Sports Shorts
NSTA Tennis Competition- Tennis Valley
On Saturday 7 September a small, talented pocket of the Lindfield community ventured out after dark to compete in another Northern Suburbs Tennis Competition extravaganza. Spirits were high as the teams of Jonathan Fourie/Nathan Ma, Tom Hooke/Cameron Liu and Reuben Chippeck/ Keaghan Davey-Webb took centre stage once more.
And after 5 grueling but thoroughly enjoyable rounds of tennis, it was the team of Cameron Liu and Tom Hooke who came out on top, frustrating their more experienced and older rivals with very skillful and exquisite tennis. The second time this pair has walked away with silverware from this competition and proving that there is some real tennis depth at Newington Lindfield.
The pairs of Jonathan Fourie/Nathan Ma and Reuben Chippeck/Keaghan Davey-Webb finished one win off the podium also and were very competitive throughout the entire competition. And with another competition scheduled for Term 4, skies are the limit for these talented Lindfieldians!!
InterHouse Tennis Competition- Stanmore
A wintery start to the morning meant that super soakers were in play to get the courts in readiness for the big Tennis competition. Teachers and parents alike took to the courts, sweeping and mopping in the hope to allow play to commence at the scheduled 8:00am start.
The start was delayed somewhat, but with the sun peaking through the clouds, we were on our way. The Lindfield crowd was ably led by Harry Quinn, Keaghan Davey-Webb, Tom Moody, Jonathan Fourie and Xavier Sheahan. Keaghan drew Harry Quinn on his court and the other boys were spread across the 4 remaining courts.
Five tough and grueling rounds were then fought out, with the boys realizing that games won was the order of the day. Harry Quinn was making light work of all on his court, apart from a plucky young blonde who pushed him to the limit in their match-up!! Jonathan Fourie was playing above his age-group and doing a great job as he finished 2nd overall on his court. Xavier Sheahan and Tom Moody were extremely competitive in all their matches, and pushed their more fancied rivals to the limit in all their matches.
Ultimately, as the clock struck 11am, 6 boys had made it through to the finals, with Harry Quinn being one of them. As he was the highest ranked player, Harry was able to sit out the first round of quarter finals, with which time he could study his likely opponent. And after a solid hit out with tennis ‘great’ Mr Caulfield, he was ready for his semi-final!
Mr Quinn was a little tentative at first, allowing his less-experienced rival to dominate parts of the competition. Harry was able to hold his nerve and show his true class however and eventually went through after a 4-1 win.
A similar battle ensued in the final as Harry battled a much less experienced opponent but one with a cool head and excellent temperament. The first two games were shared by the pair before Harry took control of the final, finding the lines with powerful forehands and excellent serving. The Quinn’s celebrated their first Inter House win when Harry eventually took the game 3-1. A great effort from the singles champion from the Lindfield InterHouse!
Inter House Biathlon- Stanmore
Last weekend the Newington Prep Inter-house Biathlon was held at the senior school. It was a great day for Williams House winning the biathlon house title. The day commenced with over 35 boys competing in a gruelling biathlon of a 400m swim and a 1600m run. Competition was fierce with some outstanding performances and it was clear to see all boys were trying their absolute best to complete the course in the fastest time possible.
The winners of the biathlon were as follows-
Y3- Lachlan Hull
Y4- Gaelen Dorigo
Y5- Eden Horne
Y6- Miles Parhash
The overall winner was Miles Parhash who set up a big lead with a super swim. Runner-up was Josh Macdessi followed by Keiran Corcoran and Louis Pidcock tied for 3rd. Josh, Keiran and Louis were all separated by only 2 seconds, with Josh’s outstanding run leg securing 2nd place.
Report by Mr Joel Wilson
Newington Preparatory Schools’ K – 2 Athletics Carnival
A blustery but fine morning greeted the Newington Prep School’s K-2 Athletics competitors to Old Boys on Wednesday morning. Many of the competitors had been working on their athletic prowess during GMS and PE. This was an opportunity to show all how far they have progressed and how much they enjoy healthy activity. Whilst the wind was an annoyance for spectators, it did not stop the K-2 boys from enjoying the day. In fact it provided the perfect tailwind for many competitors as the track was set alight with scorching sprints and relays.
The discus was never thrown further with the use of the breeze. Coloured discs flew through the air, although a little wayward at times, the audience enduring some narrow escapes. The fizzing sound of the vortex/javelin gave great enjoyment to the crowd as the young Newington competitors sent them into orbit. Shot puts were pushed long and high with even a few grunts heard for that extra competitive edge from some kindergarten throwers. In a most fitting event for the K-2 carnival, the sack races drew the most raucous observers, perhaps as competition met comedy when unflattering falls are heralded just as much as exceptional sack jumping.
Report by Mr Joel Wilson
NZ Rugby/Football Tour 2013
The time has finally come, the bags packed (well Oscar Moody anyway!!) and the tears welling up in the parents eyes. Months and months of planning and organising is over and it is time to enjoy what will be the best tour to date. The boys will be travelling from Christchurch to Dunedin, to Invercargill and finishing in Queenstown. Along the way they will play three matches and get up to a whole deal of mischief in between!!! Well controlled of course.
A big thank you to all the parents that have been so supportive of the tour and have put up with my many, many, many emails to them! Thank you also to my support team of Mr Joel Wilson and Mr Neil Brunton who will be accompanying me and the 36 boys on the tour. Can’t wait to show you the photos and let the boys share their experiences!!
Mr Mark Caulfield
Sports Co-ordinator
