Armidale Rugby Carnival

Over the school holidays, a group of 17 students across Years 4-6 and three Pacific staff members made the journey south for the annual Armidale School Rugby Carnival. With 45 schools and clubs competing, it is one of the largest rugby carnivals for 12 year olds in the country. This was the ninth year that Pacific had attended the carnival and it was an enjoyable weekend away.

This year we fielded one of the youngest teams we have ever taken away. The majority of the team was made up of students turning 10 or 11 who were playing up an age level or two. Students began training for the carnival at the beginning of last term and there was a vast amount of improvement in their skill and knowledge of the game. Our team should be very proud of their efforts. Playing against teams that were older was always going to be tough, however, the Pacific players were competitive in every match and were able to push opposing teams for the whole game.

At the Carnival, the team played against Caboolture Rugby Club, Dalby Rugby Club, Riverview College Sydney, Scone Grammar, Tudor House and Somerset College. Playing schools and clubs from all over Queensland and New South Wales was a great opportunity for our players to test their skills and teamwork. The highlight of the carnival was the finals games on Sunday. Pacific played strongly against both Somerset College and Riverview College from Sydney. In both games Pacific showed great teamwork and improved tackling. We drew with Somerset College and only recorded a very narrow loss to Riverview College, which is one of the premier Sydney GPS colleges.

The boys that attended were a credit to the College and their families. They displayed great manners and behaviour in public at all times and listened well to all directions. The coaches thoroughly enjoyed taking away such a well-behaved and respectful group of students.

Looking forward to the 2018 Armidale Carnival, 13 out of the 17 students who made the trip this year can attend the carnival again. With another year of growth in both physical size and rugby skills, next year’s team will be able to really challenge all teams they come up against.

Trips like this could not happen without dedicated staff that willingly give up part of their holidays to attend these carnivals. I would like to thank Mr Scott Crompton and Mr Matt O’Keefe who coached and managed the team both on and off the field over the three days. Their knowledge, enthusiasm and guidance with the boys were greatly appreciated.

This year’s team included:

• Brock Rudes
• Matthew Johnston
• Darcy Connors
• Hayden Burnett
• Lachlan Whincop
• Jai Britton
• Tom Worthington
• Eamon Mahoney
• Alex Lee
• Harrison Angel
• Jack Packer
• Zane Holmes
• Sam McKean
• Kai Sorbello
• Lachlan Currey
• Cooper Kiernan
• Luke Becker
• Mr Scott Crompton – Coach
• Mr Matt O’Keefe – Coach
• Mr Darren Hooper – Manager

Mr Darren Hooper, Head of Junior Sport