Sports Round Up & Stars of the Week

🏏 A round up of the cricket matches:

• The 1st XI set the tone splendidly with Felix igniting the scoreboard with a quick fire 25 runs before gracefully retiring. Their momentum didn’t waver as subsequent batters added substantial scores, culminating in a resounding victory propelled by stellar bowling and meticulous fielding, showcasing the power of teamwork.
• Meanwhile, the 2nd XI gave a steady performance, securing another triumph for Pennthorpe. A flurry of retirements underscored their dominance at the crease. Sam W had an outstanding game, making three catches and taking one wicket whilst also exhibiting his batting prowess by clocking up 20 runs.
• In a closely contested match against St Edmunds, the 3rd XI demonstrated unwavering resolve, clinching victory through disciplined and astute fielding manoeuvres. Every member of the team played a pivotal role, with Atilla once again showcasing his bowling mastery, leaving an indelible mark on the game with his remarkable figures of 2/2 that undoubtedly influenced the final score.
• Accurate bowling ended up being the 4^th XI’s downfall this week, as St Edmunds relished the opportunity to hit the boundaries on multiple occasions. Their bowling skills weren’t quite on par with their batting, resulting in Pennthorpe facing lots of wide and no balls with no real chance to rack up enough runs. Alvaro’s exceptional bowling and boundary catch were shining moments in a frustrating loss.
• In an exhilarating contest, our Colts A team engaged in a thrilling battle against a formidable Cranleigh side. Despite their valiant efforts, they narrowly missed out on victory due to a combination of fielding challenges and a determined opposition. While bowling first, our team encountered some misfortune, conceding 46 extras amidst Cranleigh’s total of 123 runs. However, undeterred by this setback, our batters approached the chase with determination and resilience. Despite a slow start, they steadily gained momentum, keeping pace with the required run rate. As the tension mounted, with 20 runs needed from the final over, our team displayed remarkable grit and commitment. Although they fell agonizingly short of the target, ending the game at 107-123, their unwavering effort and positive spirit were commendable. Hayden, in particular, showcased his versatility and leadership, delivering impactful performances with both bat and ball while providing invaluable support to his teammates throughout the match.
• Meanwhile, with many pupils stepping up for their debut hardball cricket encounter, our Colts B team exhibited commendable skill and potential. Despite their relative inexperience, they showcased a promising array of cricketing abilities against Cranleigh. While facing the challenges of boundary hitting, our batters displayed determination and resilience, laying a solid foundation for the team’s innings. Isaac emerged as a standout performer, delivering an exceptional bowling display that stifled the Cranleigh batting line-up and contributed to two crucial run-outs.
• With absences due to the U10-U13 Girls Athletics competition, our C-Fs combined for two tricky games against competent and well-drilled Duke of Kent sides. Opting to bowl first in one match, we aimed to make an early impact; however, we encountered difficulties in finding our lines, resulting in a notable number of wide deliveries. Nevertheless, Patrick’s exceptional over, culminating in a superb wicket, stood out amidst the fierce competition, showcasing a moment of brilliance amidst the challenges faced. With the bat, we confronted the daunting task of contending with Duke of Kent’s pace and accuracy, which posed a significant challenge to our batting lineup. On the adjacent field, Duke of Kent assumed the bowling duties, presenting us with a formidable challenge as they delivered a barrage of strong and precise deliveries that proved difficult to negotiate. However, when it was our turn to take the field, we demonstrated substantial improvements across all facets of our bowling performance. Although we allowed the opposition to meet the boundary on occasions, Ben’s unwavering positivity and exemplary leadership buoyed the team, particularly with his tenacious bowling efforts.

🏃 Off of the cricket field and over to the Athletics:

• Selected pupils from years 5 to 8 travelled to Hurst on Wednesday for an afternoon of track and field events. Competing against 23 other schools, our girls delivered outstanding individual performances, marked by impressive finishes they can rightfully be proud of. Olivia Church took to the podium on two occasions, finishing 1st place in discus and 2nd in shot put – a testament to her hard work and dedication throughout the course of the year. Friday afternoon is the turn of the boys to go and show what they can do – good luck to all involved!
• With no fixtures for Years 3-4 this week, Thursday afternoon was dedicated to the excitement of Sports Day heats, encompassing a dynamic range of events including the 75m, 200m, long jump, and cricket ball throw. All pupils relished the opportunity to participate in this lively carousel of events, fostering enjoyment and anticipation for the upcoming main event in a couple of weeks’ time!