Both All Saints’ and Marsden competed in various sports over the winter in local Bathurst, Independent Schools and regional Schools Competitions. Rugby, hockey, netball, and soccer were the main sports in which the schools fielded several teams. All students at both schools were required to participate in some form of team sport as it was considered an essential element of the whole education.
Winter in Bathurst was never very kind to the netball and hockey players, as many of their games were played early Saturday mornings on frosty fields and slippery courts in uniforms that offered very little warmth. Tracksuits were not allowed on the courts, even when it was snowing! Rugby players at least had long-sleeved jerseys, and maybe the tackles and scrums offered the occasional warmth?
Although winning premierships in various sports was few and far between over the many years of competition, the players often reflected on their participation in these sports as a win. Team spirit was drummed into all, and this spirit was seen repeatedly on the courts and fields. When a team did win a major premiership, the whole school family celebrated.
The coaches of the various sports were, in most cases, teachers at the different schools who dedicated their time outside of school hours to train and attend matches held over the weekends. Some games were played in other towns or regions, which meant hours of travel and nights away.
Some of the teachers were involved for many years, just to name a few – Mr Colin McCleod, (Rugby), Mr Albert Emms, (Rugby), Mr Bruce Clydsdale, (Rugby), Mr Rob King, (Rugby), Miss Stella Massey, (Marsden Netball and Hockey), Mrs Tessa Jones, (Netball), Mrs Kay Nelson, (Netball), Mrs Anne Gribble, (Netball), Miss Lesley Carroll, (Hockey), Mr Wayne Feebrey, (Hockey). Many others also contributed to the sports programs at the different schools, and they will be remembered for their dedication and teaching.
Mrs Memory Sanders
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