Match Reports: Week 9

U10 Netball v Warwick

Player of the Match: Lara

Result: 14-13 BCS, 2-10 BCS, 11-0 BCS

Mrs Patching-Jones team had a very close match against Warwick. It was neck and neck throughout, with both teams scoring off their centres. We were moving the ball down the court well, timing and pushing the ball into space has much improved since the start of term. We were also marking well down the court and forcing turnovers, giving us goal scoring opportunities.

Warwick were physical and tight on us though, making every pass a challenge. Luckily we had Tilly’s height advantage in the D and we were passing some lovely balls in to her. We played well against a strong side and almost got a draw! Well done girls.

U9 Netball v Wolverhampton

Player of the Match: Mila

Result: 4-4 BCS

Two U9 netball teams produced a very encouraging performance against Wolverhampton Grammar, showing great teamwork and developing understanding of the game. Playing against mixed-sex opposition, the pupils demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the match. There were some excellent intercepts across the court, with players reading the play well and reacting quickly to win back possession.

The teams moved the ball with increasing confidence, linking passes effectively towards goal and creating several strong attacking opportunities. It was particularly pleasing to see how well the players rotated through different positions, demonstrating a growing knowledge of each role and how they contribute to the team. Their communication and willingness to support one another helped maintain good flow during the game.

Overall, this was a very positive team performance with strong effort, improving game awareness and great enthusiasm from everyone involved.

U10 Netball v Eversfield 

Players of the Match: Tabitha and Amaya

Blue Coat U10 hosted Eversfield for two home netball fixtures, both of which proved to be very competitive and closely contested games. The first match was a particularly exciting encounter that ended in a draw, with both teams creating opportunities and neither side able to pull away, meaning the result could easily have gone either way. The second game was just as evenly matched, but Blue Coat managed to take their chances well and came away with a deserved win.

The girls are starting to maintain their shape more effectively and are improving in the way they time their runs and move into space on the court. Eversfield brought plenty of energy and pace, fielding several boys who were quick and keen to win the ball. However, the Blue Coat girls rose to the challenge, showing great determination and resilience.

Strong defensive play and some excellent interceptions helped keep them competitive throughout. It was a really encouraging performance, highlighting the team’s growing confidence and teamwork.

U9 Football v RGS

Six U9 teams took part in a lively festival against RGS: The Grange, providing plenty of football and learning opportunities. The focus was on teamwork, effort, and enjoying the game. Players showed great enthusiasm, working hard to support each other in attack and defence. There were some excellent passages of passing, confident dribbling, and brave tackling throughout the matches.

The team communicated well and showed positive attitudes, encouraging teammates and respecting opponents. It was fantastic to see players trying new skills and growing in confidence as the games went on. Overall, a very enjoyable morning of football with great spirit and development from everyone involved.

U9 Netball v RGS

Players of the Match: Lyla and Anika 

Blue Coat U9 took part in a 5-a-side netball tournament at RGS, competing in a round robin format against six other schools. The girls rotated positions each game, giving everyone the opportunity to experience different roles on the court and develop their understanding of the game. It proved to be a fantastic afternoon of netball, with Blue Coat performing brilliantly throughout the tournament.

The team showed great confidence and teamwork, moving the ball swiftly down the court and demonstrating excellent vision with their passing. It was particularly pleasing to see how well the girls are beginning to hold their space and focus on their individual roles within the team. Their growing understanding of positioning helped them create attacking opportunities while also maintaining good structure in defence.

Defensively, Blue Coat were outstanding, working tirelessly to apply pressure and making it difficult for opposing teams to move the ball into the D. There were numerous well-timed interceptions and strong marking which helped regain possession and keep the momentum in Blue Coat’s favour. The girls faced some tough opposition during the afternoon, particularly from The Downs, RGS and King’s Hawford, but they remained disciplined, stuck to their shape and showed great determination to grind out the wins.

By the end of the tournament, Blue Coat finished as overall winners and remained undefeated across all of their matches. It was a fantastic achievement and a real reflection of the girls’ hard work and progress this season, and they should be incredibly proud of their performances and the way they represented the school.

