In true Ignatian spirit, the focus was less on the outcome and more on the journey taken to reach it. It was great to hear stories about footy in the holidays, some boys coming back into rugby after a stunning rowing season, and some of the younger boys out running on the farm or having a local club game and generally having the discipline and self-respect for themselves and their team mates to keep going towards the tail end of the season. Three rounds to go folks. Three rounds. Scots – Shore – Joeys.

Last Saturday, every one of our Open teams, as well as the U16 and U15 age groups, emerged victorious in fiercely contested matches against King’s. This is a really stunning result, and I can’t recall that sort of success running so broadly in some time. These results are a reflection of the consistent hard work your boys have put in throughout the season to date. The early cold mornings in the dark on muddy fields and the afternoons going long into twilight really matter.

There’s setbacks of course along the way and happily recoveries! This all culminates in performances built on drive, connection with mates, trust, and importantly for all boys, resilience. These were not easy wins against King’s and some other opponents last Saturday. They were earned through commitment to the team, the process, and a greater good that one’s self. Ignatian spirit. There is a sense deep through our program of the boys playing with that Ignatian identity and pushing himself for something larger than individual recognition.

We saw that in the mighty 8th XV, guys lining up to play and be part of a very sacred occasion, honouring the recent tragic death of Stirling Heriot who was skipper of TKS’s 8th XV. May Stirling rest in peace and we send love and support to his family in this unbearable time. The respect and recognition our boys played with up on 4A in front of a big and emotional crowd was something to behold. Barbarian footy, damn the torpedos and liberate the ball! What a game. And thanks to Riverview Dad Mark Flynn who blew the whistle for us.

Our U13 and U14 teams shared the spoils with King's, delivering performances that showed cohesion and grit. These age groups continue to make strides in their skill development and tactical understanding, and it is heartening to see their resilience and team-first mentality deepening with every round. We have many experienced eyes on these young lads to support their rugby development.

In the U15 and U16, we are experiencing so much growth but also success, it’s most gratifying. These age-groups from A’s to G’s have become a force of nature and there are no easy games against Riverview here. Down on 1C in the early morning, I witnessed the mighty 16F mount a resounding comeback from 19-0 down to win 35-19 against a good looking Oakhill 16D outfit. It was a wonderful open game of rugby. And from the outset on 1st Field next-door, these young Ignatian men treated the hallowed turf like a fortress and from 6ths, 5ths, 4ths, 16A then the GPS teams, we saw some attractive and tenacious Riverview rugby capped by another magnificent win by Mr L’Estrange’s 1st XV.

Again, it’s really pleasing to write that across all games, there was a sense that each team played for something more than just a win, something bigger than themselves. And once more, we were blessed with good crowds, reasonable weather and the OIU BBQ and Fr Mac were busy.

As we head toward the final stretch of the season, this weekend serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when preparation meets purpose, and when success is measured not only in points, but in the strength of character built along the way. Let’s get out there and support our boys and enjoy the next few weeks together.

Those of us relishing that once upon a time it was us out there, scoring goals, sliding across try lines, celebrating with back flips and unofficially knowing we were able to run faster than Usain Bolt ever did at our age.

Well cross-country, the sport with no halftimes, no substitutions… The sport that is something for everyone provides this opportunity to relive the glory days.

Parents v Old Boys v Staff v Students - a race to settle all.

The morning started just like every other Sydney morning this year, it was raining, it was cold, it was downright miserable. Every bone in your body was asking you, why are you doing this?

Well, we got three out of the four Dads who signed up to the team to the start line, a couple even went for a warm-up. One said he had ‘important stuff’ to do and couldn’t make it, most of us believe he may have just been a bit scared of racing against his two sons who have been in flying form this season.

Before we knew it the gun had gone and the race was on, son v dad, who was going to win?? The answer to that question on the first leg was simple.

Man of the Match recipient Seamus Fingleton absolutely walloped his son, Harry Fingleton (Year 11, Xavier) . This was a flat course, and Harry was nowhere in sight… probably because while Harry was tucked up in bed, his dad was out on the course doing his Saturday sport for him.

Taking the second leg was Michael Maiers , father of Lachlan Maiers (Year 11, Dalton) . Now this was a fairer fight as Lachy had shown up to take on his old man, who I will state can still be seen on a Saturday arvo on the track representing his club UTS Norths.

