Miss Chambers, Head of Girls’ Sport, summarises the girls’ sporting news.
We are now half way through our hockey season for the U8s-U10s and netball season for the U11s-U13s. Running alongside these major sports has also been more swimming and cross country for the U9s up and a taster of pop lacrosse for the U10s & U11s.
As a department, we have just updated our Sporting Philosophy which I thought you might be interested to read. This is what we believe is important and the culture we are trying to breed.
Netball
U13s
They have had a cracking start to the season and are playing some really fantastic netball competing with the top teams on our fixture card. It is an exciting season and I am enjoying seeing them all progress and start to play a more tactical game. They are focused, determined and committed. The whole squad work together and help each other. Unfortunately for the A team the Bryanston tournament was cancelled but they will have IAPS after half term. Both teams competed in the Cranleigh and Farleigh tournaments. The As finished 2nd equal at Cranleigh and 3rd/4th at Farleigh after narrowly losing to Dumpton in the semi-final. The Bs finished 3rd equal at Cranleigh and lost in the quarter finals at Farleigh. A very successful first half of the season.
U12s
The girls have been working really hard in their games lessons and have shown excellent commitment and they are starting to progress nicely. They are large teams and the girls have been good team players rotating the subs and positions. The Bs have been on either side of some close games and have currently won 6 and lost 4. The As have had a tougher start but have kept their heads up and are now starting to get some results to match their hard work. In the U12A Westbourne House tournament, everything just seemed to finally click. The pinnacle was beating Highfield 4-3 in the best match Mrs Cobden has seen them play... so far!
U11s
The U11s are a strong year group and have had a positive start to the season. Some of the girls are new to netball but they have been working hard and enjoyed the match experience. Unfortunately for the As the Bryanston tournament was cancelled due to bad weather but they will have their IAPS qualifier next half term. They have only lost one friendly match and this was by just one goal against Twyford at the beginning of their season. They finished runners up in the Twyford tournament and 4th in our Westbourne House tournament. The Bs again have only narrowly lost one friendly match, that being their first against Twyford. They have been challenged by playing in two A team tournaments; Twyford’s and our own. They finished 5th out of 10 teams in our tournament – an amazing achievement! They have also received team of the week for their impeccable attitude and not giving up. The Cs have made good progress and their passing is becoming more fluid and they have good team morale.
Hockey
U10s
The A team hockey have had a super first half of term and put a string of four consecutive victories together, improving all the time. After half term they are aiming to play as well in the second half as they do in the first! The B team have turned their fortunes around, after two losses at the beginning of the season. With two draws against competitive teams and four convincing wins the girls are proving a force to be reckoned with. The girls have displayed great mental strength and stamina, stealing victory from the jaws of defeat, proving their tenacity and drive to succeed. Tight marking, increasingly confident striking, movement onto the ball and determined tackling are all strengths of the B team.
The U9s and U8s have had their Junior inter-patrol hockey competition where they worked really well together and the results were as follows:
1st Tigers
2nd Otters
3rd Panthers
4th Owls
U9s
The U9s have been working really hard in their hockey skills from tackling to V drags to shooting. They are all showing a lot of progress. The As have had a fantastic start: they have scored 28 goals and only conceded 9 and have a lot of potential. They got to the final of the Westbourne House tournament which went to extra time where unfortunately they lost 0-1. They have also been Team of the Week. The Bs played in the A team Westbourne House tournament where they drew 2 of their matches and only lost two 0-1. What an achievement. The Cs have also been Team of the Week and are playing really well as a team. Their positioning is also improving but they could still use more space on the pitch.
U8s
Unfortunately we had to cancel the Westbourne House Festival due to the bitterly cold weather but they had a positive and encouraging first match against Twyford. They have been working hard in games sessions and are building on their basic skills. Their V drags in particular are starting to look really good. They have four more matches to look forward to after half term.
Swimming
This half term we have had the return mixed gala against Highfield at home for U9-U13. Again this was a very close affair and on this occasion we won 189-187.
We have very recently had the IAPS regional finals at Cranleigh. I would like to commend those who stepped in last minute to cover illness/injury. We have had the times back for this and we had no disqualifications! We will not know who has qualified for the National Finals at the London Aquatic Centre until around Easter.
Pop Lacrosse
The U10s and U11s have had their introduction to pop lacrosse for their inter-patrol pop lacrosse competition and in preparation for a match against Highfield after half term. The inter-patrol results were as follows:
1st Tigers
2nd Panthers
3rd Owls
4th Otters
Cross Country
The annual Highfield Cross Country for U9-U13 boys and girls is on Friday 15th February. At the time of writing I do not have the results but wish them all the best.
Real Tennis
Year 8 boarders played in the U13 National Real Tennis Championships, including a mixed team of Tom and Venetia.