ISFA Football Festival 

Player of the Match: Barron

Result: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss

I could not of been prouder of the boys on Friday 6th March regarding their performance at the ISFA U11 Sevens event at Clifton College. The boys did superbly losing only one game to eventual finalists Bournmouth Collegiate who were a good side and lost in the final on penalties. The boys played some excellent football dominating all but the last game and the result that probably cosat us a semi final place wasn’t the loss to Bournmouth but a 0-0 draw against Shebbear College where we hit the bar and post but couldn’t get the ball in the net! Henry was magnificent at the back and Peter in goal had very little to do until the final game against Bournmouth where he was outstanding. Reuben broke up play in midfield well and Joe was full of running up front. Barron provided that quality finishing which we needed, well done all the boys should be very proud of their endeavour!

Matty Thacker Festival

Player of the Match: Adam

Result: 2 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses 

This was a tough day for the boys and when I got home to reflect on it I felt it would be easy to be tough on them as I don’t think their attitude was as good as it had been on the Friday at the ISFA Festival but maybe that is looking at the end of the festival rather than the beginning when in the first three games they played some beautiful football but just couldn’t find the net enough. One win and two 0-0 draws was not really a fair reflection of the football they had played but it was a fair reflection of the same achilles heel from the ISFA Festival, finishing! After this they did appear tired and losing to RGS was no disgrace as they are a good side but the loss the HCS was a poor performance where 3 defensive errors led to goals. To be fair to Henry and Adam they have been outstanding in defence and we must remember they are only 10-11 so these things happen just a shame they all happened in one game! I do think though it is a good lesson in bringing your “A” game every week, even a 5% drop can be the difference when the margins are tight and time is precious at a festival. On to the next one!

U11 Netball v RGS 

Player of the Match: Hannah

Result: 3 wins, 1 draw

It was a lovely afternoon of netball away at RGS for the U11’s on Wednesday. Four teams were playing away and it was a successful afternoon with 3 teams winning and Mrs. Crews’ team drawing 5-5. In Mrs. P-J’s match, I was really impressed with how the girls played, showing that all the work we have put in over the past few weeks, has made a difference to the standard of play. Shooting accuracy was excellent from Hannah, Alana and Kimran, they were barely missing. All the girls were pushing their passes ahead of their players, so the ball was moving down the court quickly and RGS found it hard to intercept. Defending was solid, especially from Grace, with everyone marking tight to ther players and making frequent interceptions and turnovers.

U11 Netball v RGS

Players of the Match: Rosemarie, Amelia and Annika 

Result: 1 win, 1 loss

The U11 team showed great determination and attacking intent in their matches. In the first game, the girls were dominant throughout, moving the ball confidently down the court and working well together in attack. Accurate passing and good movement into space created many scoring opportunities, leading to a very convincing win.

The second match was much more closely contested. The team started strongly and maintained a lead for much of the game, again showing positive attacking play and growing confidence on the ball. However, in the final quarter the opposition capitalised on a few lapses in concentration, allowing them to edge ahead and take the win. Despite the result, the girls should be proud of their effort and teamwork. Going forward, maintaining focus and composure throughout the whole match will help them turn strong performances into consistent results. Overall, the team should be very proud of their attacking play and teamwork. As they continue to develop, maintaining focus and consistency throughout the whole match will help them turn strong performances into more victories.

U8 Netball v Solihull 

Player of the Match: Elizabeth 

Result: 3 wins, 1 loss 

The U8 Netball teams enjoyed a competitive and spirited afternoon against Solihull, with four teams taking to the court and producing a mixture of results. Despite challenging weather conditions, including persistent rain and strong winds, the pupils showed great determination and resilience throughout the fixture.

Across all matches there was some excellent netball on display. The players demonstrated growing confidence with their passing, movement into space and defensive marking. Several teams worked the ball well down the court, linking passes effectively and creating good scoring opportunities in the attacking circle.

What was particularly pleasing was the pupils’ perseverance in the difficult conditions. The rain and wind made control of the ball more challenging, but the children remained positive, encouraging their teammates and continuing to work hard for every pass and interception.

It was a fantastic afternoon of sport with great teamwork and enthusiasm shown by all four teams. Well done to everyone who represented the school so brilliantly.