Boys' Sport Round-Up - Oct 2019

A summary of sport from Mr Smith, Head of Boys' Sport.

A parent once said to me, “Well done Mr Smith, another unbeaten season.” My reply shocked her when I said “I’m so sorry, I will try harder for this not to happen again."

It is very important to have a varied and testing fixture list with games that could be won, could be lost and really even contests to inspire passion and commitment. It is important for the boys to learn how to deal with both victory and defeat. Working together when the going gets tough but also being modest and gracious when winning.

This term the boys have played fairly, supported and encouraged their teammates, and have never been beaten through lack of effort. They have respected their coaches and always been positive.

The 1st XI has been busy with one of the main areas of focus which is knowing your role and positioning, as well as remaining positive as a group. They did this very well indeed during the Highfield 6-a-side tournament where they were runners up. They also performed superbly the IAPS U13 tournament where they lost narrowly in the quarter final. Roberto Vazquez has been a welcome addition to the squad. Simon Pietersen’s performance during the Highfield tournament was outstanding and is worthy of mention. However it is, without doubt, the team work and understanding of formation that has been the key to our success. 

The 2nd XI is a really nice blend of Year 7s and 8s and they have had a positive season. They have been working on starting fast and keeping up the pressure and in their last match against Highfield they managed exactly that.  Their teamwork and pace was a joy to watch.  

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The 3rd XI, which contains a good number of Year 7s, has enjoyed a tough, combative season. A strong defence has been the foundation for some pleasing results, notably against Brighton Prep where we scored an injury time winner to snatch a well-earned away win. The side has been led by the 'never say die' defending of Harry Murphy and Rufus Lawford, while the creative spark has generally come from Rory Norman, who has since been called up to the 2nd XI on the back of fine goal scoring form. 

The U11s came up against quality teams in Aldro and Cranleigh but though much effort and commitment turned things around with excellent performances against Highfield and Pennthorpe. Tommy Osborne has set the standard with both skill and endeavour. The U11Cs were team of the week for breaking their duck against Aldro helped by a Charlie Barnes hat trick.

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It was a mixed season of results for the U11B team. However there were convincing victories against Aldro and PGS. The team also ended the season by winning a triangular tournament at Pennthorpe School. The team improved significantly in all areas during the course of the season. Nicholas Anderson impressed with his consistency in defence and Jiayou Li demonstrated plenty of skill and pace in attack.

Raffety Matthews and captain Noah Clarke have been the standout players in the U10 team.

The U10B team finished their season with a good victory at the Windlesham tournament where they were unbeaten in their three matches against Windlesham, Great Walstead and St Christopher’s.

The U10Cs are very committed and competitive.  Their last match was their best yet and it was great to see lots of energy and positive attitude on the field.

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The U9 As have been particularly impressive with a number of successes in triangular matches. Ollie Anderson and Casimir Kent have produced a very high skill level, supported well by a very strong all round team.

The U9 Bs had some notable wins along the way including Dorset House and PGS. The boys worked hard and supported each other and there were any number of stand out performances most notably Logan Lock who covered every blade of grass and knocked in a number of super goals

Cricket

Currently our Year 8 boys are in South Africa on the school’s 11th cricket tour. They are very lucky boys and will come back with some wonderful memories.

Both boys and girls have been busy trialling for county, development and district squads. Many have already succeeded and have their winter programme in place. I will wait until all the selection process is over before I submit a list of all those that have been successful.

Also this term the boys have had opportunities to represent the school in a number of sports. We have had matches in swimming, golf, squash, cross-country and real tennis.  There is much hard work done in both swimming and squash squad’s in the evenings culminating in some impressive performances.

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The boys just before they left for South Africa