Both the students and staff were excited to get a regular CAS season underway in Term 1, following the absence of regular CAS Sport in 2020. With participation levels high, all teams were able to put together a very competitive season - all 11 finished in the top 4, and many are in line for a position in the top two!
As our Junior Teams head into their last round of the Term 1 CAS season this week, we have a number of teams in the running to be CAS Champions. The short 9-week term means that Teams who finish in 1st place following regular CAS fixture, will become the CAS Champion.
With only five schools competing in the Senior CAS Competition, the top two teams played off in the CAS final this week. With three of five teams making their respective finals, this was an awesome effort by our Seniors, and in particular, the many Year 12s who got played this year.
Basketball
Currently our Year 7/8 Boys and Girls Basketball Teams have been dominating the floor against all opposition, with an even spread of scorers who can shut down their opponents in defence. The final fixture against Mater Dei Catholic College will determine who finishes on top and secures the CAS title.
Our Year 9 Boys’ and Girls’ Teams also put together some very impressive basketball, with the Girls only losing one game and stringing together a number of big wins. The Boys have challenged the opposition every week and never looked out of the game.
Our Senior Girls had a core group of players who pushed each other, and the opposition, every week. Their improvement over the season was clear and they started to play some consistent basketball as the season came to an end.
The Senior Boys finished the season with only one loss, and this was thanks to an even spread of players, each with their own strengths, that allowed each player to fulfil a role for the team. They played St Stephen’s Duncraig in the final, and after a slow start pulled themselves back into the game. Sadly, they couldn’t close the gap and the win went to St Stephen's.
Touch Rugby
With over 18 girls playing in the Junior Team, their coach, Mr Limpitlaw, put together a highly effective rotation system that allowed all players equal opportunity to develop their skill and game play. With such a large buy-in from the girls, they put together a stellar season, remaining undefeated, with the last fixture of the season being their grand final against Mater Dei Catholic College.
After three years of domination in the Senior CAS competition, this season is the last for many of the Year 12s, and they were able to win the CAS premiership with a convincing 7 – 0 win over Peter Moyes ACS. It was 2 – 0 at half time, but they opened the game up in the 2nd half and were able to finish off their good work. Under the guidance of coach, Mr Rowland, the more experienced players have ensured their younger peers continue to play to a high level and keep St Mark’s as the premier Touch Rugby School in the CAS competition.
Volleyball
The rivalry with Prendiville Catholic College (PCC) was once again a feature for our Senior Volleyball teams this year. Both our Girls’ and Boys’ Teams proved to be too strong against all opposition, except for PCC. Unfortunately, this was not enough to secure a place in the final for our Boys’ Team. It was a very tight competition in which three schools only lost one game each!
With a mix of year groups in the Girls' Team, they were nervous going into their final against PCC. Ably led by the Year 12s, the Team played with great structure, but lacked some of the hitting power of the opposition and ultimately lost the match. A fantastic effort by all members of the Team.
Our mixed Junior Indoor Beach Volleyball Team continues to develop and has shown dramatic improvement this term. With many of the players in Year 8, we expect them to develop consistency in their game play in 2022.
Cricket
With a core group of Year 12 boys making up the majority of the Senior Boys Team, ably led by Ashton Robertson and Harrison O’Brien, they could always put it together on the pitch. With a number of close games, they were unlucky not to secure a win and it was certainly not from a lack of effort.
The Junior Team consists of a students in Years 7, 8 and 9 who have competed hard each week against older opposition. They have a great balance of left and right-handers, as well as spin and pace, and showing significant development amongst the younger players, they are well set up well for the future.
