other reasons. I’ve met so many good friends. That’s what has made it so worthwhile.”
Paul La Cava, Director of Sport, said the Sport Scholarship programme had improved the School’s competitiveness in a number of major sports. “It allows players to believe that they are competitive whenever they go out to train and play, which positively influences their self-esteem,” Mr La Cava explained. “The Sport Scholarship students help raise the standards of those around them, they provide inspiration and good role models in a sporting sense. Most importantly, the programme provides opportunities for students who otherwise would not be able to attend the School. It allows these kids to make a positive contribution to the Geelong Grammar School community, while the School has been able to make a massive difference to these kids’ lives.”
Left: Jarryd Garner (Yr11 M) unleashes on his way to a remarkable 178 runs against Melbourne Grammar School Right: Billie Smedts (Yr12 FB) was selected by Geelong with its first pick in the AFL National Draft and will wear the No. 2 jumper last worn by dual premiership captain Tom Harley
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