After competing at the school carnival on February 12, they then progressed to the Diocesan Carnival which was held on February 26 in Moree. 

Saint Philomena’s sports coordinator, Jessica Redgrove, said there were around 300 students competing for a spot on the day.

“Only the top three for each event were selected for Polding which will be held on March 20, this Friday in Sydney at  Homebush,” she said.

The students progressing through to Polding will be: 

• Xanthe Cogan in the 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke

• Abby George in the 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke

• Jack Matthews in the senior boy relay team

• Louis Cannington in the 50m freestyle, 50m breaststroke and senior boy relay team

• Alec Manchee in the 50m breaststroke and senior boy relay team

• Henry Ledingham in the 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m fly, senior boy relay team and the individual medley.

“Xanthe, Louis, Alec and Henry have competed at Polding before and this will be Abby and Jack’s first time,” Redgrove said.

“This carnival will act as the selection trials for the Polding and MacKillop teams, to compete in the NSW PSSA Swimming Championships to be held at Homebush on March 25 and 26. The first three swimmers from each event will qualify,” she said.

Ledingham said although it wasn’t his first time, he was still excited to swim in Sydney.

“I am aiming to win in breaststroke because I achieved that last year. I am also hoping to do the same for my other races. I am happy to represent Moree and my school Saint Philomena’s in Sydney,” he said.