I would like to congratulate Hoppers Crossing’s The Grange P–12 College boys and girls rugby teams on their performances this weekend at Xavier College as part of the Xavier Rugby Sevens competition. This is the third year that The Grange have entered this competition, and they are one of the only public schools to do so. I thank principal David Smillie for inviting me this weekend to watch them compete. All students performed admirably. Well done to the intermediate boys, who were runners-up in the cup after making the final. It was their best result since starting the competition. It was an awesome effort by the senior girls, who were also runners-up on the day. I was so proud to cheer on our girls from the sideline. Women’s rugby has a strong future.

And finally, huge congratulations to the senior boys side, who came away as winners of the bowl. It was a tough draw. However, a highlight was our win over St Kevin’s College in the first game of the day: 20-12. You played hard all day, boys, and I am proud of you.

Prior to this I had the pleasure of visiting The Grange last Wednesday to meet with these teams. They have been lucky enough to have three players from the Australian Wallabies provide coaching and support before their big day. To see our local boys and girls from Hoppers Crossing take on some of the most elite schools in Melbourne and come out with results like they did is absolutely remarkable. I cannot wait to watch the Rugby Sevens 2020 competition and see our local talent represent the best of the west.