Sport Round Up
Lewis Report NSW All Schools Triathlon
Last Wednesday and Thursday our top triathletes travelled out to the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith, to compete in the NSW All Schools meet. This competition takes the best representatives from all Independent, Catholic, and High Schools in the state.
Wednesday consisted of the individual triathlon, in which Remy M (Year 10), and Wilson B (Year 11) competed. The race consisted of a 500m swim, followed by a 15km cycle, with a 4km run to finish. Signing up for such an event takes courage, let alone completing it! Congratulations to both students, and especially to Remy who finished 17th overall.
On Thursday, Remy was joined by 11 other students, who made up our four teams competing in the NSW All Schools Team Triathlon. This event sees each student choose their leg of choice – a 400m swim, 10km cycle, or 3km run. First up were our Juniors; Carter M got us off to a great start, emerging from the water in 2nd place. Against a strong field, Charles G held his own in the cycle, and Hugo F finished strong in the run for us to finish 20th overall (out of 132 teams)!
Next up was the Intermediate race, in which we had two teams – Jack W, Remy M, and Henry R; and Jack L, Felix D, and Edwin A. Both teams competed brilliantly, finishing in 4th, and 25th places overall respectively (out of 163). Special mention to Jack W, and Henry R, who each came 2nd in their legs!
With the sun baring down, and the temperature tipping 30 degrees, our Senior team stepped up. Consistency was the key to success for this team, with each member contributing their part. Matthew A stayed just ahead of a ferocious pack in the water, to put us in 10th place. Thomas M then pedalled hard, overtaking several times to bump us up to 6th place. It then came down to the run. Huon G took off at a rapid pace and quickly hunted down 5th, then 4th, and, with less than 200m to go, Huon secured 3rdplace overall. A mammoth effort from the senior team, who received awards for both 3rd place overall, and 2nd place in CIS!
Congratulations to all for competing. It was a thrilling display of grit, determination, and skill across all three disciplines.
Eddie Lewis
Sports Operations Coordinator
Tennis
Saturday saw the last home match of the Summer season against Knox Grammar School. Always going to be a tough task against the CAS premiers. The 1st team had a new look with Hugo Wise making his debut for the 1st team and pushing his opponents with partner Mickey Chen the whole match. Unfortunately, their opponents were too strong in the end but a very close second set. Eric Mallam and Marc Perilli played well in the second set to win 7-5 after losing the first set 2-6. The boys showed great desire and tenacity to win the second set. Things got a little tough for the boys in the singles matches with all players losing to stronger players on the day. The 3rd and 4th team only managed to win 1 set but not without special mention to Will Holland once again who had continued to impress with an extremely close singles match losing in the tie break 9-7. Both players got a standing ovation at the end for such a thrilling match. The 5th team lost on count-back by 1 game after tying on sets with special mention to Leo Stanford who played outstanding all day! The 6th team were outplayed unfortunately to lose 0-6.
The Year 10 boys showed a huge effort against a very strong Knox team losing by 2 games on count-back after tying on sets. Joshua Yee showed what he can play like when he puts his mind to it. The B team also had a thrilling match winning by 3 games on count-back. The C team won 5-1 whilst the D team won 6-0 with some amazing tennis played by Rahul Jacob and Lucas Oertli.
The 9A team unfortunately lost 1-5 to an impressive Knox team but the boys showed great grit and determination in each match to push their opponents. The B team won 4-2 with Edward East and Doug Murray once again playing some beautiful tennis with some great tactical awareness. The C team lost 0-6 whilst the D team played hard to win on count-back by 3 games. Alexander Lee moved up from players club to win his singles 6-0.
The 8A team had a great day out winning 4-2 with Kailu Kurnadi once again playing some high quality tennis after a week of training along side our Opens 1st & 2nd teams. The B team unfortunately lost 2-4 with our C team too weak for the opponents.
The Year 7 teams all lost but played extremely well against a very good opposition. Last year in the junior school Knox didn’t lose a match and they have all come through to the senior school and continue to be a tough team to play.
Overall it was a very impressive weekend from Cranbrook who won 24% of matches. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but a few years ago Cranbrook lost 100% of matches for at least 12 years against Knox. There were quite a few matches lost on count-back today and if a game here or there went the other way it would have improved our percentages even more. What was great to see is that our Cranbrook boys not scared to go head to head now with the Knox players, they are all showing belief in their tennis.
Special mention to Eric Mallam who was one of eight players from the CAS tennis players to represent CAS in the CIS trials held at Kings School. After a 3 hour rain delay the format changed from a round robin to a knock out draw. Eric played in a qualifying match and won 4-0 in a fast 4 match. He then was drawn against the No.1 player in the draw who unfortunately was way too strong for Eric this time. He loved playing against the top player to learn where he needs to improve against players like that. Well done to Eric for giving it a good crack either way. Cranbrook are proud of you!
