A notable season for our cricketers We congratulate the 1st XI on achieving a premiership shared with St Ignatius’ College in a season affected by COVID and persistent rain. The final round of the 2022 AAGPS 1st XI competition ended in dramatic fashion with a match against St Joseph’s College on Thursday 17 March. Placed third at the end of the penultimate round (Round 6 of 7), the 1st XI needed a bonus-points win (eight points) in the final match of the season to put themselves in contention for a joint premiership. Although the final round contest was tighter than the players and coaches would have imagined, victory was secured. Then, they had an agonising wait for the St Ignatius’ vs King’s match at North Parramatta to conclude. This fixture was decided in favour of St Ignatius’ on the final ball of the match – which meant the teams finished as joint premiers. It is worth noting that having achieved a better run rate than St Ignatius’ across the season, Newington has earned the right to play in the NSW Champion School Cup to be held later in 2022. Turning to individual plaudits, we congratulate Edson Whattam and Hayden Forner who were joint runners-up to Gabriel Quoyle (St Ignatius’) in the AAGPS Tom Brooks Medal for the Most Valuable 1st XI Player for season 2022. We also extend congratulations to Luke Callanan who was selected to play for a Combined NSW/ACT Under 17 XI in the National Under 19 Championship to be held in Queensland commencing in April. The victorious 1st XI after their final match of the season against St Joseph’s College. Mr Ross Turner Director of Cricket What the boys said about the 2021/22 season:Luca Di Cristo – 2nd XI and ONU Character and Service Prize forricket recipientC Edson Whattam – 1st XI ‘During the 13 years that I have attended Newington, some of my ‘Despite numerous challenges we managed to stick together all most memorable moments have taken place on and around a cricket season, continue to work hard, and support each other on and off field. As a lover of the sport, I could not wait to play back in Year 3. the field. Fortunately for us, our committed efforts paid off and To me cricket is the greatest sport of all and has given me so many in spectacular fashion we achieved a joint premiership with an opportunities. A case in point was the UK Cricket Tour in 2019, an intense bonus point win over St Joseph’s in the final round to propel experience that I will never forget. The prospect of playing cricket on Newington to the top of the ladder. Later in the day, St Ignatius’ the other side of the world and fulfilling dreams such as watching would defeat King’s in the tightest of encounters which resulted in Australia at Lord’s was incredible and something I will always cherish. them drawing level with us on 26 competition points. With the final I am grateful that I was a part of such a great program at my time at round being played on Buchanan Oval on a Thursday, we enjoyed the Newington and wish to give back after I leave the College.’ support of the College including the 1st XVI in full voice which spurred us on. Carter Margetson’s strike to win the match was met with a roar Reve Harvey Palmer – 14A XI of excitement and acclamation; something not seen at cricket match ‘Over the last two years, we have built a positive team culture. I saw at Newington for some time.’ individuals grow in character and their performances. Newington 1st XI finishing GPS premiers was an inspiring end to the season, leaving Carter Margetson – 1st XI me excited for 2022/23.’ ‘As a player in Edson Whattam’s winning side this year, I would like to highlight his professionalism on and off the field. He managed Henry Corona – 15C XI the team with composure throughout the season and his decision ‘At Newington, mateship is a term often associated with cricket. This making was clear even in times when we were either under pressure was certainly the case for the 15C XI whether it was Nick Churchin or behind in a game. Overall, he led us to victory in all but one game, nonchalantly taking a ‘4 for’, or one of Alex Rumboll’s multiple half which we lost on the 599th (second last) ball of the match. To bounce centuries, the boys in the Cs were always there to support what was back from this narrow defeat and go on and win the premiership happening, and that was the secret to our success.’ shows the quality team that we had this year.’ Jasen Begetis – 15A XI Jack Mannix – 2nd XI and 1st XI ‘This season, everyone in the 15A XI stood up whenever we needed it ‘Though the 2nd XI had limited on-field success, what I took away most. It was great to see players like Callum Grantham and Will Hardy from each week were the individual and team performances, big and smack sixes over the safety net on Old Boys Oval. We also enjoyed small, that we all saw and admired. I was also very grateful to have watching Henry Lapham scoring the winning runs in the final over the opportunity to debut in the 1st XI this season and be a part of a in a tight contest against Grammar. It was also tremendous being premiership side.’ included in the 1stand 2|nd XI training sessions from time to timeStanmoe 7–12| |.’ 21