MISA: Year Seven and Eight Boys Oztag

This year has quite obviously been a difficult year for sports people young and old to engage in their passion area of physical activity, and in particular competition sport. It was however through diligent planning by the Macarthur Independent Schools Association (MISA) in conjunction with the various Sport Coordinators of the schools that form the association that in Term Four we were able to take the field and participate in the Year Seven and Eight Boys Oztag competition (West Zone).

There were a number of enthusiastic students across Year Seven and Eight who trialled for the boys oztag team. I would firstly like to thank all of the students who trialled for the team, and would encourage all students to continue to take up these extra-curricular opportunities. The team selected boasted an impressive group of young male athletes, many of whom soccer was their main sport, as opposed to football (oval ball) type sports. However, it was evident that the underlying skills were easily transferred from one sport to another.

The round matches saw the team versus our eventual grand final competitors (Oran Park Anglican College) in the first round, where we drew with them 2-2. As we progressed through the round matches the team learnt valuable lessons in regards to the rules and offensive and defensive strategies that are employed in the sport of oztag. It was also identified throughout the round matches that the team would be led defensively by the oztag experience of Brayden M who rarely missed a tag and by Tuli V in attack with his ball playing and kicking skills. Other key contributors were Aidan N and Aavash P with their lightning fast speed making them near uncatchable once they got into open space.

Our grand final match, against Oran Park Anglican College (OPAC) was a nail biting experience. We hit the lead 2-0 with tries to Aavash P, who utilised his blistering speed to streak away for a long range try from within our own half and Nikhil S, who used some clever footwork to find space and make his way over the try line. OPAC hit back and drew 2-2 part way through the first half, and would eventually take the lead into the halftime break 4-3. Brayden M scored an excellent try in the corner, where he dove outstretched over the line. Panteley M and Christian P served the team well with their passing from the dummy half position, and their energy and enthusiasm as they steered the team around through good communication.

The second half saw us draw level with OPAC with a brilliant try to Christian A, where he tricked the opposition with some clever dummies (fake passes) in order to open up space. The team defended well in order to build momentum defensively. It was the “never give up” attitude in defence, most notably shown by Brayden M who chased the ball around the field, and made consecutive tags on multiple occasions, and Aidan. N, Aavash P and Maahir M who used their speed from the edges to chase down any players who made line breaks. Nikhil S and Sebastian B covered kick-offs and general play kicks exceptionally well, reading the play and showing clean hands to catch the ball on the full or pick it up as it was rolling along the ground. When we earnt opportunities through our defensive efforts to attack, Na’eem M showed fancy footwork to make good metres. It eventually was through Aavash P that we took the lead, with yet another one of his long range running efforts. However, the try that would eventually seal the victory for us was the best one of our season. The ball travelled from the right side of the field, through many sets of hands, to eventually end up with Tuli V on the left side of the field, who showed composure to draw in the defenders and pass at exactly the right time to Aavash P, who naturally drew players to him, because of his previous try scoring feats, who then passed to Aidan N, who displayed superb ball handling skills to adjust his position and draw the ball in one handed and race away to the try line.

The team were elated with their victory, when the final whistle was blown and SFCC were crowned the champion team for the MISA Year Seven and Eight Boys Oztag (West Zone). The boys showed humility and congratulated the opposition on a well fought battle and respect by thanking the referee for his adjudication of the match. A fitting and memorable victory chant was led by Nikhil S on the bus ride home!

Congratulations to the first ever SFCC MISA CHAMPIONS! The College community is extremely proud of you and the way in which you represented the College -  embodying our values with the way that you conducted yourselves and participated to the best of your ability.

Mr Matthew Watson
Coach

Back Row (standing - left to right): Mr Watson (Coach), Christian A, Aavash P, Maahir M, Panteley M, Aidan N, Sebastian B
Front Row (sitting - left to right): Christian P, Nikhil S, Na’eem M, Brayden M, Tuli V

MISA: Year Seven and Eight Girls Oztag

The 2020 sporting year has certainly been one to remember. The College community is extremely proud of the OzTag players for embracing an opportunity to participate in the external sporting competition. The 2020 girls Oztag team consisted of 13 enthusiastic Year 7 and 8 students who trialled for the opportunity to represent the College at the Macarthur Independent Schools Association (MISA) Oztag. For many of these students this was their first experience participating in the representative competition. 

The students participated in a number of training sessions and games against a variety of local teams. The St Francis girls team's skills, collaboration, communication developed and bonds strengthened as the season progressed, with students building strong rapport and friendship with one another. 

On Tuesday 1st December, the Years 7 and 8 girls OzTag team played Oran Park Anglican College in the MISA Oztag grand final. The talented St Francis College team showed outstanding skill both in attack and defence, scoring 3 unanswered tries in the first half. Oran Park Anglican College responded in the second half scoring 3 tries. As a result, the game went into extra time to decide the 2020 Girls Oztag Champions. During extra time Oran Park Anglican scored an additional try and won the game successfully earning the championship trophy for 2020.

The St Francis College Year 7 and 8 girls team demonstrated outstanding sportswomanship by upholding the College values, congratulating their opponents and commending one another for their efforts throughout the game. Team discussion quickly turned to the  MISA 2021 Oztag season, the players spoke about their aspirations of building on the culture and momentum of the 2020 Oztag season. 

Congratulations ladies on a fantastic season. Your dedication, enthusiasm and sportswomanship were outstanding and I look forward to many more successful MISA Oztag Seasons in future.

Mrs Kellie Kells
Coach

MISA: Year Ten Boys Volleyball

The Year 10 boys enthusiastically took to the Volleyball court this term as COVID restrictions eased allowing the MISA competition to take place. After a shaky start in the first round of the competition, the team put in some solid work in training sessions coming back to win the following two games.

The highlight of the season being the second of these games versus Magdalene Catholic College. SFCC lost the first set (25 - 22), however the team rallied and returned to the court with a renewed positive outlook, winning the second set (25 - 19). The deciding third set was a nail biter with the lead changing hands several times throughout the set. With a great show of teamwork, SFCC came away with the win in the final set (27 - 25).

Making it to the finals, the boys, once more played our Round 1 competitors, Oran Park Anglican College (OPAC). SFCC played well as a team and took the OPAC team by surprise early in the match. However, despite the team’s best efforts, OPAC were a strong team and claimed victory.

During the term the boys continually impressed me with their dedication and passion for competition as well as their exemplary sportsmanship and resilience. All members of the team are to be congratulated and I look forward to the 2021 competition.

Mr Michael O’Brien
Coach