The 118^th AAGPS Athletics carnival was held at Homebush on Saturday 11 May. Newington competed in the three divisions with outstanding results from all boys.

From the first field events Newington’s cheering was in fine form, led by the 1st XVI, who rallied the boys to raise the roof on the finish line for our athletes. The enthusiasm even included a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ for Newington’s 150th.

The highlight of the day was the winning of the Junior Championship (U13 and U14) known as the “The Ladies Challenge Plate” for the first time since 1977. The Intermediate team (U15 and U16) finished seventh with many boys in the U16s competing in the Opens Division. The senior boys finished fourth. Two Newington boys, Tepai Moeroa (12/JN) in the opens shot putt and Morgan McDonald (12/MO) in the 3000m, broke the existing GPS records for their events. The 3000m was a particularly sweet finish for Newington with a 1,2 finish when Patrick Elliott (12/ME) crossed the line after Morgan. There were six Newington records broken along with numerous personal bests achieved in the team. Congratulations to all competitors and supporters on a fantastic day for Newington.

As always the relays brought the stands to silence in anticipation of the final show down. Our U13 4x100m team ran an extraordinary race anchored by James Roach (7/MA) who ran the field down in a heart stopping final 100m to the delight of the Newington team, the whole school and their families.