SPORTS ROUND-UP – 12 MARCH
On Thursday 10 March, Warminster's 1st and 2nd netballers travelled to Bruton School for Girls to complete the set of fixtures from two weeks ago. Both recorded excellent wins, the first winning 35-17 and the seconds winning 25-13.
The first team didn’t have the best start and were slow to get into the game, making a number of errors early on. However, their confidence and belief continues to grow and the girls were determined to put things right. They were excellent in defence and put Bruton under pressure, resulting in errors and interceptions for Warminster. Claudia Eeles and Ela Hartley worked well together in the circle, using top and base and scoring a high percentage of their shots. Cassie McCormack and Georgia Richardson fed the circle well and had some nice through court play. Another strong win taking the team to four wins in their last four matches. Georgia Richardson picked up the player of the match award.
The seconds in their last match of the season were determined to put in a strong performance. They took the lead with some excellent shooting from Rebecca Hassan and Emma McCraith. Maisie Fogg and and Kira Albiston formed a strong mid-court partnership whilst Esther Kirrage worked hard on creating turnovers. A buoyant and positive Warminster team achieved a 25-13 victory. Player of the match Maisie Fogg.
On Saturday, the 1st VII faced Marlborough College and Ryde IOW in a triangular tournament. They started well against Ryde winning the first 8 minutes 5-4. However, they struggled to make good decisions as the pressure mounted, throwing the ball away at critical times. They continued to fight hard and did not give up; sadly, Ryde held onto the lead and eventually took the win by 2 goals. Tallulah Cope awarded player of the match for her composure and persistent work rate and determination. The squad wanted to rectify their errors in the second match against Marlborough College and came out fighting. Harriet Leslie was excellent in defence, putting her opponent under a huge amount of pressure. The whole team played well and showed just how far they have come this term. The score finished 28-2 with Warminster proving too strong for their opponents. Well-done to Maisie Fogg who made her debut stepping up from the 2nd VII.
The U15A's first match against Ryde began slowly. Ryde came out of the blocks quickly and Warminster's reaction was too slow. Warminster failed to adapt their tactics to match the speed and agility of their opponents. Despite some good feeding from our mid court players in the second and third quarter, Warminster were unable to claw back the goals resulting in a 19-10 defeat. Player of the match Jade Hartley. Their second game was much more positive against Marlborough College C team with better discipline and decision-making. Lucien Brinker and Poppy Helm made some outstanding interceptions, whilst Mabel turned over a good number of balls. A victory of 18-9 was achieved with Salome Rotanavunivasa player of the match.
The U15B's faced a strong Marlborough College side at the Prep School. Warminster started slowly giving away a succession of goals, and then were always up against it. Once the team began to believe in their ability, confidence grew and goals scored. However, Marlborough always had the upper hand and secured a 35-14 victory. Player of the match Sasha Berdnikova for her excellent energy and enthusiasm throughout the game.
The U13 netballers travelled to Salisbury Cathedral School and were asked to play a weakened team. This gave Warminster the opportunity for some of the fringe players to get some game time. Despite their efforts, particularly in defence from Imogen Brumby and Charlotte Robinson, Warminster went down defeated. Player of the match Imogen Brumby.
The senior boy’s hockey teams knew they would be in for a tough encounter as they were facing Canford School. The 1sts and U15 teams were both boasting unbeaten records going into their matches. The 1sts started brightly, creating chances through Canford's defence. However, their outstanding keeper kept Warminster at bay. Canford came more into their game and their willingness to win 50/50 balls added size and strength to bully Warminster off the ball. Warminster conceded a penalty corner before half time, which converted after a save from Niklas Kraegel. Warminster talked about tactics and areas to work on at half time, but this didn't materialise. Despite plenty of pressure and numerous opportunities, Warminster failed to take any of their chances and so lost 1-0 and their unbeaten season. Player of the match, Joshua Haines. The seconds and third teams endured tough encounters versus Canford School recording two losses. Player of the match, David Aspray and Danny Ding.
The U15's, pitched against Canford U14's who were crowned regional champions earlier in the week. However, the Warminster team remain unbeaten with two excellently taken goals from Sean Bailey and one from Felix Sheves in a 3-1 victory. Well done to Ben James, player of the match. The U15 B's battled away, but unfortunately went down 3-0 with a player of the match display from Thomas Davis.
The U14A's faced Canford U14B team. Warminster began strongly with early goals from David Aspray and Freddie Mowbray. However, after that, the game was extremely tight and Warminster needed to work hard to ensure that they kept Canford attacks out. A 2-0 victory was achieved, with player of the match Freddie Mowbray. The U14B team struggled with the depth of their opposition and went down to a heavy loss. Well done to Ben Austin who never gave up in his player of the match award.
The U13A and B hockey teams were determined to record positive results after a tough campaign so far against Salisbury Cathedral School. The U13A's started brightly, creating many chances and it was no surprise to see them take the lead thanks to Bryce Furlong. Ed Vickery added a second, before they conceded a sloppy goal before half time. Salisbury came out much stronger and scored the next two goals to give them a 3-2 lead. However, credit to Warminster, they came back again and a goal from Sam Howard earned the draw. Well done to player of the match Jasper Spandler for making some outstanding saves. The U13B' s also drew. Goals from Charlie Kennett and Will Jones gave them hope of their first victory of the year. However, Salisbury fought back strongly for a deserved 2-2 draw. Charlie Kennett, awarded player of the match.
The senior football teams faced tough away trips to Millfield 3rds and Wycliffe School respectively. The 1sts having travelled with only 11 players kept Millfield at bay until the second half. Ross Melia, unfortunately came off due to injury and with only 10 players, gave away three goals. Ed Corderoy, player of the match. The seconds played with fantastic effort and drive, but also went down 4-0 away to Wycliffe College.
Next week, Warminster's footballers will compete in their annual 6 a side football tournament whilst on Saturday, the final round of hockey matches sees Warminster pitted against King's Gloucester School and Sherborne School, the netballers Milton Abbey and the footballers, Wells Cathedral School and Sherborne International School.
Chris Knight, Director of Sport