The Diocese hosted the State Catholic Polding AFL trials last week at Tulkaba Park, Terabla.
The Maitland Newcastle Diocese had 15 players trialing and six were selected in the team to compete at the NSW PSSA Championships at Batemans Bay, in May.
Blake Dunn from St Mary’s Warners Bay, Kasper Mole from St Joseph’s Merewether and Joe Harrison from St Paul’s Gateshead impressed selectors by winning contested possessions. Rory Hodgson from St Joseph’s East Maitland dominated the high marking, while Abe Russell from St Patrick’s Lochinvar and Zachery Yurisich from St Mary’s Warners Bay caught the selectors eyes with silky skills and speed.
Diocesan trials were held last week for the winter sports of league, football, hockey and netball.
The rugby league trials saw a strong contingency of boys attend, making it a difficult task to narrow down to just 15. The team will consist of some strong running forwards with skilled halves directing the play to the backs.
The Diocesan football trial was a very high standard with some excellent skill on display. There were outstanding performances in the boys from New Lambton’s Hugh Browne, and William Harvey and Janni Rafty from Merewether. Maya Marolly from Warners Bay, Alisha Ingrey from Edgeworth and Josie Allan from Charlestown impressed in the girls.
At the netball, Eve Keeling from Adamstown and Scarlette Hynes from Gateshead were dynamic in defence with their quick hands, strong passes and ability to read the play. Paige Stalling from Warners Bay was accurate up the shooting end.
