This annual fixture was fiercely contested on Monday afternoon, a day of a total fireban. The weather was a little kinder and the skies were clouded, Mr Whale won the toss and was polite enough to send the students in to bat.

James Green started briskly scoring a big hitting 26 runs, including two sixes, prior to his compulsory retirement. Only 3 other students made it to double figures; Brooke Hamdorf (14 runs), Jono Painting (10 runs) and Brandon Zweck (17 runs not out). Special mention needs to be made of Brooke’s contribution because very few females have scored over ten runs in the 20 years of this competition, also she was brilliant in the field and well-deserved the Best Player Award for the student’s. Overall, the student side made only a moderate score of 93 runs on a small oval. Paul Hendriks starred in the field taking 3 excellent catches including one off his own bowling. Jodie Male (an Old Scholar and resident Prac. Teacher) and Hollie Kinning were the pick of the bowlers. The staff were very slick in the field, effecting 3 runouts. David Barraclough kept his teammates guessing with his returns from the outfield.

The staff started at a solid pace with 9 runs off the first over, with both Kero Whittle and Gardener Dave finding the centre of the willow. The tide quickly turned with both Dave and Terry Caldwell back in the pavilion. Kero was the top scoring staff female with a well constructed 11 runs. The Kinning partnership was a pleasure to watch with clean stroke play and the joy of seeing a harmonious well bonded team in action. Paul Kinning retired on 28 runs. Jodie Male and Paul Hendriks combined to ramp up the teacher’s strike rate. Jodie was the stroke maker and Paul was the hitter, making a quick fire 30, including 3 sixes. All staff members batted and the staff side played out the 20 overs. The most successful bowlers were Philippa Vile and Ben Kotzur both with two wickets. Sharp catches were taken by Brandon Zweck and Sarah Everson. At the conclusion of their innings the staff had made 106 runs and were declared the winners.

The game was played in great spirits and the students need to be congratulated on the manner in which they gave everyone a share of the action. I’m told that that this makes 6 successive staff victories.

Once again, the hallmarks of a great Athletics Carnival
• Good dry weather (just a little hot).
• Well-organised House Captains.
• Terrific role modelling by senior students who put their utmost into events.
• Competent officials (Staff and Libby Ellis).
• Lots of willing student helpers.
• Five Star catering by Hospitality and Food Tech students.
• A reasonably close result.

Although Kavel dominated Sport in 2008 Leidig has dug deep and won both the Swimming Carnival and the Athletics (5744.5 to 5643.4). Last year, seven of the ten age champions came from Kavel and this year seven of the ten were from Leidig. Congratulations to Jess Kotzur who is still the fastest girl ever at St Paul’s and she broke two more records this year.

Ross Rohrlach, who set the 13 yrs boys high jump and triple jump records in 1959, came to see if his records could surpass the fifty years. Both records still stand. Ross presented the ribbons at each event.

Age Champions Girls                             Boys
13yrs   Sophie Howard (L)                     Daniel Lieschke (L)
14yrs   Madeline Wiesner (L)                 Kade Morey (L)
15yrs   Claudia Lieschke (L)                  Ian Ellis (K)
16yrs   Jessica Kotzur (K)                      Alex Smith (K)
Senior Sarah Everson (L)                      James Green (L)