The week began with U13 boys travelling to Cranleigh for the IAPs hockey qualifiers on Tuesday. They faced some strong opposition, but the work rate was evident from the first whistle of the last. The boys showed excellent collaboration and resilience throughout, with Johnny setting the standard and leading by example on the pitch.

Following their excellent performances in the House Cross Country, the fastest finishers were selected to represent Pennthorpe at Dorset House for a Cross Country relay event. Teams of 4 girls and 4 boys each ran a lap of 1km before handing over the baton to their next teammate. The course was wet, muddy and even had a small river through the middle of it! The children ran their hearts out, with the girls placing 3rd and boys 4th – an excellent effort by all!

A busy Wednesday up next, this time with U13 girls heading to St George’s Ascot for the small schools IAPs netball tournament. The girls came up against some well-drilled and highly competitive sides but stuck to the game plan and played some excellent netball. Rosie led the team brilliantly, showing constant determination and drive, making some game-saving interceptions and keeping spirits high.

⚽ A round up of the girls’ matches:

  • Meanwhile at home, the 2nds had their first competitive football fixture against a well-matched Great Ballard side. Despite conceding just seconds after the first centre kick, the girls persevered and brought the game to Great Ballard, taking the lead just before half time. They fell behind 3-2 with 10 minutes to go, but the girls didn’t give up – their determination paying off, equalising with 2 minutes on the clock. Tilda displayed brave, tenacious goalkeeping; including a fingertip save to keep the score level! Brilliant teamwork from all involved and an incredibly positive match.
  • Colts squads travelled away to Great Ballard. Despite the damp and windy conditions, all teams had fantastic first matches. The As grew into the game, and once they found their rhythm, used the space well and gave Great Ballard little opportunity to reclaim possession. Pennthorpe defended fiercely, and a tactical move of play out to the wings ensured a flurry of strong counter attacks. Lily stepped up to complete the team, and was nominated by her teammates as their player of the match for her superb attacking prowess and total of four goals that sealed their 7-2 victory!
  • The Bs had a strong start to their game as well, wasting no time in opening the scoring. They worked together well to maintain shape and space, creating some great link up play. Holly worked tirelessly in defence, putting in some strong, well-timed tackles.
  • A change of plans due to the weather on Thursday meant that Y3&4 faced Duke of Kent at home in a small sided rotation. Split into four teams, and playing two games each, Pennthorpe came away having won 3 and lost 3. Penny showed constant determination to win the ball back and gain ground, with Lois providing her teammates with some strong forward passes into the attacking third. All teams played with confidence in defensive and attacking play, showing great promise for their upcoming fixtures.

Next week it’s all systems go for yet another IAPs tournament, this time for U11 Girls, as well as a couple of hockey tournaments and the first of three girl’s football festivals hosted at Pennthorpe!

Outside of school, Romilly, Rosie and Eli have had a superb hockey season with Horsham U14s this year, sealing their top spot with a commanding win over Lewes and finishing their season unbeaten! A huge well done to Eli as well who has been selected in the Sussex championship squad to face London and Surrey this Sunday – a massive congratulations!