Columba College fielded six teams (two Year 8s, three Year 9 and one at Year 10) taking on the likes of Bayfield, Logan Park, DNI and Tahuna. Once again, Columba’s team names were top-tier (‘Myth-informed’ and ‘Livy, Love Laugh’ were among the highlights), as were the overall efforts of these budding Classicists.

The struggle for the title of Princeps (as well as a shiny cup) in the Junior section would have barely given Marcus Aurelius pause for thought; such was the nature of the titanic tussle between ‘Livy, Laugh, Love’ (Jemima Colbert, Isabella Oakley, Uma Reid and Emily Roy) and ‘Try-Umverate’ ( Alyssa ‘The Decimator’ Duthie, Nanni ‘Neapolitan’ Ge and Jessica ‘Just Another Manic’ Mundy). After several lead changes and close-calls, the spoils went to the seasoned Year 10 trio, with their Year 9 counterpoints one point back in second place.

Special mention must go to the Year 8 team ‘Alibi’ (Beth Elder and Jessie Roff) –the most dynamic duo since Augustus and Agrippa – who defied teams twice their size and stormed to third place in the Intermediate section, a paltry three points off the lead.

A massive thanks and hearty ‘macte hac gloria’ to all participants – it’s because of you and your enthusiasm for all things antiquated that, like the Hydra, Classics at Columba continues to thrive.