Students v Teachers

Touch

The annual teacher v student competition started in 2022 with touch football. It was an extremely competitive game with teachers from an array of sporting backgrounds showing off their skills. Mr Darnett demonstrated his AFL ball skills with four tries, no behinds. Mr Patison sold a very impressive dummy and there were a lot of buyers as he ran the length and Mr Johnstone shook off his disappointing performance in the 100m at the sports carnival to dominate with ball in hand. The Senior Sport Ex Touch Girls also played well with Sienna Laing flying down the sideline and Sierrah Dawson scoring on a couple of quickees on unsuspecting teachers. In the end, however, the teachers came out of top with a very close, 8 to 6 scoreline. 

Netball

On paper, the 2022 teacher’s netball team looked good! New inclusions included ex Silver Fern Captain - Temepara Clark, coaching marvel - Linda Peterson and ex NRL aerial genius Anthony Don. Despite outstanding recruitment by the teachers, it was always going to be a huge challenge when they were outnumbered 9 players to 7.

Off the back of some classy passing combinations through the centre court by Ocean and Dakota, the students jumped to an early lead in the first quarter. Although some of the teachers have had over 10 years experience in this competition (it took them a while to remember the rules, see the court lines and breathe efficiently).

The momentum changed in the second and third quarter when the teachers defence improved, forcing some turnovers, which was capitalised on by some fluent attacking sequences and accurate finishing by Adam Brown and Sarah Glazebrook. There were some protests that Mr Ashenden was a little ‘button happy’ on the digital scoreboard in the teacher’s favour, however, they were rejected on the basis of nerves and fear of the frazzled student team.

With hope and ambition the teachers tried their best to lift or even maintain their intensity in the fourth and final quarter, however, age (and the referees) got the better of them. Both Abby and Tahli, scored multiple goals, blowing away any hope left in the teacher’s team.

A huge congratulations to the winning senior girl’s netball team on their best performance for the year. Sadly, both student referees and in particular Brielle, are under review for unethical behaviour including match fixing.

Basketball

The teacher vs student Basketball game is always eventful. Coming off a buzzer-beating win last year, the teachers had a high spirits coming into this game. The students started out on fire, hardly missing. The teachers…hardly scoring. It didn’t take long though and the teachers were back in the game. Some new blood in the form of Jake Cosson, Joel Tippett and Ms (hardly miss) Sarah Glazebrook kept the students on their toes and scrabbling to keep the lead. After some tough shots and great refereeing, the teachers were in the lead (up by 4) and with the game coming to an end Wiremu who didn’t miss a shot, nailed a 3-pointer to ensure the students only lost by 1.  

Soccer

The anticipation amongst teachers was at an all-time high with the news that Chris Capra wouldn’t be refereeing this year due to his absence. The teachers were a chance of winning!

The opening 10mins was akin to game 3 State of Origin at Suncorp Stadium. After some quality play from both teams the students struck first through a goal the Jed Thelwall (replacement for his older brother – injured.) After dominating field position the students scored again through a crafty set piece. Andy Burovski on the end of a well worked free kick finishing neatly into the teacher’s goal.2-0

With a few tactical subs made by the teachers, and an injection of fresh legs the teachers pressed the ball high and their efforts were rewarded with a goal to Nick Alidenes. 2-1. Shane Robinson was next on the score sheet for the teachers to level it up with some typical ‘roll the sleeves up, can do attitude.’ 2-2.

Next was a moment that no-one witnessing that day would have ever expected. A 45metre long ball found an unmarked Ky Dula in open space inside the teacher’s 18 yard box. He leapt into the air and struck the ball on the volley into the top corner of the goal. A goal that wouldn’t be out of place in a World Cup Final! 3-2 students.

The game progressed and Darren Moakes arrived late at the back post from a corner to head home and level the scores 3-3 with a few minutes remaining. The game looked destined for a draw until the students made a lightning quick counter attack and found Aaron Hosie open to tap into the goal to win the match 4-3 – students win! Congrats and thanks to everyone involved.