SPORTS ROUND-UP – 10 SEPTEMBER
The first Saturday of term saw a busy home schedule with teams taking part in a pre-season training programme. This was of great benefit to all concerned, particularly for many pupils new to the games of rugby and hockey. The girls’ A teams faced a full programme with Bruton School for Girls and King Edward’s Southampton and the boys’ rugby against Milton Abbey.
This was a good match for the newly formed U12 team. It was closely fought, with very even possession and chances. Well done to Zoe Palmer who was strong in defence and Player of the Match, Lucy Rodgerson who ran the show in the middle of the pitch. The U13’s continued on their excellent form from last year. There was some outstanding passing combinations, along with a solid defence. Anna Payne (POM) and Megan Galpin were the scorers. The U14’s played their first XI a side hockey game. They all gave 100% throughout the game and particular praise must go to Lauren Melia (POM) for her efforts in midfield. Well done also to Annabelle Jackett and Honour Petitt who provided great support on the flanks. However, Warminster were unable to break the deadlock and the final score was 0-0.
The U15A girls had a fantastic start to the season. It was great to see them working so well as a team even though this was their first time playing together. Warminster finished the game with a 7-0 win, goal scorers were: Alice Robinson, Carlotta Loffer, Magalie Lurati and Salome Rotanavunivasa. Player of the match went to Ellie Robertson. Well done!
The senior girls 1st team had a completely new look about it, with players from Yr 8 to Yr 13. KES began strongly displaying their maturity and experience. However, as the game progressed Warminster began to grow in confidence and scored two excellent goals from Lulu Cope and Lydia Kington. Well done again to Yr 8, Anna Payne, who was awarded Player of the Match.
In the afternoon, the senior teams faced Milton Abbey in a set of training games. The 1sts having beaten Milton Abbey the previous week in a triangular pre-season match were unable to repeat their performance, simply not retaining the ball and converting their chances. Well done to Peter Tizard (POM). The U16’s having shipped an early try, dominated the first half with great tries from Sam Boughton, and a hat trick from Felix Sheves. Mathias Folkesson then continued the good work after some nifty rucking to score close to the posts. However, the second half turned, with Warminster suffering the loss of key players to injury. Milton Abbey continued to chip away with tries and eventually scored the winner with 2 minutes to go to win by one point 43-42. (POM) Sam Boughton. The U15’s showed some good promise despite the score line. The first half was fairly even with a score a piece. However, as the game progressed Milton Abbey grew stronger and scored a further four more tries. Special mentions must go to Sascha Veits and POM Luis Czichos for strong performances despite it being their first ever game of rugby.
Milton Abbey travelled to Warminster for a pre-season friendly; it turned out to be anything but friendly and turned into a very physical encounter. The U14’s also lost what was a close encounter. Having led in the second third through an excellent try by Bryce Furlong, an unfortunate spate of injuries to key players saw Milton Abbey score three unanswered tries. Well done to Theo Fitz-Johnson gaining POM for his try and confident debut. Warminster will face Milton Abbey again in two weeks’ time in a reverse fixture and it will be very interesting to see what progression is made by then.
Next week sees fixtures for the Senior Rugby teams versus Wells Cathedral and Girls Hockey versus Leweston School. The Prep side of the School will host their annual U8 and U9 Hockey and Rugby festival.
Christopher Knight, Director of Sport