Year 8 Boys try hard in State attempt

SCHOOL SPORTS VICTORIA – STATE QUARTER AND SEMI FINALS

Year 8 Boys Football

On Wednesday 20 August, the Year 8 boys boarded the bus full of zest and anticipation for what would be a spectacular winter’s day in Ballarat. With the sun shining upon arrival, the boys couldn’t have asked for better conditions and approached the first game with the same level of professionalism that they brought to Swan Hill a month earlier.

Game 1 vs Diamond Valley College
Kicking into a gentle breeze to start with, the boys absorbed some early pressure from Diamond Valley College, however, for a 5-minute burst the pressure applied by Diamond Valley became too much and they skipped out to an 18-point lead with 3 quick goals. In what was a testament to the maturity of the group, the boys did not lose their cool and were able to peg 1 goal back just before quarter time through Ted Cowan. At quarter time the message was clear: they were still well and truly in the fight and Diamond Valley had thrown everything they had at them – it was now CMCB’s turn to respond. In a seesawing quarter, the boys were able to bring the margin back to 5 points at the main break – setting up a huge second half.

The third quarter, or premiership quarter, was all on CMCB’s terms. The midfield brigade was able to gain the ascendency in the middle of the ground off the back of Knox Westley’s ability to put his head over the football and Ryan Packer’s clean ruckwork. The repeat inside-50s became too much for Diamond Valley. Cowan, Travaglia and Svanosio all kicked truly to create a 4-goal buffer at three-quarter time. With the wind at their backs, the boys cruised home to a 5-goal victory, with some undisciplined acts souring the victory.

Final Score: CMCB 9.9.63 def Diamond Valley College 5.1.31

Game 2 vs Maribyrnong College
Starting with 16 on the field, the boys received a huge boost, with Miller Polglase pulling the boots on. Nonetheless, the boys were up against it for the opening ten minutes of the match. Trying to negate the advantage Maribyrnong had with two extra players, CMCB attempted to hold possession and chip the ball around. Archer Horan and James Clark’s clean skills were highlighted in this space, but unfortunately through sheer numbers and pressure, the tactic was unsustainable, and Maribyrnong opened up a 25-point buffer at quarter time. With all 18 players now back on the field, CMCB were a lot more competitive in the second quarter, although Maribyrnong’s run and carry were a force to be reckoned with. It was an arm-wrestle, but Maribyrnong outscored (into the wind) to be 31 points up at half time.

The boys were still full of belief at half time, despite the scoreline. The third quarter was gruelling with the effect of 7 quarters of footy starting to separate the fittest players from the rest. Our skipper Tadhg O’Keefe put the boys on his shoulders, moving to full forward, and slamming home 3 goals. Louis Travaglia, who had been running hard all day, continued to will himself to contest after contest – ultimately cramping significantly at the end of the third. Despite a hugely contested 15-minutes of footy, the boys were only able to bring it back to 28-points. A very clear message of ‘leave nothing out there’ at three-quarter time was taken literally by the boys, who threw every last bit of effort at Maribyrnong. Unfortunately, it was too little too late and Maribyrnong’s cream rose to the top as they ran out 4-goal victors.

Final Score: CMCB 7.4.46 defeated by Maribyrnong College 10.8.68

Although Maribrynong’s coach revealed that this had been the closest game they had across all the carnivals, CMCB were left to lament their slow start which ultimately proved to be the finishing margin. Although the boys were disappointed, there was still a sense of accomplishment in having made it to a State Semi Final. They represented the College with determination and courage and should hold their heads high. We are looking forward to seeing what this group can achieve in 2026!

Mr Hann & Mr Walsh

TEAM: Mr Mitch Walsh (Coach), Quinlan Cody (Helper), Miller Polglase, Sonny Kennedy, Tadhg O’Keefe, Tahj Peters, Ted Cowan, Kahl McInerney, Harvey Young, Archer Horan, Byron Martin, Fletcher Stevenson, Lon Schelfhout, William Elms, Zander Walker, Mr Josh Hann (Coach), Lenny McNamara, Jamison Westley, Mitchell Hannaford, Hudson Svanosio, Jimi Read, Louis Travaglia, Knox Westley, James Clark, Jack Yates, Tarkyn Ralphs, Jensen McDonnell, Ryan Packer, Carter Reid