Sport

After another exciting GPS round six weekend played away against Brisbane State High School and supplementary games against BBC and TSS, we invite everyone to view the weekend’s results summary via myChurchie – GPS Sports and Activities.

Trent Goodrick
Head of Cocurricular

Basketball

Round 6 was always going to be a true test of our programme strength, as the depth of Brisbane State High School (BSHS), particularly in Years 7 and 8 was evident by the number of undefeated teams from both BSHS and Churchie. The 37 teams still eligible to finish first in their division, and our 40 teams in total knew it would be a tall task.

What was very impressive to see was the multiple shows of sportsmanship and the way in which games were played across both venues. Numerous tight games, for example, the 8B and 10B teams, became Churchie wins due to a mixture of game planning, resilience and character shown. The made lay-ups didn’t hurt either.

On the day, we maintained 36 teams in the running to win their competition with just two rounds to go. Some of the impressive wins can be seen in the Churchie Basketball Scoreboard; however, notable mentions include the 9D team’s 57–12 victory in a great showing of Churchie style basketball, the 11C team’s commanding 67–15 win, as well as the 7E boys taking out their contest in similar fashion, 66–11. 

As advertised last week, the new system for nominating to play the Term 4/1 season for Vikings Club Basketball is in place. Please complete this by the deadline on 28 August if you intend to play across Term 4/1 with Vikings. More information is available on the Vikings page within myChurchie.

Good luck to all teams this weekend, and I look forward to seeing our boys, parents and coaches continuing to show the high standard of sportsmanship and conduct as we finish the season and head towards the Basketball Awards Dinner for boys in Years 7 to 12, and the Vikings Presentation Day for those not in the Years 7 to 12 programme.

First V report

Part of last weekend’s GPS Basketball story was whether the First V could continue their winning streak against a very strong Brisbane State High School outfit.

The game did not disappoint, with a strong start from Churchie behind the play of Noah Kirk, Nash Harding, Kurt Siwek, Andrew Watene and Maxim Ure turned around by a barrage three-pointers by BSHS. It was 43–40 at halftime—and the game and the premiership—were in question. The third quarter was one of the best of the First V season, and the 25–11 scoreline in that term set up the 87–72 victory. This week ahead will be a special game for the First V in the Sir John Pidgeon Sports Complex, with the chance to put their hand firmly on the GPS premiership trophy for the first time since 2020. 

Please join the many boys and families at 12:15 pm this Saturday in the Sir John Pidgeon Sports Complex to witness what could be a historic game for the First V.

Aaron Harding
Director of Basketball

Chess

Round six of the 2024 GPS Chess season saw Churchie travel to face the formidable Brisbane State High School for some challenging matches. It was a competitive round, with Churchie securing victories in five teams, drawing four and losing four. This resulted in a narrow overall victory. Notably, each team could have managed to win all their games, highlighting our opponents’ high level of competition.

This week marks our final home round of the season, where we will host Ipswich Grammar School. Additionally, our Second Chance tournament will run for the last time, providing an opportunity for those not involved in the main games.

The teams for The Southport School will be picked this Thursday, as our final round of Chess is on Thursday 29 August at The Southport School.

We will be leaving Churchie at 2 pm and returning around 8:30 pm.

Max Condon
Director of Chess

Rugby

Last weekend saw Churchie play Brisbane State High School in round six. Brisbane State High have been performing well this year, and it was a highly anticipated round of fixtures between the two schools, particularly the First XV match-up.

Our junior teams faced off against some very athletic BSHS teams and had to toil hard all day to score points, particularly in the windy conditions. Churchie created plenty of opportunities but at times were let down with missed chances or turnovers that were punished with long-range tries by the dangerous BSHS backline.

Overall, there were 11 games played between the two schools, with Churchie recording four victories and six losses. The mighty U12 B team continued their undefeated run with a nail-biting 12-all draw against GT. Well done to those boys and their coaches.

This weekend, we are hosting IGS at Churchie for our final home game of the season. We have many teams in the supplementary draw this week, so please check the draw closely.

First XV report

In the Firsts match, the intensity was palpable from the start. Churchie showcased its prowess early on with a well-executed maul try, setting the tone for an exciting game. State High, however, responded with tenacity, utilising close-quarter pick-and-go plays to secure crucial points. The first half ended with State High leading 14-7.

As the second half commenced, State High continued their momentum, scoring early tries to extend their lead. Churchie, undeterred, fought back with a brilliantly executed set-piece try from a scrum, with Oliver Chancellor’s try under the posts injecting renewed energy into the team. Churchie’s relentless forward play and hard carries allowed them to narrow the gap, displaying their resilience and determination.

Despite Churchie’s valiant efforts, State High sealed the victory with a final play, concluding the match with a scoreline of 21-38. The match was a testament to the skill and sportsmanship displayed by both teams. Churchie’s upcoming home game against Ipswich Grammar promises to be another thrilling encounter.

Andrew Moloney
Director of Rugby

Sporting achievements

Congratulations to the following students who have been successful in the following sporting pursuits.

Rowing

Australian Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprint Championships

Over the weekend, two students, Jack Townson and Shaun Campbell, proudly represented their rowing club in the Australian Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprint Championships at Mooloolaba Beach. This was the first time both athletes had competed in a coastal rowing regatta, and it proved to be an exciting experience.

Early in the competition, the close margins became apparent when they narrowly missed winning a final race by just 1.2 seconds. However, as the regatta progressed, they adapted to the challenging conditions and showed great improvement. Their hard work paid off as they claimed victory in the Under 19 Mixed Quad, secured second place in the Under 19 Men’s Double, and both finished on the podium for the Under 19 Mixed Double.

We are proud of Jack and Shaun for their performance. Coastal Rowing as a sport will make its Olympic Games debut in LA 2028.

Trent Goodrick
Head of Cocurricular