Ben Higgins
Head of Tennis
Cricket
As we move into the final round of the season, several teams remain in contention for top honours. The 2nd XI is on the verge of an undefeated season, while the 1st XI took a crucial win in a thrilling contest at Hordern. Across the board, teams fought hard, with some delivering dominant performances and others facing tough lessons.
2nd XI: One Win Away from a Perfect Season:-The 2nd XI continued their dominant run with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Knox. Chasing 140, Zac Bogg (55) and Hugo Bush (47*) made light work of the target, ensuring another clinical win. With one game remaining, they now stand on the brink of an undefeated season—an impressive feat that reflects their consistency and discipline.
3rd XI: Batting Woes Continue:- The 3rd XI struggled again with the bat, managing just 56 runs. Knox comfortably chased the total in 11 overs, leaving the team searching for a strong finish in the final round.
8A: A Game of Missed Opportunities:- The 8A team stayed in the contest for long periods but couldn’t apply enough pressure to close out the game. Emile Ghosn and George Andreatta both scored 25+, while Alistair Tudehope impressed with 2/13 off six overs. However, Knox reached the target with 10 balls to spare, showing the importance of capitalizing on key moments.
8B: Falling Short in the Chase:- Chasing 114, the 8B side was bowled out for 68, with Jensen Clementson top-scoring (18*). It was a tough outing, but the team will aim to bounce back in the final game.
7B: Holding Their Nerve in a Thriller:- In one of the most exciting games of the round, the 7B team edged out Knox by five runs. The match was filled with high-pressure moments and loud energy, with key run-outs proving decisive. A great team effort and a confidence boost heading into the final round.
7A: Another Tight Loss: –For the fourth time this season, the 7A side fell just short, losing by four runs. Oscar Rouse continued his fine form with 60, while Oli Morgan bowled well, taking 2/12 off six overs. Despite the result, the team has shown great fight all season.
10A: Charlie Girle Leads the Charge:- The 10A team started strong with the ball, restricting Knox to 122/6, thanks to Ed Andreas (1/4 off four overs). However, at 29/3 in the chase, they needed a steady hand—enter Charlie Girle, who guided the team home with an unbeaten 71. With support from Oscar Parsons and Hugo Helyar, they secured a comfortable six-wicket win.
1st XI: A Classic at Hordern:- The 1st XI’s match was a rollercoaster. A fast start (40 off 7 overs) was undone by three costly run-outs, leaving them at 87/5. Chris Harris (62) and Ben Pelly (64) steadied the innings, pushing the total to 207/6.
Defending on a flat wicket, James Mann (1/27 off 10 overs) led a disciplined bowling effort, removing Knox’s key batter early. Tim Molnar chipped in with crucial wickets as the match built to a dramatic finish. With Knox needing 12 off the final over, Molnar held his nerve, delivering a controlled six balls to seal a thrilling seven-run victory. The win keeps the team in contention to retain the CAS title in the final round.
Final Round: Everything to Play For: With one game left, there’s plenty on the line. The 2nd XI aims for a perfect season, the 1st XI looks to hold onto Archer Sheild, and other teams have pride and momentum to build on. It’s been a season of learning, resilience, and exciting cricket—one last push to finish strong!
Ben Staunton
Head of Cricket
Touch Football
Cranbrook 1sts Touch Football Match Report
Loss to Barker (7-4)
Cranbrook 1sts suffered a tough 7-4 loss against Barker in a highly competitive match. The team started the game strongly, taking control early on and looking dominant throughout the first half. With solid attacking play and a disciplined defense, Cranbrook managed to stay on top for much of the opening period, leading the game and showcasing their ability to apply pressure to the opposition.
However, the second half proved to be a different story. Barker came out with more intensity, and despite a strong start, Cranbrook began to lose their rhythm. The team struggled to maintain composure, and some key decisions from the referee added to the frustration, which impacted their focus and confidence. As a result, Barker capitalised on the situation, scoring several quick tries to turn the game in their favour.
While the final scoreline does not reflect it, there were still many positives to take from the match. The first-half performance, in particular, highlighted Cranbrook’s potential, with fluid passing, good movement off the ball, and solid defensive work. These moments should serve as a foundation for future matches.
The team will need to learn from the second-half struggles, especially in maintaining their composure under pressure. Resilience will be key moving forward, and it’s important for the players to bounce back stronger for their final match next week.
