IT WAS noisy at Cowes on Saturday night, as ‘Schoolies 2022’ officially got underway down at the Jetty Triangle, but it wasn’t just the school leavers who were making the noise.
The Island was also hosting hundreds of rev-heads, in town for the Phillip Island Auto Racing Club’s Island Magic event, and several of their supporters tried to take the action off the track.
Local police, boosted by reinforcements from Wonthaggi and outside the area, were forced to chase down several would-be racing drivers as they tore up the town, spinning wheels, burning rubber and redlining their engines in defiance of the authorities.
But some still got their comeuppance, although it is unclear if any of the nitro burners were impounded.
And when Mitchell Duke slotted his goal for Australia on the 23rd minute and the Socceroos went on to win their first World Cup Soccer game in 12 years, some fireworks went off, a huge cheer went up and revelers danced into the night.
By Sunday morning, all was quiet again on the western front, and even more so after the motor car enthusiasts left town.
Police have maintained a strong police presence at the Jetty Triangle area with their events’ bus and video surveillance cameras.
Schoolies 2022 continues throughout the week this week with many local traders posting welcome signs and generally pleased with the behaviour of the young revelers – schoolies ‘yes’, toolies ‘no’.
