By Eliza Mulligan and Amos Robinson (both 3rd year Science), Sports Representatives

Queen’s sport started off strongly this year, with the women’s cricket team showing great energy and determination. After a number of hard-fought matches, the team managed to progress to the minor final, where they were successful in defeating Ormond, to claim third place. 

The men’s cricket team displayed a very impressive pool of talent, constructing one of the strongest sides in the competition. Liam Biddiscombe (1st year Commerce) was our leading run scorer, with a highlight of five sixes in a single over. The team fell to an impressive Ormond side in the semi-final, then the minor final against Newman was unfortunately cancelled due to rain, so we tied in third place.

The Queen’s tennis team’s journey was cut short this year, as they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by University College. However brief, the season showed Queen’s culture both on and off the court as many Queeners rose early to watch some of the first College sports games of the year.

The women’s soccer team had another incredible season and once again managed to take home the win. In what may be one of the most abnormal paths to victory, the team managed to go the entire season without scoring a goal in regular time, with every game being decided by penalties. However, this just meant we had had more practice for the grand final, where it ultimately went to penalties once again. After a very tense shootout, we came out on top after five excellent penalty strikes from a few of the team. 

Despite being rumoured as the clear favourites on the crescent, the men’s soccer team fell short of victory. The 0-0 semi-final against Trinity went into penalties, meaning it was anybody’s game. Unfortunately, luck fell in the direction of Trinity. Losing through penalties three years in a row was tough on the team veterans, but we will come back stronger next year.

The women’s hockey team had a dominant season, with Queen’s putting on a clinic in the early rounds, and having some very decisive wins. However, the grand final proved to be a much tougher battle, as we once again came up against Ormond. In a very tense match, the team showed composure under pressure and defended until the end, with one excellent goal, securing the win and allowing Queen’s to claim the hockey premiership once again. 

The men’s hockey provided a strong side, being undefeated until the grand final against Ormond. Captain, Carl Els (3rd year Engineering) led by example through his rock solid defence, but could not get us over the line. It was a close game, but unfortunately we could not convert following an Ormond goal late in the match.

While the table tennis team did not make finals this year, they played their two games with skill and sportsmanship. Thanks to our Wyvern coaches, it was a fun night where many members of the team had a chance to play.

This year in swimming, Queen’s finished sixth across all divisions. The men’s freestyle relay team finished in third place closely behind Ormond and Trinity, the overall winners on the night.

Queen’s had a great time in the athletics carnival this year, with the college placing fourth overall, an improvement from last year’s sixth. Ollie Hillemacher (1st year Science) was particularly notable, running a hand-timed 10.4 seconds over 100m, in his first heat.

In rowing, the men’s first VIII should be proud of their efforts, being the strongest crew Queen’s has seen in many years. After losing to Trinity by centimeters in the first heat, we received the fastest course time of the day in the minor final against Newman. 

The Magoos were not quite as successful, but their haircuts certainly caught the eyes of spectators. They may have lost both of their races, but we sure were proud of them. As tradition holds, the Magoos had ridiculous haircuts to raise money for the World’s Greatest Shave. 

While both the women’s first VIII and Magoos were unable to place in the top four this year, both crews rowed with strength and determination followed by weeks of early morning training. More so, all crews were motivated right to the finish, with the placement of Queen’s supporters right by the finish line.

For the cross country, 14 students bravely donned the green, brown and gold to run around a foggy and freezing Prinny the morning after a turn. Overall, the team came sixth, an effort to be proud of.