2023 | ISSUE 10 | SJC Newsletter

Year 10 ACC Soccer

Year 10 Football

In an exhilarating display of talent and determination, St Joseph's proved their prowess on the field throughout a week packed with high-stakes sporting clashes. The undoubted highlight of the week came in the form of the Year 10 Soccer premiership, where St Joseph's became ACC Year 10 champions for the third time with a scintillating 4-3 victory over Salesian Chadstone.

Defending their Year 9 premiership from a year earlier, both teams were keen to showcase their skill and determination on the field. The match began with Salesian taking an early lead, putting St Joseph's on the back foot. However, the defending champions quickly responded, equalizing the score before Salesian regained the advantage just before halftime, leading 2-1.

As the game approached its final moments, the tension was palpable on the field and among the spectators. In the 59th minute (of 70 minutes), St Joseph's found the equalizer via Alex Giorgio, igniting a surge of hope and determination. The team continued to push forward relentlessly, and in the 65th minute, they took the lead with a goal that sent waves of jubilation through the St Joseph's team. However, Salesian fought back valiantly, scoring a last-minute equalizer, leaving the score deadlocked at 3-3 at the end of regulation time.

The stage was set for a gripping extra-time showdown, and it was in this intense period that St Joseph's showcased their resilience and unwavering spirit with passing sequences and magical touch. In a moment of sheer brilliance, Patrick Wall once again rose to the occasion, sealing the deal with a decisive goal in the 7th minute of extra time. This goal propelled St Joseph's to a glorious victory, sparking scenes of unbridled celebration and ensuring that the Year 10 soccer premiership was coming to Geelong for just the third time.

The triumph stands as a testament to the exceptional talent, teamwork, and resilience of the St Joseph's players, who refused to yield and fought with every ounce of their being. The coaching staff of Ms Gilda Incigneri and Mr Pat Prendergast empowered the unit and encouraged the boys to utilise their weapons throughout the season which resulted in the memorable finish. The boys can now revel in their well-deserved victory and look forward to the future in 1st XI Soccer with confidence and determination.

While the soccer team basked in their triumphant glory, the Year 10 Football team faced a different fate in their Grand Final across the other side of Melbourne. The boys found themselves pitted against the undefeated Parade Bundoora in a rematch of the 2022 Year 9 ACC Grand Final which saw St Joseph's steal the premiership by 3-points. Despite an unwavering display of will and determination, the St Joseph's team struggled to contain Parade's relentless attack and resolute defence.

St Joseph's kicked with a stiff breeze in the first quarter but failed to capitalise, going in at quarter time down by 8-points. The boys were urged to defend with all they had in the second quarter but Parade were too strong piling on 6-unanswered goals. The second half proved a similar story as the goals kept coming for Parade resulting in a resounding 94-point win. Thomas Handley emerged as a standout performer, showcasing his talents with two well-executed goals whilst Eamon Roberts and Hugo Walsh also hit the scoreboard. Despite the loss, the players can take pride in their journey to the grand final and the invaluable experience gained from competing at such a high level. The lessons learned from this match will undoubtedly fuel their future endeavours on the field as they move into the 1st XVIII next season.

In the 1st XVIII Football Semi Final, St Joseph's came in full of confidence against the boys from St Bede's Mentone who had only lost one game for the season. The match was a true showcase of relentless pressure and determination from both sides. Two goals to St Bede's saw them jump out to an early lead, but a steadier to Noah Caracella late in the first quarter gave the Joeys boys come confidence at the first break. St Joseph's controlled the game in the second and third quarters holding St Bede's to just 2 behinds, but they were unable to put that dominance on the scoreboard themselves as they led by just 3 points at three quarter time. The scene was set for an enthralling final quarter, and that only amplified with a St Bede's goal in the first 30 seconds of the final term in front of the now huge St Bede's crowd. St Joseph's hit back immediately through a second Zekiah Davey major, holding on desperately throughout the final term. But the wayward kicking continued and St Bede's finally broke through with 2 late goals to break the St Joseph's players hearts.

Despite the 5.7 (37) to 3.11 (29) outcome, St Joseph's can take pride in the exceptional performances displayed by Year 11 students Lachlan Jaques and Jesse Mellor, whilst Year 12s Fletcher Hughes, Nicholas Dowling, Isaac Conlan, Finn Hoey, Liam Kershaw, Patrick Hughes and Ethan Borys gave their all in their final game of football for the College.

While victory may have eluded them in the football matches, the indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment showcased by St Joseph's student-athletes throughout the week serve as a testament to their character. The triumph in the Year 10 Soccer Premiership stands as a shining beacon of success for the school, while the football teams can find solace in their valiant efforts and the invaluable experience gained from the matches. The future of sport at St Joseph's is in a fantastic place, building upon the memorable moments from the week that was as we continue to nurture and foster athletic excellence.

Chris Lynch
Timetabler