SPORTS ROUND-UP – 19 MARCH
The netballers once again enjoyed success at Milton Abbey School. The 1sts won 30-7. Georgia Richardson had a great quarter both in attack and defence and really lifted the team's spirit. The 3rd quarter saw the introduction of Rebecca Hassan as GA and Tallulah Cope back on as C. Both girls entered the game well, Tallulah made some great feeds and Rebecca made herself available in the circle. Olivia Pratt marked her opponent out of the game and only allowed her one shot over the three quarters. The quarter finished 24-6 with some great defensive play from the whole team. Ela Hartley finished the season on a high scoring 5/5 in the last quarter and finishing her netball career by scoring the last goal of the game. The match finished 30-7 a great way to end a fantastic season. Player of the match, Ela Hartley and Georgia Richardson.
The U15’s won 44-4 in a game they dominated against Milton Abbey, in all areas of the court throughout the match. The breakdown of each quarter was impressive. They started well with a 10-1 lead after the first quarter and 19-1 after the second quarter. Lucie Brinker and Poppy Helm were an awesome defending duo. They managed to prevent Milton Abbey scoring a single goal in the second quarter. The third and fourth quarters were as impressive and Jade Hartley and Robyn Glennard Cade worked the attacking circle with ease and they managed to put a total of 60 shots up, converting 44. The mid court combination of Mabel Taylor, Hattie Dunn and Hannah Kirwan were very effective and Hannah is to be commended for her excellent vision and good feeds into the circle.
The footballers won their final encounter of the season with a narrow 1-0 victory at Wells Cathedral School. Warminster deservedly won the game 1-0, but the boys knew that they should have won by a greater margin. Warminster found the back of the net, after a long throw from Ross Melia was met by the head of Giacomo Vago which caught the opposition by surprise.
Mr Denny was very impressed with the work ethic and determination of Sam Powell in particular, who was chosen player of the match. The seconds went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat at Sherborne International School despite an excellent goal from Charlie Tippetts.
In hockey, Warminster faced up to King’s Gloucester in a new fixture. The morning games saw the U12A’s and U13A’s determined to put in a positive display. The U12’s battled away, but went down 2-7. This team has made big improvements throughout the term. Evan Collier, again outstanding in goal and Charlie Kennett and Joshua Taylor were brilliant throughout and worked so hard in both the defensive area and pushing up to help support our forwards with opportunities on goal. Player of the match Shamail Bundy.
The U13A’s were determined to win their last game of the season. In what was probably their best performance of the season. Ben Cook and Sean Montgomery worked hard to slow down the attacks and win the ball and counter attack. Both showed some great confidence to out-let and break 2-3 lines of defence. Midfield team of Edward Vickery, Sam Howard, Joshua Butts, Gabriel Travis and Jacob Browne put in a lot of leg work to support both the attack and defence. The squad gave plenty of width to by-pass the strength of King's in midfield. Up front, Bryce Furlong’s work rate was impeccable to win the ball and score his hat-trick. A well-deserved hat-trick. Jasper Spandler kept the squad in the game with some amazing one on one smoothers. Ed Vickery skippered well, always encouraging and leading by example.
The U14’s and U15A’s travelled the long journey to King’s Gloucester, both boasting strong records. Warminster U15A played their hearts out in the final match of the season but unfortunately, their unbeaten run came to an end with a hard-fought battle against King's College Gloucester. King's drew first blood with an excellent goal which came from a drag flick at their first penalty corner of the game. Warminster bounced back quickly with an incredible goal by Vagif Gadimov. King's struck again to take the lead after a contentious goal from open play. Warminster bounced back again with an amazing goal from Sean Bailey that came as a result from slick passing from Robbie Maclean and Felix Sheves; this seemed to silence the very vocal King's supporters on the side line. Half-time score was 2–2.
The second half proved to be a difficult one for Warminster as King's applied enormous pressure. Warminster consequently gave away too much possession in crucial areas and this placed even more pressure upon the defence. Jack Gaskin had a great game in goal and kept Warminster in the game. Unfortunately, a goal was conceded by Warminster in the last 10 minutes of the game. Tensions continued to run high, but our boys kept their composure as King's had a player sent off the pitch for dissent. Despite the advantage of an extra player, Warminster could not get the rub of the green, and the final result saw King's triumph 3–2. Player of the match, Jack Gaskin.
The U14’s survived some early pressure and needed Charlie Whelan in goal, making some super saves to keep Warminster in the game. After half time Jack Pickford in particular was expert in positioning and dictating the game. Following some great interplay, Warminster flooded the D and Alexander MaClaren got on the end of a sweet hit and deflected the goal in at the back post. Harry Reynolds worked tirelessly up and down the field and was deservedly rewarded with player of the match.
The 1sts team faced King's Gloucester in what was their first of two matches for the 1st XI. In a game that should have been won far more comfortably, the Warminster team had the crowds on their toes all the time. A hat-trick from captain Hector Lyons and goals from Ed West and Mark Antrobus had given Warminster a 5-2 lead. Two goals in the last ten minutes for King’s made the team nervous, but Warminster were able to see the game out. Their second game was every bit as exciting as the first. Calday Grange, on tour for the Bath Festival, took an early lead. However, Warminster bounced back with goals from Jack Vincent, Josh Haines, Ed West and Mark Antrobus for a 4-1 lead at half time. Goals again were exchanged after half time although at 6-3 Warminster felt that the game should have been done and dusted. They were very wrong with Calday hitting back in dramatic style. However, with Jack Vincent scoring to put Warminster 7-5 up, before again conceding a last minute goal, Warminster finished the game 7-6 victors.
The 2nds lost what was such a closely fought and evenly-balanced game. For much of this game either side could have won, and the difference in the end was that King’s took their chances in front of goal better than we did. It would be unfair to single out particular players as everyone played their part, but there were a few stand-out performances. Our defence battled hard in the first half, and we were repeatedly caught out by greater numbers up front. William Smith played superbly at the back, making some telling tackles and distributing the ball skilfully. Rory Lomas had an excellent game in midfield, with some surging runs down the right flank nearly resulting in goals. However, player of the match was undoubtedly Charlie Powell, who had an excellent game in midfield. He was a threat going forward and superb in defence too. Although we lost, this closely-fought game was a fitting end to the season. Player of the Match – Charlie Powell.
The U12A and U13B’s endured tight contests versus Millfield Prep and despite just going down in both games, there was some excellent play with plenty of effort and enthusiasm but also with the attitude of never giving up which was extremely positive. Player of the match went to Joshua Taylor and Ben Wong.
The teams now look forward to a well-earned break before returning for the Summer Term.
Christopher Knight, Director of Sport