2s Report
After a sluggish start at 8am on Saturday morning the 2s came out firing in the second half, driving with purpose and putting the Waverley team under pressure. A couple of repeat sets later and the game was on a knife edges heading into the later stages. If only the rule of dummy half can’t score was lifted victory would’ve been sealed well and truly with 2 sensational scoop and scores not allowed under the current laws. Unfortunately, it wasn’t and Waverley stole it at the death to win 3-4. A tale of 2 half’s was reflective across the squad with some solid performances for Zac G, Harry G, Ethan and Benji. Lets hope the coffees are ordered a little stronger next week.
A very strong performance from Cranbrook 3’s this weekend against Riverview.
Creative play on the line from Sam Juod and Roman Fischer opened the scoring account early in the first half.
Solid and effective touch playing and strategy with drives, wraps and scoots past the defensive line allowed the boys plenty of scoring opportunities.
The second half started a bit shaky, but we settled and went back to original plan in the first half and continued to score a few more times.
Special mentions to Roman Fischer scoring 4 tries and Theo Coolentianos and Felix Jolly scoring 2 tries each!
A great victory for the team today. Final score Cranbrook 10 – 1 Riverview
Peter Dumbleton
Head of Touch Football
Basketball
Round 9
Cranbrook Basketball were scheduled against Knox in Round 9 of the CAS season.
1sts
The Cranbrook 1sts played against a tough Knox team. The game was competitive early with Knox holding a lead. At half time the score was 21-40 in Knox’s favour. The third and fourth quarter was even scoring until Knox pulled away in the last few moments.
Cranbrook 1sts 55 – Knox 1sts 80
2nds
Cranbrook 2nds were in a competitive game early. In the second quarter Knox turned up the heat and Cranbrook was unable to recover.
Cranbrook 2nds 39 – Knox 73
10Bs
The 10Bs surged ahead with a strong lead in the first half on Knox’s home court. They carried this momentum into the second half, widening the gap to an insurmountable margin for their opponents. With exceptional teamwork, including impressive pump-fake moves by player Toby Laux, the 10Bs remained confident in their victory. Their unity and determination secured a dominant win.
Final score: 38-16—a remarkable 22-point triumph!
10As
The 10As knew they had to win after their previous match against Knox. With strong words of encouragement and a strategic game plan, Coach Will Ferster emphasised that the loudest team on the court would prevail. The game was evenly matched, shifting back and forth like a thrilling battle of cat and mouse, dictated by the shot clock. In the final minutes, Cranbrook held onto a narrow one-point lead, securing a spectacular victory! Final score: 45-44.
Stephen Whitehead
Head of Basketball
Summer Volleyball
Cranbrook Volleyball had a tough day against Knox, with only the 3rd team securing a win. The 1st VI put up a good fight but ultimately lost 1-3, while the 2nd VI struggled to find their rhythm, losing 0-3. Despite the challenges, the team showed remarkable resilience and commitment throughout the season.
It’s great to see that the team’s effort have been outstanding, even if the results didn’t always go their way. Knox proved to be tough opponents, but Cranbrook Volleyball has set a solid foundation for future success.
Ben Rollison
Head of Summer Volleyball
Water Polo
Well Saturday we took on the powerhouse of Shore at Murray Rose Aquatic Centre. Our juniors proved that the future is bright for Cranbrook with strong performances in the 14’s & 13’s and 15A’s. Our 3rds snatched a draw in the last 10 seconds and the 16 A’s and B’s went down in nail biters both 6-7.
Unfortunately, our 1st, 2nd and 15B’s were given a water polo lesson by very strong teams.
Cranbrook won 4, lost 5 and drew 1 v Shore.
Our 14A’s continued their outstanding season and defeated Joeys 18-7 to continue their undefeated season. Congratulations on a great effort by all the boys and coaches.
1st
Loss 18-3
In a challenging matchup against Shore, Cranbrook were taught that anticipation, good defence and understanding of the game makes a great team. Shore are favourites to win the combined GPS/CAS competition, and they were not going to let Cranbrook off the hook easy. The boys while understrength due to sickness had a torrid start to the game going down 5-0 at the end of the 1st quarter.
The 2nd quarter saw us control our attack by not allowing easy counterattack opportunities and tighten our defence and we went to half time 8-2 behind. Jack Whitehead capitalised on 2 penalty opportunities created by some strong offence by Ethan Negrin and Felix Sheldrick.
Unfortunately, Shore took control again and handed Cranbrook a tough defeat with a final score of 18-3.
Despite the loss, there were moments of resilience and individual brilliance that stood out for Cranbrook.
Jack was one of the standout performers for Cranbrook, contributing both of the team’s goals from the penalty line. His precision and composure under pressure showcased his determination to win.
