Kristy Reed – Sports Co-ordinator and PDHPE Teacher

David Horwitz Rugby 7s challenge

The David Horwitz Rugby 7s challenge is now a regular fixture for many schools in our sporting associations and the local area. The Emanuel initiative had another successful season this year with six schools playing in the competition, across three divisions. The three-night series involved junior, intermediate and senior age divisions, with Emanuel entering teams into each of the categories. The tournament included games against International Football School, Moriah College, Kesser Torah College, St Andrew’s Cathedral School and Masada College.

The three Emanuel teams had been preparing for this tournament since the beginning of the winter season through weekly training sessions. Many of the boys in the junior squad were new to rugby and this tournament provided the perfect opportunity for them put their training to the test and to gain some much-needed game experience. The team played exceptionally well, showing great team and school spirit. Well done to Tal Boskila, Alan Drannikov, Alon Erez-Rein, Samuel Milner, Oscar Morgan, Luca Moses, Jared Robinson, Mahley Rosen-Tal, Russell Tevelson and Benjamin Torban.

The intermediate boys team had a little more experience as the majority of the squad played in this tournament in 2016. This experience proved to be vital, leading to some exciting tries. Congratulations to Jordan Behr, Ariel Berger, Matthew Bozic, Alan Drannikov, Jonathan Eremeev, Elijah Grynberg, Jake Hyman, Ari Karjalainen, Leo Lipman and Blake Nixon.

For many of the senior boys, this was event is the highlight of the representative sport program and the school year. It proved to be a fantastic school sporting experience, providing them with fond memories. Special guest David Horwitz, who has recently joined the Melbourne Rebels, visited the team prior to their first match. David provided them with motivation, encouragement and also a few tips on his game. Although the St Andrews and Moriah teams proved to be too strong for the Emanuel boys, they all played with exceptional determination and sportsmanship. Well done to Jake Anthony, Jordan Behr, Leo Carroll, Jake Kurlansky, Blake Nixon, Mitchell Nixon, Max Leveton, Ben Shapiro, Laurence Siltchenko and Liahm Simon.

The tournament ended with the presentation from official guest Simon Poidevin, a great Wallaby of the past. Congratulations to all players on their effort and thanks to Heath Morley for coaching the Emanuel teams.