2017 Sports Awards

we only had three Middle School cricket teams instead of our normal five and while we will have at least four senior teams in 2019, there will be some schools which do not. Numbers are much stronger in Year 7, where we had three teams this year and will have four teams in 2019. The format of PSA cricket has been changed several times in recent years to try and retain playing numbers by introducing T20 and T30 games at Middle School level. At the Senior School level, to win the Darlot Cup now requires high level performances in both the one-day and the traditional two-day formats.

On the back of a season where the 1st XI showed considerable improvement, hockey is another sport which needs an influx of boys to boost the program. With a comparatively small number of boys playing club hockey, there is a large ability range within the playing group and when club players join with boys who only play school hockey, it can be frustrating for all involved. To try and overcome this disparity in skill level, rather than pick teams based on each boy’s year level as is the normal process in Years 7–10, teams were selected based on ability, which worked well for the ‘A’ teams. There were some excellent games contested under this new format, which other PSA schools may adopt in 2019. With many players returning next season, hopes are high for a stronger showing and for the profile of the game to lift at the College. Our aim is to get back to having three senior teams soon and to increase our playing numbers across all year levels.

Our water polo program has new and experienced coaches guiding the boys into 2019. Term 4 was difficult for the 1st VII, particularly when playing the schools located in areas where club water polo feeds into school programs. The team won one fixture in Term 4 but the improvement the boys showed in a comparatively short period of time was very encouraging. With four current 1st team players still only in Years 8 and 9, the longerterm prospects are looking bright and ongoing training sessions with club teams over the holiday period will fast track player development.

YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES

Two Trinity boys were picked to represent Australia at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games. Thomas Barns (12.8) was the only athlete selected in the freestyle wrestling event and Thomas Throssell (12.4) was similarly the only athlete selected in the 400m hurdles. Thomas Barns finished fifth in the men’s 110kg classification and Thomas Throssell finished seventh in a field of 16 competitors in the 400m hurdles. Prior to leaving for Buenos Aires, both boys were awarded the Pierre de Coubertin Award, which recognises secondary students who demonstrate values which are consistent with the Olympic movement – a great effort by both boys.

THANK YOU

In conclusion, I recognise and thank the many people who make such a contribution to the sport program at Trinity. Without the support of the teaching staff, ground staff, parent helpers, the College administration, external coaches and the student body, a program as large as ours would be very difficult to run. In particular, thank you to the Year 12 boys who have given many years’ service to the College on the sporting fields and, hopefully, will continue to be involved in sport in the future.

Mr Stephen Leahy (’78)

Director of Sport