Prep
It was fantastic to have so many school with us last Saturday for our U10 rugby festival. It was a wonderful morning of rugby with 12 schools from across the West visiting Queen’s to play rugby in glorious conditions. The U10 boys had six matches and were thoroughly committed throughout (though somewhat tired by the end). They played some good rugby and were tenacious in defence whilst working hard to create scoring opportunities. It was noticeable to see the improvement that the boys made during the festival.
Whilst the boys were at home the U10 girls travelled to Millfield and had a great morning of hockey playing some tough opposition they did well but frustratingly did not manage to score. A mention to our two u9 players who stepped up to join the girls and especially Poppy in goal who was fantastic!
Wednesday we welcomed Perrott Hill and Kings Hall and there were some great matches ensured. The U10A girls put into practice some of the things they worked on during the tournament and played some incredible attacking hockey, Mrs Gent was very impressed. The U11 girls had a very even match with some great attacking pieces, we need to have courage coming out of defence, running the ball rather than clearing it is a focus. The U10/11B team had a tougher match, we do need to try and be resilient listen to advice and learn from our mistakes, but some great goal keeping by both Sophia and Grace- well done.
The boys enjoyed the drier part of the afternoon and played some very even matches against Kings Hall, the U11 boys fought hard and should be commended for their attitude, drawing their game. All the U10 boys played against King’s Hall and were fully involved. It was very encouraging to see the determination of every Year 4 boy and the willingness to get involved in the action.
Senior
From a much quieter week last week after half term the sports teams have been very busy this week with a Friday night lights fixture for the 1st XI hockey girls against Exeter, a Saturday block against Exeter School for the remainder of the hockey teams and a Saturday block against Brymore for the boys rugby teams. We also welcomed the Old Queenian’s back for some ‘friendly’ hockey matches on Sunday.
Football
Since the start of the term, the newly formed senior boy’s football team have been working tirelessly in training. Now, all of their hard work is starting to pay off as yesterday, they won 4-0 in their second-ever match vs Castle Bs. It’s been great to see so many boys and girls wanting to play this term. Wish us luck for next week when we play Kings Bruton.
Hockey vs Exeter School
The Friday evening fixture last week for the 1st XI girls hockey team saw a clinical performance from the girls with a positive start seeing Pippa Drummond running the ball into the opposition’s D for Freya Raybould to slot the ball in the back of the net, all within the first 30 seconds. Exeter responded with 2 goals in quick succession but grit and determination from the girls saw Queen’s come out on top as 5-2 winners. Freya made a hat-trick, but Pippa remains top goal scorer presently for the season so far.
The 2nd XI had a really good game with Exeter. They played some great hockey in the second half and created several chances. Millie Lusk and Mia Shearman were excellent in our D and Rahcel Jobson led our attack very well. The champagne moment goes to Maeve Kennen for her first field goal after converting from goalkeeper at the start of this season.
The U15A’s season resumed from the half term break with an away trip to Exeter School. We could not match their sharpness on or to the ball and conceded early. Our defence were under pressure from two or three key players and despite haltering many skilful attacks we lost 7-0.
The U12/13 B&C teams played in a triangular fixture against Exeter School’s B team, whilst our As were away at A Millfield tournament (more to come on that). The Bs played Exeter first and conceded a few early goals, but a change of tactics allowed them to take control of the match. With more attacking pressure and numerous shots on goal the girls were able to find the backboard in the second half, showing just how much progress they’d made over the course of the match. The Cs were next to step up and play Exeter, starting off slightly apprehensive after seeing how the Bs fared. However, their tactics to chase every loose ball and to keep the pressure on stopped Exeter in their tracks with the girls scoring in the first 10 minutes through an assist from Mia Ayden-Benz and goal from Makanaka Doroh. Half time saw the girls drawing. The second half saw much of the same tenacity from the girls, but they were unable to score again. Nevertheless the girls understood the importance of a positive mindset and ‘can do’ attitude to take into their upcoming matches.
The U13D team came out with loads of energy and enthusiasm to play Exeter. They had a brilliant first half defensively and did not concede one goal. Unfortunately after a few substitutions from Exeter, the Exeter side managed to pull ahead and take the win. Anisha Yorke had an amazing game for her Queen’s College debut and also Tilly Bimson showed great skill in the striker position and was awarded opposition’s player of the match.
