SPORTS ROUND-UP – 4 FEBRUARY
I would like to start this round-up of sporting activity with a positive result. Anna Payne represented Wiltshire on Saturday in the South West Cross Country Championships in Truro. She came 43rd on the day and is going to the national finals on March 18 in Norwich. Great running! Megan Galpin spent the weekend with the GB javelin coaches and is looking forward to starting some events in April. All exciting news for these two talented ladies.
The 1st and 2nd U18 football teams both suffered losses against Milton Abbey. The first team worked hard for most of the match but let some referee decisions upset their game. The second team however worked hard but could not penetrate the goal. Sam Boughton deserves a mention for assertive play from the bench and onto the left wing.
We move onto boy’s hockey where there was only one victory for the U15A team. There was a good draw for the U13A team and an unlucky loss for the U14A team. Mr Miller is looking for his team to stick to the game plan so a win will be on the cards.
Sadly, the 1st XI boys suffered a big defeat to Wells Cathedral but Miss Gough was delighted with the 2nd XI boys despite a narrow defeat. Team work and good companionship was the key in this match. Well done to Charlie Whelan in goal. So important to have a confident, hardworking GK in your team. The U14A team would agree with this as Tommy Park played so well for this team.
The U15B team kept calm against an ill-disciplined Pangbourne team. Mr Clarke said the boys should be proud of their efforts. The U13C and U13D teams suffered losses but in many cases, these boys are still learning the skills and tactics of the game
On the netball front the 1st VII and Miss Lewis came away feeling a little frustrated as they definitely felt a better performance could have been put in. Basics of netball, keeping possession and good passing were not adhered to throughout. As always, some moments of brilliance and some not quite so good. Olivia Pratt and Cassandra McCormack worked well in defence to keep the strong Clayesmore attacking army out of the shooting circle.
The 2nd VII had a much closer game but narrowly lost in the end. They won the last quarter, 7-4 but it was a little too late. Miss Manship’s U15 team were defeated but she was pleased with them. Best game of the season so far. A couple of players moved to new positions, Eleanor Robertson and Rosa Herring. Both had a huge impact in these positions. The U14 team were depleted with three injuries, making this an even harder match against a really strong Clayesmore team. Lauren Melia was player of the match and, despite the score, everyone worked hard.
The U13 teams were defeated, but the evening before the U13A team had played the most brilliant match against touring Walhampton Prep and had won in style. Some of the U13B team had played for both teams on Saturday as two of the A team were off running and throwing javelins.
My final focus will be on the brilliant U12A & B teams. The A team lost 2-5 to Wells Cathedral but the defence was awesome. So many interceptions made by various players. We just need to use these to score more goals. Simple tactics! Player of the match was voted Anna Galpin from Year 6. The coach’s player was Scarlett Slack for all-round brilliant play as ‘C’.
Team of the week for netball was undoubtedly the U12B team. They won convincingly 13-8 against Wells Cathedral. Passing and team work were key here as well as the ability to score the goals at most opportunities. Zoe Palmer, Marnie Clark and Ruby Hines had much improved games and, again, Evie Kennett and Arabella Steptoe were brilliant in the shooting circle.
Some great netball and hockey matches during the week from Years 3-6 played at the prep side of the school. This week will be remembered for not the most positive results, but onwards and upwards as they say! As the weather turns more Spring-like, there will hopefully be some much-improved performances after half term.
Enjoy the break and come back fully rested and ready to play!
Gay Butterworth, Assistant Director of Sport