Fairholme makes their mark among state’s best
Fairholme College has returned to Toowoomba defeated, but not down after their incredible AFLQ Schools Cup run.
After a comprehensive 4.6 (30) to 0.4 (4) defeat of Southport State High School in Friday’s preliminary final at Maroochydore, Fairholme booked their spot in the final against Miami State High School.
That would prove a bridge too far, however the girls cemented themselves as the top performing Darling Downs school ever across male and female divisions.
“They went pretty well and had a win in the preliminary final against another school of excellence which put us into the final,” Fairholme coach Tony Tregaskis said.
“We played really well against Miami State High but it’s a case of coming up against a side that was probably a little better.
“We won the second half of the match. By then the girls had lost their nerves and got into the pattern of playing the way we wanted to, and they really matched it with them.
“It was a great effort by all of the girls and there were a lot of parent supporters as well.”
Looking back on their historic run to the final, Tregaskis said the team had learnt as they progressed.
“The girls have embraced a new sport and have been keen and eager to play and learn as they go,” he said.
“The sense of camaraderie and community has been excellent. They’ve been willing to put in for each other and haven’t been individuals at all. They’ve been a champion team.
“What they’ve done is prove that if you listen and hone your skills you can improve. And now they finished second in the state.
“When we won the Darling Downs division playing ninea-side, we were ecstatic with that.”
■ The Darling Downs also competed at the Queensland School Sport 1 0-12 Years Girls AFL Invitational. A win over Wide Bay and pushing traditionally strong opponents Met Wests were highlights.
‘‘ WHAT THEY’VE DONE IS PROVE THAT IF YOU LISTEN AND HONE YOUR SKILLS YOU CAN IMPROVE. AND NOW THEY FINISHED SECOND IN THE STATE.
FAIRHOLME COLLEGE COACH TONY TREGASKIS