Intercollegiate

It was wonderful to see so many students, staff and parents out at Intercol events from Wednesday 18 August through to Saturday 21 August 2021. Our students competed with a competitive spirit, whilst maintaining the highest respect for fair play and displaying graciousness whether in victory or defeat.

The 17th Annual Intercollegiate Carnival against St Ignatius’ College was conducted with secondary school teams including basketball, chess, cross country, debating, football, hockey, netball, soccer, and table tennis. Congratulations to Saint Ignatius’ College who won this year 13-8. We started the Saturday 7-3 down, but by mid-morning the score was 8-7 and the excitement was electric. Even though we lost, the atmosphere was buzzing and it was a great competition between the two schools. There were many inspirational moments. However, I would like to highlight the camaraderie witnessed at the Senior Girls Cross Country team event. Rather than see Mercedes forfeit because of low availability, three students put their hand up to contest the Cross Country Shield even though it had been some time since they had participated in the sport. Well done to Mackenna Kelly, Elise Varley and Tamika Deans who, in true Mercy spirit, volunteered to run so that Zoe Kroeger and Layla Kinnane could still compete in this event. That is not the end of the story! Amelie Nichols, who went out to watch the event to cheer them on, decided to support the team by jumping in at the halfway point in her full Winter Uniform to run with and encourage the team across the finish line. This was a true example of the Mercy spirit that runs deep at Mercedes College. Some other highlights included a dominant performance in the Senior Boys Cross Country, a thrilling Middle School Football victory, a tight win in the Open C Basketball and Open Table Tennis played set-for-set for most of the night. Our Second XVIII Football team finished off their season with another dominant performance, while our First XI Soccer team played one of their best games for the season, even though they were unable to get over the line.

The Year 8A Netball team was eager to participate in their first ever Intercol game. The girls were able to draw on their tough finals experience in the weeks prior to deliver a 31-24 win. The Open A Netball game was a true display of Mercedes spirit, with scores level with less than a minute to play. The girls fought together as a team, demonstrating their determination to never give up! With unstoppable defensive pressure, the girls pressured the St Ignatius’ shooters and held the ball in our possession for a one-goal win. After 17 competitions, the overall tally currently sits at Mercedes 11 to Saint Ignatius’ 5 and 1 draw. Thanks to all staff involved and everyone who coached and came out to support. This competition is truly a unique Intercol, the spirit of which is a credit to both College communities.

Jeff Wray Intercol Coordinator