Soccer The 2016 season began with a strong sense of optimism and self-belief after the outstanding efforts of 2015. Mr Ben Kriszyk 1st XI Soccer Manager
Trinity College welcomed Mr Dean Evans to the role as 1st XI coach whose positivity, professionalism and tactical knowledge was a great asset for the soccer program. With many talented players departing in the Class of 2015 it was a perfect opportunity for emerging new talents to make their mark for Trinity. This consistent flow of exceptionally gifted, hard-working and talented players pays homage to the staff and former students working with our Middle School teams. It was an exceptional year in 2016 for all Middle School teams with the 7A, 8A, 9A and 10A teams finishing on top of the table. I take this opportunity to thank those teachers for their enthusiasm and commitment each week, in developing our Middle School teams. Both Dean and I were fortunate to begin our season on tour. The College soccer tour to Malaysia and Singapore, which runs every second year, gave us the perfect opportunity to get to know the players, their strengths and abilities as well as on a personal level. The travelling party, which also included Miss Amanda Marocchi and Mr David Hankin, spent nine days travelling through Malaysia and Singapore, playing four games of soccer and undertaking many more activities throughout our stay. The matches, which were played in extremely humid conditions against formidable opponents, served as a great pre-season warm up. Upon our return to Perth we were ready to begin the 2016 PSA season. Trinity hit the ground running with an impressive away victory at Hale School, followed by a big home win against Guildford Grammar School and another nail-biting victory on a wet and windy morning at Wesley College. Confidence was at an all-time high after another powerful performance at home against archrivals, Aquinas College. Trinity College was several points clear at the top of the table heading into our fixture against co-title contender Christ Church Grammar School, who had dropped points earlier in the season and provided Trinity with a real opportunity to state their claim for the Lawe Davies Cup. After a nervy start and some half time words of wisdom from Dean, the players rallied to draw the game and come close to winning the match. The unbeaten run had continued and Trinity College looked strong going into Term 3 and the second half of the season. Trinity’s first two games back, were home games against Scotch College and Wesley in which the visitors provided little to no resistance. The boys were really starting to believe this could be their season. Guildford Grammar was next on the fixture list and this poignant match turned the season on its head. A scrappy, yet honest affair, with very few chances created for either side, left Trinity reeling after a 1–0 loss. The setback was followed by a 1–2 loss to Hale and left Christ Church in strong contention to finish over the top of the Trinity boys. Hollywood script writers couldn’t have done a better job with 1st vs 2nd (Trinity vs Christ Church) set to play each other on the final weekend
in July. The game, which was played with high intensity from both teams, did not disappoint in terms of a spectacle but the result was one to forget. A last gasp effort from Christ Church in the final seconds of the match earned them a 1–2 victory and broke many a heart at Waterford. Trinity went on to record a win against Aquinas and a loss in the final fixture of the season to finish second. A valiant effort for the season, but one which left all involved feeling it could have been much more. I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate team Captain Kane Ottobrino (12.2) and Vice-captains Ben Pellizzari (12.8) and James Biagioni (12.1) on a strong season in which their desire and commitment to the College could never be questioned. I also congratulate Sam Thorniley (12.1) and Sam Moffatt (11.3) on outstanding seasons. A special mention to the parents who assisted me throughout my inaugural season as Manager of the 1st XI team — your tireless efforts have made my job an enjoyable one and I am extremely grateful for everything you have done for the club and me. I look forward to the next season, where Trinity College can again attempt to reclaim the Lawe Davies Cup for a record 15th time. Mr Ben Kriszyk 1st XI Soccer Manager
255
