Central to Newington’s academic and wellbeing rigour to enable every student to be the best they can be and discover what’s possible, is the College’s extensive co-curricular program.  

Sport is a big part of that. Newington students love their sport. During our long and proud sporting history, the Black and White has excelled in many sports, competed in most, and always been cheered on by the very vocal and very committed 1^st XV1. 

This Saturday is a Home Game as Newington hosts Sydney Grammar School. One of only two older GPS schools in NSW, Grammar’s visit always ensures an adrenalin packed day of old sporting rivalries and good-natured competition.  

Our committed P&F will be on site entertaining our visitors with their famous Stanmore hospitality, and Newington parents, friends and Old Newingtonians will once again provide their rousing sideline support to our teams.  

On the eve of Newington’s final Home Game of 2024, when our Basketball, Cricket, Tennis, Table Tennis, Water Polo, NewFit and Rifle Shooting competitors are mostly at home while Golf and Touch Football students play Away, Captain of Cricket, Jack M and Captain of Basketball, Diesel J talk teamwork, tenacity and tactics. 

I am Keeper and Opening Batsmen for the 1^st X1. With the bat, I try and set a high standard and bat time. I use my position behind the stumps to manage the pace of the game and talk with bowlers about plans.  

On Home Game weekends, my role as Captain of Cricket is to ensure the field is set up for play. This includes bringing the flags, chairs and tables out. The more challenging part comes on the field, managing bowlers and fields whilst adapting to the match situation.  

Buchanan Oval is by far my favourite field to play on. The atmosphere, especially in the morning, is better than all other grounds, and the pitch is always a treat to bat on.  

All our Newington cricketers will all be there on Saturday to enjoy the match and strive for success, whilst maintaining the principles of respect and integrity that the program is built around.  Sydney Grammar has some very good cricketers, so recognising their strengths and adapting on game day will be a big part of all Newington’s cricket teams’ success.  

I grew up watching cricket and players like Mitch Johnson, Virat Kohli, and Steve Smith who all have a level of fight and grit that many look up to. Kids love playing cricket because it’s inclusive and offers a strong social aspect, bound to forge great friendships. The most important life lesson playing cricket has taught me is resilience, and after a challenging start to the year, our 1st X1 has won the last two games. Historically, Newington has had a successful program, our most recent successes being the 2nd XI premiership last year, and 1st XI premiership in 2021/22.  

Our strengths have been in our talent and work ethic but for a few years now, we’ve maybe lost games we should’ve won when pressure got the best of us. But it’s essential in sport to realise there will be weeks you don’t get off the mark, and others where you can really raise the bat, and the bar. Learning to cope with both situations is the important thing.  

I started playing basketball in Kindergarten at Linfield Prep and joined the Opens Basketball Squad at the end of Year 8. I play for the 1st and am the starting shooting guard. My role on the court involves calling set plays, ensuring we stick to focus points, and encouraging my teammates.  

My role as Captain of Basketball on Home Games weekends is to lead by example on and off the court, looking to support other teams and represent the basketball community within our school. There will be a range of teams playing at Newington this weekend from years 7-12 and there’s always a game for people to come and watch throughout the day so come along. Everyone is welcome!  

There are so many great basketball players to come out of Newington including Nicholas Kay, Goc Malual Malek, and Makuach Maluach who all represented Australia throughout their careers, as well as numerous players making NSW state teams. I think the reason these players were all so great was because of their relentless dedication to the sport, allowing them to reach that next level.  

One of the main reasons Basketball is historically successful at Newington is due to the amazing coaching staff that help train and guide us through games, team training, and individual training in the morning.  

But mostly, to me, basketball is a way for any student to build friendships, develop skills, and find a sense of enjoyment through teamwork and shared passion. I love the game because it brings people together no matter how diverse, and honestly, anyone can play basketball. It doesn’t matter what age or size you are, pick up a ball and play for fun. Basketball will teach you respect, integrity and a love of teamwork which I think reflects our College’s commitment to building character and community. 

This Saturday will be a tough contest across the age groups; Sydney Grammar has some very good teams. We look forward to seeing everyone out on the courts, and across the Newington grounds, and we wish you all well.

To learn more about our extensive Co-curricular options, click here.