Lachy of feeble shins was a bit worried about coming up against his old man. Lachy confiding in me as his coach pre-race, stated that his dad was ‘a legend of the track back when TV was only shown in black & white’. Worried that he would never hear the end of it, Lachy ran well, but I think his old man ran better.

Third off the mark was Will Culbert, father of Charlie Culbert (Year 11, Cheshire) . Now for the sake of the story I won’t mention the positions at this point in the race but since I didn’t see any students change, I will confidently assume the Dads are in front.

It was a tactical decision by the dad’s, combining their years of wisdom and past experience to place Will in the position of third runner.

The third leg is a tough leg, too easy to get comfortable, too easy to get lost in the pack thinking the damage is already done by the first two. Too easy to assume the fourth will make up good ground.

Will, a cross-country veteran, having raced this very race the previous year as a last-minute saviour of a staff team did not let this happen.

At the change, Will looked like he hadn’t even broken a sweat, striding in with the elegance of a gazelle, as graceful as eagle soaring in an updraft. More than I can say for Charlie, crossing the line looking like he’d run a marathon, arms flapping around like a chicken about to take flight. A bit to learn still from his old man.

Well, that leaves us with one runner to go and as mentioned at the start the team was down a man. The hero to save the day, well that was me. I will leave it to your imagination as to how I performed out there.

Regarding results.

Bloody well done to our dad’s for getting out there and delivering a great race on the day!

Also, congratulations to out Open A team of Lachlan Maiers (Yr11, Dalton) , Thomas Poynton (Yr11, Claver) , Xavier O’Hea (Yr10, Ricci) , and Charlie Culbert (Yr 11, Cheshire) on finishing THIRD .

You all performed amazingly out there and should be proud of your efforts.

Division 4 (Years 5–6): A Promising Start
Riverview fielded a strong nine-member contingent in Division 4, many of whom were proudly representing the College for the first time. The enthusiasm and sportsmanship shown by these young competitors was inspiring. Among the highlights, Ben Hodgkinson qualified individually for the State Championships in both Alpine and Ski Cross, securing a bronze medal in the latter. Ben, along with teammates Will Longley and Austin Williams, placed an impressive 5th in the Alpine team event. All our Regis skiers are to be commended for their commitment and spirit.

Division 3 (Years 7–8): Rising Talent
Our Division 3 team showcased exceptional depth and skill. Special congratulations go to the Alpine and Ski Cross team of Charlie Salter, Bill O’Rourke, and Richie DeAngelis, who earned silver medals in both events. Individually, Charlie took home the bronze medal in Ski Cross and placed 5th in Alpine, closely followed by Richie in 6th. First-time competitor Noah Byrne also made his mark, qualifying for the State Moguls event. In snowboarding, Charlie Maynes advanced to State in both Snowboard GS and Snowboard Cross—a fantastic achievement.

Division 2 (Years 9–10): Fierce Competition
As one of the most competitive divisions, Division 2 delivered strong results for Riverview. The Alpine team of Henry Salter, Lachlan DeAngelis, Austin Smoker, and Iggy Kong secured silver, with Henry and Lachlan placing 10th and 9th respectively. The duo then teamed up with Jack Whitson for another silver in the Ski Cross event, once again placing within the top ten individually. In Snowboard Cross, Billy Cleary also advanced to State. It was encouraging to see so many new faces stepping up to race with enthusiasm and resilience.

Division 1 (Years 11–12): Senior Excellence
Competing against some of the nation's top junior athletes, our senior skiers and boarders held their own. Snowsports Captain Julian DeAngelis capped off his final year with State qualifications in both Alpine and Ski Cross—an outstanding way to finish his Riverview snowsports journey. Meanwhile, Jarvis Smoker overcame challenging snow and wind conditions to defend his title in the Snowboard GS Multi-Class, winning gold once again and qualifying for the State Multi-Class event in Perisher.

It was a thrilling week of competition, featuring everything from blue skies to blizzard conditions. What remained constant, however, was the unwavering Riverview spirit and camaraderie that defined our team's presence on the slopes. We congratulate all our competitors, and of course their parents for giving them the opportunity, for their exceptional efforts and wish them the very best as they prepare for the State Snowsports Championships in Perisher this August.