SPORTS ROUND-UP – 12 NOVEMBER
After the half term break, Warminster School sports teams were keen to get back to playing some competitive games.
The early morning girls’ hockey games saw them face Stonar School. The 1sts began strongly with Lulu Cope slotting in a penalty corner in the first 30 seconds of the game. However, despite their dominance and some outstanding goalkeeping, Warminster could not add to this, and as is often the case, got punished the other end and finished the game 1-1. POM Anna Payne. The U16 team, continue their good form with a strong display. Two excellently taken goals by Mabel Taylor and another by Hannah Kirwan saw Warminster home 3-0. POM Mabel Taylor.
Unfortunately, the away games at Stonar fell foul to the weather and poor drainage on the astro at Stonar. However, some of the girls who came back joined in with the internal game that was scheduled inside in the sports hall and had a great time.
The afternoon games saw the boys’ rugby teams face Clayesmore School. The 1st and U16 team travelled away. The 1st XV game was tough against a well drilled Clayesmore side. Clayesmore ran neat lines and their powerful players cleared rucks continually setting Warminster back, enabling their fast backs to find space in Warminster's defence. Various glimpses of quality play enabled Warminster to put 17 points over Clayesmore. Captain Ed West was proud of the Warminster team as they didn't give up despite the score and played out to the end. He said “It was certainly a tough game but I was pleased with the efforts of all of the players in our side”. Final score: 73-17 (Tries: Josh Haines (2), POM Ed West.
In boggy conditions, the U16s got off to a slow start conceding two early tries. However, a quick-footed Jacques Kinnison got Warminster back into the game before again conceding two more tries. Despite conceding another try shortly after the restart, Warminster were not going to give up the fight and no candidate better demonstrated this than Max Reinard, who took the power of Clayesmore's second row to the chest again and again but kept getting back up for more. Mid way through the half Stanley Admiraal saw double as he crossed the line for his second try of the game. This was followed by Robbie Maclean crossing the whitewash and it looked like we were in for a tense last quarter. Hopes of gaining the lead were dashed by some nifty footwork down the wing by Clayesmore who put the game beyond doubt in the last few minutes. However, Warminster had the last say after some tremendous work by the forwards, put Stanley Admiraal in for an individual finish to a great team try.
At home there was an excellent, dynamic performance from the U15s, who, for the first time this season, really showed what they could be capable of achieving. From the start they played with power and pace, and were utterly committed. Their support play was very encouraging, and with a little more composure at the breakdown the score might have been even better. As a result of their positive play, they quickly built a lead in the first half following tries from Mathias Folkesson (2), Sascha Viets, Othman Rayes and Joe Wildman. In the second half they picked up where they had left off, and despite a period when the opposition began to gain momentum, they score three further tries through Alexander Maclaren, Othman Rayes and Gus Baxter. Otto's second try in particular oozed quality: David Aspray caught a high ball and broke out from his own 22, and following some great hands and supporting runs from Mathias Folkesson and Alexander Maclaren, Othman Rayes burst through to score. Classy stuff.
The challenge now for the team is to carry on this level of performance wsith the same intensity through to the match next weekend, and beyond.
The U14s knew that they would be in for a tough battle after last year’s game. However, some outstanding tackling from Theo Fitz-Johnson and Oscar Bourne continued to keep Clayesmore at bay. A 0-29 loss flattered our opponents who scored 3 tries late on. This was a good performance and shows just how much they are improving as a team. POM Oscar Bourne.
The newly formed U18 badminton team played their first games in the North Wilts badminton league at Chippenham. They played two games beating Team Aero 6.5-2.5 but unfortunately ran out of steam 3-6 against Frome Badminton. This was a great start for the team led by Kelvin Ching, and I look forward to seeing this team progress over the next two terms.
CG Knight, Director of Sport