A beautifully warm spring morning greeted the bleary eyed athletes as they poured onto the bus bound for Maroubra. And despite getting lost several times on the bus ride there, spirits and expectations were high ahead of some first timers into the QUAD realm.

As we pulled up to the immaculately laid track, the excitement could not be contained as the young chargers warmed up ahead of their events. The field events started the carnival and young Harry Bell started off in style, finishing 2nd in his long jump event with a jump of 3.72m. This great result was followed up by Oliver Dwyer and James Moore in the Shot Put and Discus respectively, as they threw themselves into 2nd place also. Harry Quinn and Luca Russo then showed their class in their long jump and discus events, with Harry finishing 2nd and Luca 3rd.

The roar of the crowd began to take full voice as the first of the 6 years 50m races took to the track. And although they did not finish in the top three, the likes of Max Tian, William Fisher, Jamie Kerr, Freddie Bourne, Rishaad Wildie and Harry Forsyth will be a great force in years to come.

In the 7 years Newington unearthed a superstar, with Harry Stuart winning both his 50m event and also his 100m event. The latter was in a time of 14.68 sec, which would have had him winning the 11 years C race!!! Incredible effort from the young lad! Lachlan Hull also found himself in 2nd place in his heat with a strong finish.

The 8 years age group saw Eddie Timpson again showing his versatility, with a 2nd place in both the 100m and 200m events. Nathan Ma looked terrific in his 200m event as he took out 3rd place, and Aston Bloom was his intensified best as he finished just behind Eddie in his 100m event. Zachary Steinwede was very competitive in all his races and Angus Ashworth is an athlete to look out for in the coming years with his powerful stride and arm action.

The 9 years found the going a little tougher as the depth of both Coogee and Mosman started to show. Alex Ngatai and Julian Potkonjak tried valiantly in their respective events, while Brady Jones, Kalen James and Hamish Danks showed great technique and fighting spirit in theirs.

The 10 years age group were touted as the team to beat with their 4 IPSHA representatives in tow. And they did not disappoint! Oliver Dwyer started the 10’s in fine style, running a very fast 14.53 sec in the 100m finishing 1st. This run was backed up by Harry Bell, Jack Dobson and Daniel Nicholas. The latter finished 2nd in a very tightly contested race! Harry Bell and James Moore then combined to finish 2nd and 3rd in their 800m event, showing great speed endurance and tactical running.

The 11 years age group proved an unexpected gold mine with all divisions succeeding. Hugh Holm ran strongly in his 100m event, with Luca Russo and Harry Quinn showing why theirs is a rivalry to watch in the next year. But it was young Haydon Ashley who really delivered on the day, finishing 1st and 2nd in his 100m and 200m heats before finishing 3rd in the 1500m event. We wish him a speedy recovery as well, as he battles with an infection in hospital at the present time.

The relays were next and the 6 years got us off to a great start, finishing equal 3rd, which was equalled by the 7’s and then the 8’s. The 9’s just missed out by the barest of margins before the 10’s took out 2nd place. The 11’s rounded off the successful track events with a 3rd in their relay also.

The final event of the day was the Tug-o-War and although Newington was without their Year 6 competitors, they were not about to give up without a fight. Early losses to Pittwater House (eventual winners) and Mosman Prep set up a competition against hosts Coogee. And despite their entire team being in year 6, the team from Newington (comprising of 7 year 5 boys and 1 year 3 boy) held their own. Captain courageous Luca Russo was single-handedly keeping Newington in the contest, but eventually Coogee wore the Lindfield boys down and they were defeated. But they were extremely valiant in defeat! Thank you so much to all the parents who came out to watch the stars of the future.

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Mr Mark Caulfield
Sports Coordinator