U10 Hockey v BromsgroveÂ
Ms Patching-Jones’ Team
Player of the Match: Annika
Result: BCS 1-1
It was a chilly afternoon but the U10’s bought the heat to the hockey pitch! The team got off to a good start, confidently trying to dribble through the Bromsgrove defence. Bromsgrove were strong in their defence though and were turning the ball over and getting chances to shoot in our D.
Angela was incredible in goal, she kicked away at least 10 balls that were going for goal. Bromsgrove got a goal late in the second quarter, when we took our eye off the ball and stopped defending our players. However, we fought back and had a few chances in their D, some long passes being made by the midfielders to our centre forward and just towards the end of the final quarter, Hannah, a few steps inside the D, shot from the top and it rolled all the way through the defenders and in, amazing goal!
The girls worked really hard and never gave up, fighting for the ball even when they were tired. They seem to have a burst of energy in the last quarter and as a result, scored a goal, showing it’s important to never give up. A 1-1 draw was a fantastic result against a very good opposition.
A shout out to Sukhmani, who has just joined Blue Coat, she got involved and looked like she had been playing in the team since the start of term, determination, confidence and excellent skill, well done!
U10 Hockey v Bromsgrove
Mrs Bennett’s Team
Player of the Match: Evie
Result: BCS 0-4
The U10 girls showed fantastic determination and spirit in their match against Bromsgrove. Despite the opposition scoring four well taken goals, our team continued to persevere and never let their heads drop. We worked the ball brilliantly up the pitch and created several promising chances, pushing into the shooting circle with real intent, but the final touch just wouldn’t fall our way.
Eva was outstanding in goal, making a series of excellent saves that kept the team firmly in the game. In midfield, Evie, Kendise, Delia and Ama worked tirelessly, linking play, driving forward and showing great teamwork throughout.
Although the scoreline didn’t reflect our effort, the girls should feel proud of their resilience, teamwork and progress. A performance full of promise for the matches ahead!
U9 Hockey Festival
Players of the Match: Aoife, Sophia and Oreva
Two U9 teams travelled away to Winterfold for a hockey festival on Tuesday. It was a fantastic afternoon of hockey and the girls thoroughly enjoyed it. The other schools taking part were Kings Hawford, Winterfold and The Downs School. There was at least one goal scored in each match and there was some great attacking play, with the girls showing confidence at carrying the ball at speed down the pitch, then looking for the pass into the shooting D.
Defending was also on top form, with many of the girls showed no fear and got stuck in with their tackles, ensuring minimal goal scoring opportunities for the other team. There are no scores recorded at hockey festivals or overall results, it’s all about playing for fun and just getting a feel for the sport, without too much pressure. A shout out to Olivia who Ms Patching-Jones thought showed excellent control on the ball throughout the festival.
U9 Rugby v WarwickÂ
The U9 squad travelled to Warwick Junior School for a superb afternoon of rugby, taking part in five competitive contact fixtures. Although no scores were recorded, the focus was firmly on development, teamwork and the core skills of the contact game, and the players rose to the challenge brilliantly.
Across all pitches, there was a noticeable improvement in tackling technique, with players showing greater confidence in getting low, wrapping securely and completing their tackles safely. The step up in physicality didn’t faze them; instead, they embraced it with growing determination.
In attack, the squad demonstrated real progress in contact work, particularly in ball presentation and supporting the ball carrier through the breakdown. The forwards were a standout feature of the afternoon, running with far more purpose and power than in previous weeks. Their willingness to take the ball into traffic and make hard yards gave the team a strong platform on which to build.
All players should feel proud of the effort, attitude and teamwork they displayed. It was an encouraging set of performances that showed clear development in key areas of the contact game. The experience gained from these fixtures will undoubtedly serve the squad well as they continue to grow in confidence and skill.
U11 Hockey v RGSÂ
The U11 girls travelled to RGS: The Grange for a series of four competitive fixtures. Despite the bitterly cold conditions, the team showed excellent spirit and remained highly motivated throughout. Their work rate on the ball was impressive, with players battling hard in every game and showing real determination from start to finish.
Across the matches, there were lots of positive passages of play, and the girls demonstrated growing confidence in possession. One key area for continued development is spatial awareness and positioning; at times, we made things tougher for ourselves by crowding the ball or losing structure. However, these are natural learning points, and the players showed a willingness to listen and improve.
Overall, it was a strong effort from the whole squad. Well done to all the girls for their resilience, teamwork, and enthusiasm.
U11 IAPS Rugby FestivalÂ
Players of the Match: Zachary, Nyre, Henry and Chester
On a bitterly cold Wednesday afternoon, the U11 rugby team travelled to Ratcliffe College near Leicester for the annual IAPS rugby festival. In all, they played 7 games: winning 4, losing 2 and drawing 1 but their overall performance was exceptional in tough conditions.
The first game against Kings Worcester was probably the one that got away as we didn’t really get out of 1st gear and King’s deserved their 2-0 victory. The next few games against Nottingham HS Prep, Leicester Grammar, Fairfield Prep were all comfortable victories with Zach’s running with the ball exceptional. We then played out a hard fought draw against Ratcliffe which we deserved to win before a superb game against The Elm’s Nottingham which we lost last play of the game.
The final game against Laxton Prep was another comfortable victory. The results though are really not that important.
This group of boys have been a pleasure to teach rugby this term, they have thrown themselves into it and come on so much over the term that we couldn’t be prouder of their effort and perseverance. Nyre and Zach have provided the X factor but the improvement in players such as Mahrus and Yixi are equally as rewarding.
A rugby team is very much like an engine, you need the pistons to provide the power and speed like Nyre, Zach, Henry, Chester and Garrick but you also need the boys who are like the oil in an engine to help the team function smoothly such as Reuben, Samraj, Joe, Yixi, Oscar, Peter and Mahrus. They’ve shown courage, determination and perseverance as well as having a great bond amongst themselves. Considering that so few play rugby outside of school these boys have done exceptionally well and should be very proud of their achievements this season well done all!
U11 Hockey v RGS: The Grange
The U11A team produced a superb performance in a closely contested match against RGS on a freezing afternoon. Both sides showcased excellent hockey skills, with end-to-end play keeping the game finely balanced. Our girls showed great composure in possession and worked hard to maintain their defensive shape. Well-rehearsed set plays proved the difference, allowing us to capitalise on key moments and score three well-taken goals. The team’s resilience and teamwork were outstanding throughout, securing a well-earned 3–1 victory.
U11 Hockey v RGS: The Grange
The U11B team demonstrated impressive perseverance and spirit against a very strong RGS side. Despite the opposition taking an early lead, our players showed real determination to keep working hard, making tackles, supporting each other, and continuing to play positively. Their commitment and willingness to stay focused under pressure were commendable and reflected their growing game understanding. Although the final scoreline favoured RGS, the team should be proud of their effort, resilience, and refusal to give up.