Sports round-up – 7th February 2015
Saturday 7th February saw Warminster face a big block of fixtures for both boys and girls against Wells Cathedral School.
The 1st XI boys’ hockey team were determined to put in an improved performance after last year’s heavy loss. Despite having numerous opportunities to score, Warminster simply could not find the back of the net and were punished for poor decision-making at the back. The 0-4 loss was not a true reflection of the game.
The 2nd XI, after dominating for large periods of the game, lost 1-2 despite Peter Tizard's goal and Tom Liquorice's player of the match performance. For the first time in the School's history, a senior 3rd XI was put out against Wells as there have been over 40 boys training on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. This was a very even game and an entertaining one, despite the 0-0 score-line.
The Under 15A game was cancelled due to Ten Tors training. The Under 14A and Under 13A games mirrored each other with 2-3 losses, with defensive errors in the last couple iof minutes costing both teams.
The Under 13B team had a closely-fought 3-1 win with two goals from Jacob Browne and one from Sam Howard. Meanwhile, the Under 13D team marched on unbeaten to a convincing 8-1 victory. However, the match was closer than this suggests. The score-line is partly down to a player of the match performance from goalkeeper Jack Hirons who pulled off a number of great saves.
The football teams both suffered losses against Wells and Canford but there were once again positive signs from the 1st XI that a win is just around the corner. Despite dominating possession and chances, they simply could not put the ball in the back of the net.
The 1st VII netballers travelled to Wells, winning 19-14 in a pulsating game. Hattie Leslie made her season’s debut and the shooting combination of Emma Tizard and Claudia Eeles proved too strong for Wells. The players are hoping that this performance will be the springboard for a strong second half of the season.
Whilst the Under 15A, Under 14A and Under 13A teams struggled to match the athleticism of the teams from Wells, the Under 15B won a great game 20-18 with Rebecca Hassan putting in an outstanding display. Well done to Scarlett Farley who also put in a strong performance.
There have been plenty of fixtures at the Prep School over the past week and the girls’ netball teams once again showed what a strong unit they are becoming. The Under 11s, after a battling draw against Salisbury Cathedral School on Wednesday, travelled to Millfield Prep to play in a B team festival against six other schools. Warminster won five of their six games to come second overall, including coming back from 1-4 down to win 5-4 against Millfield themselves. This bodes well for the IAPS competition next month. Well done to all of the girls.
The Under 11 boys’ hockey team travelled to the IAPS Hockey Tournament hosted by Clifton College on Friday. It was a great tournament and the boys worked extremely hard. Although they did not win any of their games, all were very close and included a 0-0 draw with the Downs School. Joshua Shaw made some excellent saves in goal whilst Oliver Nathan and Wolfie Mowbray worked tirelessly for the team. Edward George, having moved outfield, also shone whilst Toby Hirons played one of his best games ever. A great effort from all the boys.
On Saturday morning the boys and girls Under 7, Under 8 and Under 9 teams faced fixtures against Kingswood School. It was great to see so many Warminster pupils out playing and putting in some wonderful performances, despite the cold weather. They are all growing in confidence.
On Friday we break up for half-term, giving all of our teams a well-earned rest.
Christopher Knight
Director of Sport