Stirling Clan – Week 4, Spring Term 2021
Dear Stirling Clan Parents,
The last four weeks at Scotch have been hectic as the senior boys did their end of academic year exams, the Year 12s go through their rite of passage which is “March Out”, and the remaining year groups all move up a year. This means that all Year groups get to go to bed 15 minutes later. The Year 12s get a few more privileges, such as, with permission from their parents get to keep their phones, sleep in longer in the morning and get to use the Year 12 weights room.
The new Year 10s walked the next section of the Bibbulmun track last week, and Resident Master and Teacher Mr Tom Orford was very complimentary about his group’s expedition. A number of the boys I spoke to were on a bit of a natural high when they returned last Thursday, and as they are now getting physically stronger they are not finding it so challenging ………even enjoyable!
Several of the Year 11s in the clan have opted for a general educational pathway, and many had their first day of work experience last Wednesday. It was pleasing to hear from these boys how much they enjoyed their first day of work placement, and we seem to have a large number of mechanics coming through.
The new Year 12 Stirling leadership group includes Captain of Boarding Kalib Dempster Park, Vice-Captain of Boarding – leading Stirling clan – Tom Sounness, and House Captain of Keys Ed Graham. They are our representatives on the Boarder’s Council. The Boarder’s Council have made a good start, presenting at their first Boarders Assembly, which is held in the dining room every second Wednesday. They also organised the first inter Clan event of the new year last Sunday on the “sacred turf” (Rugby field).
The following is the match report.
Clan Soccer Sunday 24th October.
This was the first clan event organised by the new Year 12 boarder’s council. Stirling started the game with 18 players whilst Blair had 14. The numerical advantage did not help Stirling on the scoreboard as they were down 1-0 by half time thanks to an excellent strike from Blair Captain Tyler Messina, that soared into the top corner of the goal.
Things were looking worse for Stirling after halftime as they had to even up the numbers, and Tyler Messina rocketed in his second from a low shot, past several Stirling defenders, and into the bottom corner of the goal. Blair was 2-0, and was winning the banter as well.
Things could have been worse had it not been for new Stirling Captain Tom Sounness chucking out a foot at the opportune moment to prevent a certain goal, and Brandon Wright who got his head on the ball in the box to blunt another Blair attack. Then Resident Mentor and Soccer aficionado, Anthony D’Ignazio, who was refereeing the game, awarded a penalty on the edge of the box to Stirling. Jett Sibosado took the penalty and drilled the ball straight at Kye McCreery who was in goal for Blair. Kye looked to have it covered, but Kye bobbled the ball and it fell over the goal line. Although Stirling was down 2-1 they were at least back in the game.
Time was running out for Stirling though, but in the last minute of normal time, a hand ball in the box saw Stirling have another penalty shot. Jett Sibosado again stepped up and slotted the goal which made the game 2-2 at fulltime. Kalib Dempster Park representing Stirling and Tyler Messina representing Blair were given the option of a penalty shoot-out or a golden goal.
They opted for golden goal. Blair won the toss and got to kick off. The ball ended up down Stirling end but then the ball was hoofed down the Blair end. The kick seemed more in hope than any obvious tactical advantage, but somehow it deflected off Blair for a corner.
Jeremy Tremlett took the corner and his kick landed close to Blair’s near post, causing panic. There were several air shots and deflections from both sides, before Lachie Elliot bounced the ball off his body into the goal.
Stirling had won in the most unlikely circumstances, which proves you should never give up.
The game was well supported and played in an excellent spirit and it was a great start to the “clash of clans”.
So in conclusion, Stirling have made a good start to the new Academic Year.
RJAH