Around the grounds

College sport provides students with an opportunity to come together, compete, develop friendships and cheer on their community.

St Hilda’s punches above our weight, and in 2021 this was no different. Semester 1 treated Hildarians to 8 different sports – cricket, tennis, athletics, cross country, hockey, soccer, table tennis and rowing. The first sport on the calendar sent the Hilda’s cohort all around Parkville, seeking out the various ovals where Cricket matches would be played under the scorching March sun. Both teams transitioned well into finals matches after winning throughout pool play. Following a challenging semi-final match against Queens, the boys finished their season with a third-place finish against Trinity in the pouring rain. The girls went on to win the competition after two close finals matches against Newman and UC. Impressive performances were recognised at the annual Cricket Vote count that was held at the Brunswick Bowling Club. Lachlan (Lachie) Pedley and Pip McWilliams were acknowledged as the most valuable players and many other awards were given out to commemorate both the players and the loyal support crew. The Athletics carnival and CrossCountry race was our opportunity to prove ourselves as one of the smallest, yet fastest colleges on the Crescent. Hunter Wright and Alex Tarr led the way on the track taking out the 100m men’s and women’s finals respectively. Tennis and Table Tennis were also played, and our teams fought well against competitive opposition. Hilda’s cemented our area on the banks of the Yarra for the rowing regatta with the smell of Tyso’s breakfast BBQ and loud chants. The rowers competed well throughout the day, with the women’s boat earning a 2nd place finish in the B Final. It was a beautiful morning in the city enjoyed by all. Two highlights of the sporting year for Hilda’s were the Women’s Hockey and Men’s soccer grand finals! Both played against our fierce rival neighbours, Queen’s College, and were both won by the mighty green and blue. The atmosphere created by the united support crew set the tone for our fighting spirit that led both teams to victory. Face paint, merch and chants galore – they were both moments that made us feel very proud to be Hildarians.

Despite the interruptions to the sporting calendar, fellow Sport Director, Lachie and I are incredibly proud of the effort and passion that the students of Hilda’s bought to their sport in 2021. Finishing 2nd in the overall college points for the Tickner Cup is a great achievement and testament to the strength of Communitas. We look forward to following the progress of Hilda’s sporting teams into the future, hopefully all codes scheduled in 2022!

Katie Pearce

Female Sport Director 2021

Nathan Gee (2021)

2020 SPORT WITH A DIFFERENCE

With a commendable start to the 2020 year, our sports representatives Emily and Luke organised a full calendar for the St Hilda’s teams. Beginning the semester with Grand Final appearances by both our boys and girls cricket, the community spirits were high and every sideline was packed full of supporters to watch our athletes compete. Students participated in the intercollegiate competition ‘Run for Equality’ in support of ‘Our Watch’ (a charity for the prevention of violence against women and their children), coming in 4th place. As restrictions slowly eased, our athletic and tennis seasons were regrettably cut short – but not before many of our community members demonstrated cases of amazing talent on the track, oval, field and court.

Sporting Spotlight Sally Howie (2021)

“I relocated from Darwin, Northern Territory and attended boarding school at The Geelong College for my final two years of schooling. I am studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne and in the Elite Athlete program where I play premier league hockey for the Melbourne University Hockey Club. I have represented both the Northern Territory and Victoria on numerous occasions and was recently selected in the HC Melbourne squad as a development player. I love Hilda’s because it has allowed me to balance my hockey whilst staying ahead of my university work with the assistance of tutors, Brenda and the staff. Hilda’s allows me to balance both commitments whist still enjoying the social side to university and sport. I look forward to enjoying the full Hilda’s experience in 2022.”

Sally Howie, Rod Lyle Sport Scholarship recipient 2022