Great Scot 163_September 2021_ONLINE_21.09.21 | Page 48

SPORT
1 .

EXCITEMENT AND ENTHUSIASM FOR THE WINTER SPORTS SEASON

2 .
LOCKDOWNS NOTWITHSTANDING , THE BOYS GRASPED THEIR OPPORTUNITIES
Our boys approached the 2021 winter sport season with great excitement and enthusiasm . Scotch boys have always valued sport extremely highly , but particularly so after the cancellation of last year ’ s winter season .
For the Years 7 and 8 boys , it was their first opportunity to represent the School in winter sports , and it must be said the future looks bright , as there were some excellent performances across the board . Most importantly , all of our boys played with great sportsmanship , gave their best effort , and enjoyed the many benefits of participating in team sports . Our Firsts teams were extremely committed in the lead-up to the season , and this was clearly evident in their performances .
While Term 2 allowed some much-needed continuity and a sense of normality , this was impacted in June by lockdown . A brief return to sport in July , with one full round , was again interrupted by another lockdown and inevitably the cancellation of the winter season . With more than half of fixtures played , it was pleasing the APS and the Victorian Schools ’ Rugby Union awarded final placings and subsequently premierships to substantiate the validity of Firsts competitions .
The best performed senior team was our Cross Country squad . It remained undefeated at the end of the season and shared the premiership with Wesley College . Unfortunately , circumstances dictated that both squads did not compete against each other , as only four of the planned six rounds took place . The cross country premiership is the first won since 2005 and provided some excellent reward for effort , with many boys working all year round over several years on their running . The depth of the team was a real strength , and was critical with breakthrough wins against St Kevin ’ s College and Haileybury College in the early rounds , effectively setting up the equal first place finish .
46 Great Scot Issue 163 – September 2021