Year 11/12 Football State Champions
The Notre Dame College Year 11/12 Boys Football team have been crowned School Sport Victoria State Champions after winning a hard fought Grand Final by 15 points against Lakeview Senior College, Caroline Springs played in Bundoora on Tuesday 26 August.
Playing in terrible conditions, with winds of 40km and driving rain, both teams struggled in the conditions in the first half, with the score at half time being NDC 1-4-10 to Lakeview 1-3-9.
However, with the rain easing and NDC kicking with the strong wind in the third quarter, NDC kicked 5 goals – including a 70 metre goal from Jobe Jacobs when it carried the pack and skidded for 15 metres through the goals – to open up a 30 point lead.
But with the aid of the wind in the last quarter, Lakeview kicked 3 quick goals to bring them back into the contest until a steadying goal by NDCs Flynn Grumley – the only goal kicked against the wind all game - saw NDC hold on for victory 7-9-51 to Lakeview 5-6-36.
NDCs goal kickers were Caden Ratcliffe 2, Sam O’Brien 1, Oscar Lambourn 1, Will Emanuelli 1, Jobe Jakobs 1, Flynn Grumley 1.
NDCs best players were Caden Ratcliffe, Flynn Grumley, Sam O’Brien, Rory Duffy, Oscar Lambourne & Will Emanuelli.
NDCs road to the Premiership was as follows:
Round 1 – NDC 10-10-70 def Greater Shepparton Secondary College 7-7-49
Round 2 - NDC 8-6-54 def Tallangatta SC 6-4-40
Round 3 - NDC 11-5-71 def Galen College Wangaratta 8-2-50
State Quarter Final - NDC 8.10.58 def Lilydale HS 4.11.35
State Semi Final - NDC 11.9.75 def Frankston 4.6.30
We must also mention, a large number of players in this team have participated in Notre Dame College's Sports Academy Program over the last few years, the boys have put in a lot of work both on and off the field in preparation for games like this, so it is great to see that work has paid off. Well done to all!
Laurenson Silaga
Have you heard of him? .... well, no doubt you will soon, this kid is going places and how lucky are we to witness his journey!
Year 10 student Laurenson Silaga has been playing Rugby Union for Shepparton Bulls for over four years, the last two years he has been selected in Academy teams travelling internationally and interstate as an U16's player.
More recently, Laurenson has been training and trialling for the Super Rugby (VIC) U16 Men's team, and last Sunday the exciting phone call was finally received....he was named in the Victorian team!!! What makes it even more special is that Laurenson is the only regional/country player to trial and be successful.
He will represent the state of Victoria from now until November.
So, the juggle now begins for Laurenson and his family, his training schedule is intense and will require him to travel to Melbourne twice a week. He has been working hard both on and off the field, ensuring he stays on track with his studies, whilst chasing his dreams. He has the full support of his family and teachers, and we know he will take on this challenge with everything he has.
Laurenson, the Notre Dame College community would like to congratulate you on this achievement, and we wish you all the best over the coming months.
Sports Academy Soccer – Melbourne Victory Schools Tournament
Our Sports Academy Year 9/10 Soccer boys put in an outstanding performance at the Melbourne Victory Schools Tournament earlier this week, as part of our exciting partnership with Melbourne Victory.
The team went unbeaten in the league phase, winning all four of their matches to finish second on the ladder and secure a place in the semi-finals. A strong defensive effort saw them keep three clean sheets and concede only a single goal across the group stage.
Special recognition goes to Nathaniel Roe, who stepped up superbly as goalkeeper, and to Joseph Shay who made a huge impact at both ends of the pitch.
In the semi-final, the boys were incredibly unlucky to go down 1–0 to a late goal to Rowville – but they can be proud of their effort, and teamwork throughout the day.
