AIC school sport: rugby, football, cross country and chess cancelled

Students at some of SEQ’s most exclusive schools are reeling after it was announced that all Term Two sports - from rugby to chess - would be cancelled with no clear date for rescheduling.

A mass cancellation of all Term Two rugby union and football competitions has left schoolboys and parents reeling at the fallout from the coronavirus scourge on eight private Brisbane schools.

The decision was announced today by the The Associated Independent Colleges (AIC) after a Thursday hook-up of representatives from the schools involved.

“The AIC has decided to cancel all sport and activities effective immediately,” a statement from the AIC management committee read.

“This includes all training, trial games and games for the last round of Term One (on Saturday) and for all of Term Two.”

Marist College Ashgrove in action against Padua College. Picture: AAP Image/Regi Varghese

The sports and activities affected are rugby, football, cross country and chess.

It may mean the first blank season for First XV rugby since the AIC schools alliance was formed in 1999 between St Laurence’s College, Marist College Ashgrove, St Peters Lutheran College, Iona College, St Patrick’s College, Padua College, St Edmund’s College (Ipswich) and Villanova College.

The AIC management committee did indicate it might be possible to juggle some Term Two sports into a revised Term Three sports calendar, from July, if sport was able to be played later in the year.

“We are committed to reviewing the sporting calendar for the second semester with a view to including Term Two sports if possible,” the management committee said.

Rugby Australia had put a tentative hold on all community rugby until early May which may have been some compass for the AIC schools rugby season going ahead from May 2 to late June.

“The safety and welfare of our staff, volunteers, students and families are of utmost priority to the AIC Association,” the AIC statement said.

“As Christian Schools, we also have a commitment to the common good of all people not

just our own communities.

“The decisions and actions required of us by the Australian and state

Villanova playing Marist College Ashgrove in the football last season. Picture: AAP

governments and medical authorities are based on the common good for all.

“After much consideration, the member schools have reached the conclusion that we are unable to meet these requirements if sporting events for the last round of this term and for the entirety of the second term were to take place.

“The College Principals appreciate that this will cause significant disappointment among our student bodies as they have invested a lot of time and effort in their training and preparation. “However, our greater priority is not only to their safety and wellbeing but also the safety and wellbeing of all our College communities and the wider community by playing our

part in reducing the spread of COVID-19.”

No decision has yet been made about sport in Term three (July-September) and advice will be taken from relevant authorities closer to the time before a decision is made.

“While we understand the disappointment for so many of our young people, we appreciate your

support in this decision and hope that this virus is contained as soon as possible with the best

outcomes for all people,” the statement said.

The management committee meeting also ratified the premiers in each competition and added a sensible judgment call as well.

St Patrick’s College was crowned First XI premiers after leading the standings following Round Six last weekend.

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The St Pats boys will have last weekend’s mighty win over Villanova College as their pinnacle moment.

Lachlan Hughesman (45) found worthy allies in Ben Clarke, Bailey Reed and Ben Buechler to revive a dire 5-24 situation.

The comeback kids overhauled Villanova (9-142) for a three-wicket triumph.

In Firsts volleyball, premiers St Laurence’s College can celebrate their best season since 2014 thanks to outstanding teamwork around Year 11 student Daniel Beitz, an Australian under-16 development squad member.

St Pats and Lauries were jointly awarded the AFL premiership as both finished undefeated, even though a point apart.

Lauries excelled with strong seasons from midfielders Zac Young and Sam Winterbottom, both Brisbane Lions under-18 Academy players.

Open AFL: St Patrick's College and St Laurence’s College

AFL Aggregate School: St Laurence’s College

1st XI Cricket: St Patrick's College

Cricket Aggregate School: Villanova College

1st VI Volleyball: St Laurence’s College

Volleyball Aggregate School: St Laurence’s College