Rugby – Saturday V Brymore
In the rugby, the teams played Brymore. The U12s secured their first win and are showing improvements each week. It was a brave performance with everyone playing their part, and the win was thoroughly deserved. They continue to play more expansive rugby and as a result are starting to gain confidence and score tries. The U13s didn’t quite manage to snatch the win against Brymore, but it was an improved performance in which the boys showcased what they have learned through their hard work in training sessions. It was a close game with some fantastic defence.
The U14A team put in a really courageous performance against a physical Brymore team. Theo Hartland made some tremendous line breaks and Jake Vogado and Isaac Banks put in some brave tackles against big opponents. Ollie Messom scored a well finished and well deserved try to end the game on a high.
The U15A continue to be unbeaten. The match against Brymore was a game full of exciting ‘end to end’ rugby. It was all even with 15 minutes to go but Queen’s were victorious with two late tries. A dominant display from the Queen’s pack gave a solid platform for the back line to show their skill.
U13A Girls hockey tournament at Millfield
It was another good tournament for the girls following their success on Thursday. They have been playing some great team hockey recently, with everyone being on the same wavelength with our long balls. Harriet Lister had a fine performance in goal, stepping in for the missing Hattie Thorne. The girls managed to beat Sherborne and All Hallows’, then narrowly lost to Millfield B 1-0 despite being dominant for most of the game, and had a competitive fixture vs Millfield A (3-1). This set the girls up to win a bronze medal on this occasion. Very well done!
Midweek Fixtures – Hockey
On Monday, our U18 boys attended the County Indoor tournament and faced off against the best schools in the County in the 6-a-side indoor competition. The players were magnificent, competing in all matches, drawing 1-1 with King’s, losing narrowly with the last play to King’s Bruton and battling valiantly against Millfield and Taunton. The night finished with a 2-0 win over Wellington.
In torrential rain at Perrott Hill on Wednesday, the U13A hockey girls showed good resilience to stick at what was an even match up. Despite going two goals down, Queen’s worked their way back into the game through India Gray and Teniore Awodiji. Hattie Thorne was made to work hard in goal, producing a number of top saves and with the score 3-2 going into the second half, the players went out to attack and win the game. However, this left them short at the back and in the end Perrott Hill scored a couple of breakaway goals to seal the win.
On Thursday our Senior 2nd and 3rd team made the short trip to King’s College. The 2nd XI game was a tight affair, with both teams playing some flowing hockey and the matchup could not have been more competitive. The work rate across the pitch was unquestionable and the match could have gone either way. Two goals from Claire Handel was the difference, one from open play and the other from a short corner. The 3rd Xi fixture was played in a lovely spirit, with the Queen’s students enjoying the opportunity to play a competitive fixture and test the skills they have been developing this term. Amelie Faller, Johanna Kopner, Aimee Molnar and Sunny Gumpert all worked incredibly hard and showed great enthusiasm. Evie Yip was a fortress in defence, protecting Natasha Seton who made countless saves in goal. Prakriti Wood and Annabelle Wood were brave and combative across the park and Sophia Baumgarten showed real passion on the right side, always encouraging her teammates. Mel Mapondera was athletic in midfield, constantly pressuring the ball and turning defence into attack. The final result was a consequence of clinical finishing, with King’s taking the victory.
Midweek Fixtures – Rugby
On Thursday, the U12s and U13s took to the field against King’s Hall, and we saw a much more confident display from the boys.They were ferocious in defence and linked well in attack, moving the ball quicker into space, resulting in four tries – all scored by Sam ‘The Tank’ Zomorrodian! It was also two wins out of two for the ever improving U12’s. They continue to play more expansive rugby and as a result are starting to gain confidence and score tries.
Midweek Fixtures – Basketball
Our basketball fixture this week was a league match against Richard Huish. It proved a good opportunity to give the squad’s players a testing match without some of the senior players in the selection. The players did very well at directing their own actions and taking responsibility for, and communicating, their actions to each other on the court. We continue to develop a very strong team ethic. However, going into the final quarter it was a close match which swung in Huish’s favour, who finally won 36-30.
