Thirteen students from Grades 3 to 6 went to the Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre to participate in the carnival and the team amazed with individual and team performances. The team consisted of Charlii Wilson, Cooper Rasmussen, Walt James, Asher Rasmussen, Harry Rasmussen, Mason Mundie, Keeley Major, Matilda Godden, Jasmine Watson, Ruby Bruton, Evie Coghill, Oliver Seamer and Charlie Watson.
Sports co-ordinator Steve Rasmussen said every swimmer on the team left with a ribbon.
Standout performers, among many brilliant performances, included Asher Rasmussen, who came second in a 50m freestyle heat, missing out on qualifying for the regional finals by 0.43 of a second.
Jasmine Watson finished second in her heat in backstroke, producing the third best time for the day in her age group. The 11-year-old boys and girls’ freestyle relay team came third in their race. The 12-year-old boys’ team also finished third in their relay race.
“Overall, the team finished fourth on the day in what was a brilliant performance by such a small swimming team,” Mr Rasmussen said.
“A big thank you to Naomi Watson, who gave up her own time to coach the team after school and give them some pointers on how they can become better swimmers.
“Also thanks to Linda Rasmussen for her help on the day.”
Rochester Primary’s lawn bowls team had a great day on Friday, March 4, when 24 students from Grades 5 and 6 competed in the annual Campaspe Lawn Bowls Tournament.
“This year the children were lucky enough to be playing at the Rochester Lawn Bowls Club. They played against teams from Tongala and Kyabram,” Mr Rasmussen said.
“The weather was perfect and the conditions just right for the children to play some high-quality bowls. The teams had great fun and the sportsmanship and competitive play from the children was wonderful to see.”
The boys’ team had a brilliant day and finished third overall, narrowly missing out on qualifying for the regional finals in Swan Hill.
The girls’ team got better and better as the day went on, eventually finishing fifth overall.
“The way the teams cheered each other on, supported each other and the determined approach to improve was something that the school was extremely proud of,“ Mr Rasmussen said.
“The coaching and support that the school and the teams received from the Rochester Lawns Bowls Club was outstanding.
“They provided coaching, equipment and the use of their greens all free of charge. The children loved the practice sessions and enjoyed the tournament so much more because of the skills they had developed in the lead-up to the tournament.”
As an added bonus, the children were able to listen to and learn from the number one ranked bowler in the world, Alex Marshall from Scotland.
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