SPORTS ROUND-UP – 17 SEPTEMBER
Undoubtedly the sporting highlight of the weekend was the Warminster Prep School U8 and U9 Hockey and Rugby festival. Over 12 local Prep Schools participated in the festival with over 250 participants. The weather was kind and some of the rugby and hockey on display was of an extremely high standard. I would also like to thank Monkhouse Intersport, for their support on the day.
In the early hockey match the Ist XI girls’ hockey team continued their good form with a strong 2-0 victory. Head Girl, Claudia Eeles scored both goals in an excellent performance that made up for the Thursday indifferent performance 1-0 victory against Bruton School for Girls. POM Lulu Cope. The U15, U14, U13b and U12 girls’ hockey teams travelled to Leweston on the back of strong performances the previous week. However, the teams could not match their previous weeks’ performances and went down in all games. The U15s had a challenging match this weekend. This did not stop them from working hard and competing for the ball. After letting in three early goals, the girls came back with a fantastic attitude in the second half and fought for everything. Their performance showed a significant improvement and you could really see that they were trying to get the game back. The U14 match score line does not reflect their performance. They certainly did not give up at all and kept working hard until the final whistle. The defensive unit played very well and made it difficult for the Leweston forwards to get shots in. Lauren Melia and Annabelle Jackett were very unlucky with some of their chances at goal at the other end. In the U12 game Warminster worked very well as a team with it only being their second game together. Maddie Dempsey played the second half in goal and showed some great skill and agility in keeping Warminster in the game. Lucy Rodgerson also played very well creating many chances on goal. The U13As travelled to the All Hallows hockey U13 festival. In a strong pool Warminster began with a 0-0 draw against Monkton Combe and then a 1-1 draw against Port Regis. Millfield proved too strong and Warminster then lost 2-0 to All Hallows despite playing their best hockey of the festival. They eventually came 6th. The U13Bs went down 0-3.
On Friday night for Rugby the 1st XV faced Wells CS at Frome RFC, as the L6 would be away on their bonding weekend early Saturday morning. Straight from the KO it was evident that the big Wells pack would cause Warminster’s inexperienced pack problems, and so it proved. Many penalties were awarded for both teams as discipline in defence was lacking. Wells ran hard and fast and were rewarded for this. Ross Melia scored Warminster’s only try. However, the Warminster‘s second half performance was better and if they get this mind set right for next week, they will certainly put in a stronger performance. The U16s and U15s travelled to Wells for their game on Saturday. The U16s were depleted through a number of injuries. Wells were better at converting the opportunities that came their way and pulled away in the first half. However, Warminster continued to battle away and were rewarded through tries from Conor Dawn, Benson Hsiao and Jacques Kinnison in the second half. POM Conor Dawn. The U15s knew after last year this would be a tough fixture for them and so it was. Despite the score line the team showed flashes of serious talent and have, undoubtedly, the potential to improve hugely.
The U14s lost three early tries before beginning to play fast, strong rugby. Accurate handling was the key in building a 31-20 lead deep in the second half with Jasper Spandler having an outstanding game in the centre. However, despite being up 11 points with only a few minutes left, two tries from Wells sealed a one-point victory. The U13’s had a tough day at the office against Wells losing 50-10. There were some passages of great play and a strong run from Joshua Taylor, and Evan Collier saw Warminster gain their two tries. However, the rugby performance of the weekend goes to the U12s. They played with great effort and enthusiasm in their first game of the year, chasing down every ball and making some great tackles. Tries were scored by Josh Shaw (2), Ben Robinson and Wolfie Mowbray. POM Oliver Nathan.
Chris Knight, Director of Sport