While it was a very tough season, there were a number of mainstays in the Youth White who could be relied upon no matter the day or the situation. Gus Pavey and Liam Cassidy, while quieter members of the team, showed the attribute of perseverance, and Arthur Mahon, Thomas Currie and Oscar Gosling were always enthusiastic. All will remember Sam Cross and his various clothing combinations that revealed his muscles. Mitch Brents was unwavering in his effort with fitness, while Frank Li was diligent and conscientious. Henry Lassen showed good improvement and Harry Scrymgeour possessed skills coupled with humour. While victories and winning are one measure of success, the success of this team was seen when after the season had concluded many still wanted to do our fitness sessions and train at the end of Upper. This is what makes the academy an important component of sport at College. Most Improved Player Jed Gimblett Worner Award for Spirit and Enthusiasm Joshua Peckitt Most Valuable Player Josh Garland Warren Lidstone Youth White Manager YOUTH GREY HOCKEY Manager: Zac Knight Coach: Keryn Ambler Team: Reis Azlan (captain), Tom Lightfoot (vice-captain), Jake Abbiss, Jamie Burdon, Charlie Dalling, James Drury, Duncan Fletcher, Timothy Hanson, Richard Harnett, Finn Melhuish, Guy Roadley, Digby Sheild, Jaspar Thomas, George van Leeuwen, Alan Viles The Youth Grey team was new to College this year. Made up of boys eager to compete, they quickly found their place amongst the other school sides in Division 3. Thanks to the hard work of coach Keryn Ambler, I was privileged to see tremendous growth in the scope and standard of their overall match play. As a result of learning how to make effective
use of space and find the “man on”, attacking soon became a strength. Victories were gained in the later stages of the season against quality opposition, including the Youth Blacks, Rolleston College, and the St Andrew’s College Seniors. Despite acquiring excellent scoring power – which was exemplified by several goals from Timothy Hanson and James Drury, plus a magnificent hat-trick from Jake Abbiss – the Youth Greys finished the season in 4th place. While points are one yardstick with which to measure the success of a season, perseverance, commitment and teamwork are others. Each member of the Youth Greys demonstrated these essential attributes at different stages in the season, leading to a multitude of highlights from my perspective as manager. There were lots of moments where all of these attributes were on display, but the most memorable was in the face of what looked like certain defeat in our second encounter with StAC Seniors. One-nil down at the first quarter, the boys modelled perseverance by staying committed to the game and working together to turn the match on its head. From this point forward, the Greys were an entirely different force. Off the turf the boys were always wonderfully congratulatory, showing a high level of respect towards the opposition, the umpires, and the sport itself. Along with the team’s other strengths, their humility was an integral part of their success. Reis Azlan developed into a strong and successful leader, ever-supported by his good friend and vice-captain Tom Lightfoot. Both boys were highly effective in different roles on the field, but especially in a defensive capacity. In goal, Duncan Fletcher developed confidence, showing fearlessness on several occasions by coming out and diving at the ball. Aided by the tenacity of James Drury and Digby Sheild, the Greys maintained a consistently strong defense. Finn Melhuish, Charlie Dalling, Jamie Burdon, George van Leeuwen and Tim Hanson were crucial midfielders, with each player using their stick skills to put pressure on the opposition. Guy Roadley was especially valuable here, always passing to other
players in an effort to manufacture scoring opportunities. Up front, the Greys were spoiled for choice with strikers. Alan Viles, Jaspar Thomas, Jake Abbiss, and Richard Harnett all improved tremendously as the season progressed. Jaspar and Jake were particularly effective here, using their speed to threaten the opposition’s circle, which often resulted in match-winning moments. All of the boys developed so much, both on and off the turf, and deserve to be very proud of their accomplishments.
Most Improved Player Jake Abiss
Worner Award for Spirit and Enthusiasm Guy Roadley Most Valuable Player Reis Azlan and James Drury
Zac Knight Youth Grey Manager
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