Ethan also found the back of the net with an extra-man goal, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on power play opportunities. Both he and Felix worked hard to create scoring chances, particularly with their pick-and-roll plays. However, the lack of sharp passing in key moments prevented these efforts from turning into successful shots. Despite their best efforts, the ball was often out of reach, or the timing was off.
The game was a tough outing for Cranbrook, as Shore’s aggressive defence and offensive efficiency overwhelmed them. Still, the team fought hard throughout, with only 2 subs while Shore had a full bench of 6 players.
Looking ahead, Cranbrook will aim to sharpen their passing and communication, especially on set plays, to convert more opportunities in future games. The team remains motivated, knowing that improvement is possible with each match they play, and we hope to defeat our uphill rivals Scots for 5th place next week.
2nd
Loss 0 – 13
The 2nds came up against a very strong Shore team who were more experienced and clinical in all parts of the game. While they tried hard they could not match the opposition and lost every quarter 0-2, 0-4, 0-3, 0-4.
3rd
Drew 4-4
The 3rds were in a dog fight from start to finish with each team not willing to let the other team score any easy goals. It was a very tight defensive game with scores being 1-1, 1-2, 1-1 and Cranbrook getting the final goal in the last 10 seconds to draw through Angus Messiter his 3rd goal. Steven Kong scored the other goal.
16A
Loss 6-7
The boys trailed from start to finish but fought valiantly for the whole game. They showed great Cranbrook spirit to fight back from 2-4 down at helf time to only just go down 6-7. Samuel Newey 2, Hugo Miocevic 1, Hector Kyriakopoulos 1, and Preston Irawan 1.
16B
Win 6-7
The 16B’s lost 6-7 in a repeat nail biter as the 16A’s. This time they 16B’s led at one stage 6-3, but poor execution and defence allowed Shore to grab the last 4 goals. Jack Landman scored 3, Finn O’Rielly 1, Fred Neal 1 and Jake Shrimpton 1.
15A
Win 5-3
On the back of their 1st win of the season last week, the 15A’s backed it up with a hard fought 5-3 win. They made it tough for themselves missing 4 penalties. In the end they were to strong and held on to win 5-3 for their 2nd win os the season. Alexander Shin & Tom Learmonth backed up to score 2 goals each with Isaac Fountain 1.
15B
Loss 3-9
The 15B’s went down 9-3 in a tough game against Shore. More commitment and dedication form some of these boys and things could be different.
14A
Win 18-7 v Joeys
Cranbrook’s 14A I believe became the 1st water Polo team to go through a season undefeated. Coming up against Joeys and not quite sure how strong they would be, losing Takuma Yamada (goal keeper), Charlie Crocker (both injured) and 2 of their stronger players, anything could have happened. But the boys came out strong and dominated the 1st quarter 6-0. They took their foot of the gas in the 2nd and 3rd 2-2 & 5-4 before showing how good they are as a team and won the last 5-1. Alexander Shin and Tom Learmonth both scored 5, Carter McGee 3, Jack Bramah 2, Sam Cregan 2 and Duke Laurie 1. Well done boys and let’s see if we can carry this great record through to 1st grade in the upcoming years.
14B
Win 11-4
The 14B’s were in a bit of a dog fight early 2-2 but came out strong in the 2nd quarter to take control of the game 6-2. Shore fought back in the 3rd to make it 4-7, but Cranbrook closed it out strongly in the last to take the game 11-4. Kai Flekser led the scoring with 4, Felix Bull 2, Jack Dempsey 1, Joshua Shrimpton 1, Leon Frieman 1, Jackson Potter 1 and Thomas Blain 1.
13A
Win 16-9
In what was going to be a very tough game as Shore had 3 very strong players, the boys responded from a slow start 2-3 end of 1st quarter. They then worked out who were the dangerous players and worked as a team to shut them down. This helped them lead 6-5 at the half and 10-7 at end of 3rd. The last quarter saw them dominate 6-2 for an outstanding win 16-9. Aodhan Taylor scored 9 goals, Thomas Penney 5, Rylan Hedley 1 and Samuel Simich 1. While Aodhan and Thomas dominated the scoring , all boys contributed to another good performance. The 13A’s won all 4 of their games in Term 1. Well done boys and let’s keep the enthusiasm going.
13B
Win 6-2
Cranbrook’s 13B team grounded out another strong defensive play to beat Shore 6-2. They lead from start 2-0 to finish and have really developed over the short season. Louis De Oliveria was excellent in goals again , while Louie Bongardt scored 3, Ryan Morris 2 and Felix Bull 1.
Greg McFadden
Head of Water Polo
Speed and Agility Friday Mornings 6:30am on Hordern. We would love to see as many students as possible at this amazing free session our strength and conditioning team put on. The program is designed for all skill sets and athletic abilities. We would love to see everyone come down to get a little better each week for their chosen sport.