Newington College snatched an unforgettable victory in the home straight at the AAGPS Carnival held at Sydney’s Olympic Park Athletics Centre on Saturday 5 May. It is the first time we have held up the Senior Championship Shield since 1978.

After a race-by-race back and forth tussle between Newington and The King’s School, it seemed almost scripted that the Championship Shield would come down to the final race—both schools tied on 364 points.

All day the Newington supporters had been treated to incredible performances by the boys in Black and White. Jack Hiscox (12/PR) won Championship medals for the Open 400m and Open 800m; Lachlan Little (12/KL) topped the table in the U17 Long Jump and the U17 400m. Morgan McDonald (11/MO) outclassed his rivals in the U17 1500m, showing everyone just why he has been selected in the National Athletics Development Squad.

Then there was Tepai Moeroa’s (11/JN) gargantuan 19.12m throw in the U17 shot put, which must surely go down in the annals of AAGPS folklore. The King’s School had already wrapped up both the Junior and the Intermediate divisions, with Newington’s junior team finishing in an impressive second place! But no one was celebrating just yet as the biggest prize had come down to the relays.

All across the grandstand feet tapped the ground nervously as the first-leg runners in the Open 4 x 100m relay stepped into their blocks. The boys crouched, batons in hand and the starter raised his arm. The 10,000 strong crowd were hushed to silence in anticipation of the 40 seconds ahead.

The starting gun cracked. Newington’s Matthew Hood (12/ME) took the lead early, with each stride bringing us closer to our first Senior Championship in 34 years. Three perfect baton changes, two schools locked in competition and one unforgettable moment. In the dying stages of the race, Abdel Elkout (12/KL) flung himself across the line ahead of a determined Sydney Boys High School runner.

And his legs didn’t stop moving as he continued his run along the track to the Newington supporters’ territory and into the waiting arms of athletes, who had erupted into a sea of hugs, cheers and maybe even a proud tear or two.

The significance of the occasion was lost on none, as each of the schools acknowledged the incredible standard of competition and sportsmanship on display. For the GPS Athletics Championship to come down to the final race was a remarkable testament to the standard and gladiatorial spirit of high school athletics here in Sydney.

Congratulations to our athletes and to all boys for the amazing support they received to make the day one that certainly will not be forgotten any time soon!