Little Leagues Report – Round 12

As we near the end of another fantastic year of sport at Cranbrook Junior School, it is inspiring to reflect on the growth our students have shown throughout the summer and winter seasons. From tennis to basketball, water polo to sailing, and everywhere in between, our students have consistently demonstrated perseverance, teamwork and sportsmanship. Their dedication to improving their skills and supporting one another has been outstanding.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our parents for their unwavering support on the sidelines, to our teacher managers for their organisational efforts and to our coaches for their guidance and expertise. It is the collective effort of the Cranbrook community that enables our students to thrive and enjoy the many opportunities that sport provides.

As we wrap up the term, we look forward to rounding out the sporting year with the much-anticipated Swimming Carnival this Friday at the Senior School pool. It promises to be a day filled with energy, excitement and a celebration of our students’ achievements.

Thank you all for a wonderful year of sport and I look forward to seeing you at the pool on Friday!

James Roughan
Head of Sport and PDHPE

Tennis

Wrapping up the season with a well-earned victory, Cranbrook’s Junior School A Tennis Team triumphed over Sydney Grammar with a final score of 38-30 in games. The matches reflected the team’s growth and dedication throughout the season, with exceptional performances by all students.

Cranbrook established an early lead in the doubles matches. Alex T and Blake H dominated their opponents with a commanding 6-1 win, while Shai L and Matthew Z narrowly missed victory in a tightly contested game, falling short by just one game. Inspired by the leadership of the Year 6 players, doubles pairs Jayden B and Ricky C, as well as Josh M and Hugo B, secured decisive wins with scores of 6-1 and 4-3, respectively.

In the singles matches, Cranbrook demonstrated resilience and skill. Alex T battled fiercely against a strong opponent, with multiple games going to deuce, ultimately finishing 1-4. Blake H showcased his season-long progress, using consistent groundstrokes and powerful serves to earn a decisive 4-1 victory.

Shai L and Matthew Z faced tough competitors in their singles matches. Despite a final score of 0-5, both players displayed remarkable determination and impressive skill, pushing their opponents to the limit in every rally. Jayden B, recognizing the significance of his match with the overall score tied, fought valiantly to contribute two crucial games to Cranbrook’s tally.

Ricky C stood out as a performer of the day, exemplifying tactical brilliance and consistency with precise serves and well-placed forehands to secure a 3-2 victory. With the match on the line, the final games fell to Josh M and Hugo B Under immense pressure and with both teams watching intently, the pair delivered, with Josh earning a 4-1 win and Hugo sealing the triumph with an emphatic 5-0 victory.

As the year ends, we bid farewell to our Year 6 players as they transition into Senior School. Their dedication, teamwork, and passion for tennis have left a legacy. We thank them for their contributions and wish them all the best in the exciting new opportunities ahead.

Ben Higgins
Head of Tennis

Water Polo
Cranbrook’s Junior Water Polo team ended their season on a high note with a decisive victory against Newington, extending their winning streak to five games. Throughout the week, the team focused on safely advancing the ball up the pool and improving counterattack decision-making, and their hard work paid off.

Luca M opened the scoring with an impressive long shot to give Cranbrook an early 1-0 lead in the first quarter. Luca added another goal in the second quarter, while Marcus K joined the scoresheet, making it 3-1 at halftime.

In the second half, Cranbrook took control, unleashing a flurry of goals to secure a resounding 15-1 win. Special mention goes to Louie B, the team’s goalkeeper, who limited Newington to just one goal despite numerous attempts. The team excelled at distributing the ball effectively and capitalising on counterattacks by drawing defenders out of position.

Overall, the students showcased outstanding progress this season. Their dedication in training has translated into remarkable performances on game days, with each match reaching new levels of excellence.

Gregory McFadden
Head of Water Polo

Basketball

It was an impressive weekend for Cranbrook basketball, with strong performances across all teams.

The 5/6Bs set the tone with a commanding 42-24 win over Kings, showcasing a disciplined and fast-paced style of play. Henry C-S was a standout, displaying remarkable skill and athleticism, while Leo B contributed crucial points, including long-range shots.

The 5/6Cs continued the winning momentum, rounding out their season with a 41-18 victory. The team excelled in teamwork, with Austin M and Ziggy D anchoring the defence and Xavier M. dominating offensively with mid-range precision.

The 3/4As closed out their season with a gritty 36-23 win against Sydney Grammar. Despite the warm weather, Wills O delivered a standout performance under the rim, leading the team to a well-earned victory.

The 3/4Cs faced a tough Sydney Grammar side, ending their game in an exciting 8-8 draw. Despite narrowly missing several opportunities, the students demonstrated resilience and determination, grinding out a result to cap off their season with pride.

Stephen Whitehead
Head of Basketball

Year 3 and 4 As

Year 3 and 4 Bs

Year 3 and 4 Cs

Year 3 and 4 Ds

Year 3 and 4 Whites

Year 5 and 6 Gs

Year 5 and 6 Hs

Cricket

It was a positive day for the Junior School cricket teams, with the majority securing convincing victories against Trinity. Despite the 6A team finishing the season with a loss, the day showcased some fantastic performances.

The Year 3B team provided one of the most exciting matches of the day, narrowly winning by 6 runs. Meanwhile, the Year 5 teams were in dominant form, with all three sides securing comfortable wins.

Overall, it was a great final weekend of cricket before the Christmas break. The students have demonstrated real skill development and, most importantly, a wonderful spirit of teamwork and support for one another.

Well done to everyone for a fantastic season so far and best wishes for the holidays!

Ben Staunton
Head of Cricket

Year 4 As

Year 5 As

Year 5 Bs

Sailing

Saturday morning offered ideal conditions for sailing, with a warm day and a steady breeze. The students eagerly rigged their boats, helping one another as needed.

The Year 6 students took to the Pacers, with more students stepping up to skipper the larger boats in race scenarios. Meanwhile, the other students raced against Scots in Optis. It has been rewarding to see significant improvement in their sailing skills over the term, and we look forward to their continued growth.

Tom Brewer
Head of Sailing

Multi-Sport

In the final session of the year, students played an advanced version of Defend the Wall (Hardes) to enhance their catching, drop punt skills, and spatial awareness. They applied strategies to achieve success while learning how roles and responsibilities influence performance.

To wrap up, the parents joined in for a thrilling showdown against the students in three games. The students emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, capping off a fantastic season. A big thank you to the parents and students for their enthusiasm and effort throughout the term!

Tommy Taylor
PDHPE Teacher & Multi-Sport Coach