Archive #31/65: Sporting Highlights through the 1970s

Lindisfarne achieved numerous sporting firsts in this period.

Hockey

Lindisfarne hockey was in a strong position at the start of the 1970’s and by 1973, under the coaching of Mr. Sanders, the college style of hockey was described in the Chronicle as “fast, confident and successful”. In 1975 the hockey team moved up two grades in the local competition and the Rector, Mr. Jim Pine, said in his annual address, “I don’t suppose the 1st cricket XI or the 1st hockey XI have ever been stronger or more successful”. He proved to be absolutely correct as Lindisfarne went on to beat Wanganui Collegiate for the first time ever in 1976 and repeated this feat again in 1977.

Athletics

Unlike hockey, athletics did not seem to thrive in the 1970’s with little inter-school success. The annual school athletics competition was, however, always hotly contested and well supported by the Lindisfarne community. In 1978 the system of athletics standards which encouraged participation was introduced and the athletics sports was moved to Nelson Park in order to utilise the new all-weather surface.

Rowing

Rowing at Lindisfarne started in 1976 and obviously got off to a stellar start as the team won second place in a competition after only three days training.

Soccer

Soccer, which was tentatively introduced in 1972 and then faded out, became a major sport in the College in 1977. The influx of the large number of Dayboys from local Intermediate Schools, which were strong in Soccer, saw many boys arriving at Lindisfarne as very competent players, who now had the opportunity to play for the College and not a Club side. This was no better exemplified than in the performance of the 1st Soccer XI which won thirteen of its fourteen games.

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