Riverview Achieves First Debating Double Since 2006 

Riverview's 1sts and 2nds debating teams have completed a rare double, winning their respective GPS premierships after a dramatic final round of competition. 

Once a reasonably common achievement, Old Ignatians accustomed to the extraordinary success of the Fr MacDonald, James Rodgers and Glen King eras may be surprised by the intense competitiveness of modern school debating.  Today, almost every GPS school delivers a high-quality program supported by specialist external coaches. Many enthusiastic students devote hundreds of hours each year to coaching and competition, including debating academies and international tournaments outside school hours. 

For a non-selective school that does not award debating scholarships, premierships are particularly difficult to win. 

While the past two decades have brought Riverview plenty of ISDA, FED, SDN and CSDA premierships, GPS silverware has remained more elusive. Despite maintaining the most overall GPS 1sts premierships by a comfortable margin, Riverview had not won the Rutledge Louat Shield since 2020. Although the 2nds secured the GPS Debating Cup last year, the College had not won both competitions in the same season since 2006. 

The double reflects not only the considerable talent and diligence of our senior debaters, but also decades of contributions from staff, coaches and the wider Riverview debating community.

Back-to-back success for the 2nds

After an excellent opening six rounds, Riverview needed to defeat Joeys in the final round to secure its second consecutive GPS Debating Cup. 

Despite a strong performance from the indefatigable Joeys boys, the 2nds produced one of their finest debates of the term to win decisively. 

It marks the fourth consecutive year in which Riverview's 2nds have won either an ISDA or GPS premiership, demonstrating the remarkable depth of talent and enthusiasm within the program. 

We extend our warmest congratulations to Scots and Sydney High, who also won on the final evening and shared the 2nds Premiership with Riverview in a three-way tie.

A dramatic finish for the 1sts

The path to the 1sts Premiership was less straightforward. After leading the competition from rounds three to six, razor-thin losses to King's and Sydney High dropped Riverview into second place ahead of the final round. 

To return to the top of the table, Riverview needed to defeat Joeys and for Sydney Grammar, a team Riverview had beaten in round two, to overcome Sydney High. 

Negating the topic, "That we would prefer a world where Australia used New Zealand's model for university admissions", Riverview faced a strong affirmative case from Joeys that took time to fully unpack and defeat. A strong foundation from Caelan Cosgriff at first negative, followed by highly effective responses from Lewis Mills and Austin Clark at second and third negative respectively, gave Riverview a slight edge. After a lengthy deliberation, and amid considerable nerves among parents and staff, the adjudicator awarded the second clash and the debate to Riverview. 

Shortly afterwards, word arrived that Sydney Grammar had defeated Sydney High, and the real celebrations began. 

Congratulations also go to King's and Sydney High, with whom Riverview shares the Rutledge Louat Shield. Both produced impressive seasons and are thoroughly deserving joint premiers.

The premiership teams:

1sts

• Caelan Cosgriff, Year 11
• Lewis Mills, Year 11
• Austin Clark, Year 11
• Toby Lau, Year 10
• Coach: Lachie Doyle (OR22)

2nds

• Stephen Barchinski, Year 12 and Captain of Debating
• Jimmy de Flamingh, Year 11
• Noah Confos, Year 11
• Sam Poynton, Year 10
• Coach: Tom Doyle (OR24)

Congratulations to the students, coaches and staff, who now share the distinction of securing Riverview's first 1sts and 2nds premiership double under the official auspices of the AAGPS. 

Particular thanks go to the now legendary Doyle brothers, Lachie and Tom, who have contributed at the highest level of Riverview debating for more than half a decade. 

Special congratulations are also owed to Stephen Barchinski, Riverview's outstanding Captain of Debating. Now a two-time GPS Debating Cup winner, Stephen's leadership and commitment throughout his final weeks at the College helped establish the culture of excellence and enthusiasm that proved crucial to the season's success. 

Notably, the entire 1sts team and most of the 2nds team will return next year.  With new standards established and so much talent remaining, Riverview debating looks well placed for another successful season.

Editor: Thank you to Liam Donohoe (OR16, Riverview's Debating Coordinator) for contributing this article to OIU's News & Views