Trinity So Close To Achilles Cup Dream

An Achilles Cup dream win did not eventuate this year despite a spectacular effort from our outstanding athletics team. 

After leading the Achilles Cup Athletics Carnival all day, Trinity was pipped at the post by long-time rivals St Peter’s College. Despite numerous outstanding performances, including from sprint sensation Kelechi Ekwomadu (Year 11) who broke two 20-year-old records in the 100m and 200m, it just wasn’t to be.

Points are awarded for placings in all events, and minor placings all count over the course of the day. A mere 70 points separated the two teams in the end with St Peter’s 1283 to Trinity’s 1213 representing the smallest of margins throughout the meet. The rest of the placings were taken by Prince Alfred College, Immanuel College, Pembroke School, Concordia College, Rostrevor College, St Ignatius College and Christian Brothers College.

Trinity jumped out to an early lead and, by the final score updates, were a solitary point ahead. With predominantly the relays left, both schools knew everything mattered. A couple of centimetres in the triple jump, or a head-dip for a minor placing in the 1500 all mattered.

As the results were read out, tension built; U13 Champions - St Peter’s, U14 Champions – Trinity College, U15 Champions – Trinity College, U16 Champions - St Peter’s, Open Boys Champions – Trinity College. With Trinity winning three out of five age groups, St Peter’s were understandably nervous and having won the converted cup 52 of the past 53 years, an overall win by Trinity College would have been big news. But as the final overall placings were read out, Trinity College was announced as runner up in second place. The St Peter’s contingent erupted, and our Trinity athletes were left to ponder what might have been.

While finishing runners up wasn’t in the plan, the entire team should be very proud of what they accomplished and, together with the girls’ team who finished a very creditable second to Immanuel College at the IGSSA Carnival, have established a very high bar for future teams.

Trinity athletics is on a serious roll, and the College is very pleased and proud to see our students competing at such a high standard. Best wishes are extended to all the members of the Open Boys and Junior Girls teams who are continuing to train in preparation for the national event in Melbourne in December.

Source: Rupert Sapwell, Director of Sport