I find it difficult, well impossible, to stand quietly on any sideline. Akin to raising one eyebrow or walking away from a bad movie, perhaps it is just something you can do naturally or you can’t. I’ll admit to being in the latter category on all counts.

I envy those spectators who maintain a serene disposition while watching sport, able to chat to those around them, to look up occasionally from the weekend paper and join in with polite applause when a goal is scored, but that’s not me. No matter what the contest, I feel compelled to give it my full attention and to encourage the athletes involved.

Thankfully, I am rarely alone as I witnessed again at a few recent St Margaret’s College sporting fixtures. And, I’m pleased to say the urge to barrack, to offer advice and urge the team on is not a gender specific trait. There were fathers at the netball, on the very edge of their seats, willing aloud that pass to stick or the shot to drop in. Rejoicing in every intercept and feeling the pain of a dropped pass as if they were their own. Similarly, there were mothers on the hockey sideline, virtually-experiencing each offensive burst and sharing the frustration of a mis-timed strike.

With winter sport drawing to a close, there has certainly been plenty to cheer about as St Margaret’s College has been exceptionally well represented in the region. Across the Junior, Middle and Senior schools we have fielded 28 Netball teams, 22 Basketball, 14 Hockey, 12 Badminton and two Football teams. This is an incredible rate of participation, so well done to all involved in this valuable element of school life.

See you on the sidelines - GO SMC!