Sport

Sports Round Up & Stars of the Week

20 May 2024

With Thursday falling foul to the rather unseasonal showers, cricket fixtures for Years 3 and 4 were unable to go ahead, as was the much-anticipated County Cup game against The Weald - however there was still glory to fight for as selected pupils from Year 4 travelled to take part in an Athletics competition at Dorset House.

🏏 A round up of the cricket matches:

Wednesday had more luck, as the 1^st XI carried over their winning ways to this week. An excellent bowling performance saw them restrict Barrow Hills to 62 off their 20 overs, Lexi taking three excellent wickets, backed up by some electric fielding from the rest of the team. With the bat, we initially had to work hard to redeem ourselves having lost some quick wickets, but the team managed to claw back runs in a tricky chase and see themselves home comfortably.
2^nd XI began slow and steady, reaching 117 after some superb batting from Romilly, who was retired for 16. Our bowling spell had a shaky start, allowing Barrow Hills to clock up 50-0 off 5 overs, but another stellar performance from Romilly allowed us to turn it around, ensuring that the game wasn’t out of our hands until the 18^th over.
A fantastic and well-matched game of cricket for the 3^rd XI, which they narrowly lost by a mere 10 runs. Pennthorpe gave a proficient fielding performance, making some sensible plays to limit run scoring opportunities. Hugo J excelled in both batting and fielding departments, with the team hitting some well struck balls; unfortunately losing wickets at crucial times which proved to be the difference in the end.
With Pennthorpe 4^th XI electing to bowl first, Barrow Hills stepped up to bat with a strong first innings that found the boundary on multiple occasions. Holly collected our third wicket of the game with an impressive first bowl, continuing to deliver confidently and adeptly throughout her over. With the bat, we were unfortunate to concede three run outs in the first three overs as our risky runs didn’t quite pay off.
With bragging rights (and Mr. Franklin’s pride) on the line, Colts A had a monumental task at hand when facing off against local rivals Farlington in the first of the season’s derby matches. The team started out strong, showing grit and determination as they plowed through each over and innings with gutsy batting and daring bowls. William held his nerve as he faced some pacy balls, remaining cool, calm and collected throughout to deliver a riveting performance that saw Pennthorpe emerge victorious by six wickets. Coach Franklin was delighted with the result, setting the standard for upcoming encounters!
Colts B enjoyed a lovely afternoon perfect for cricket. The entire team played exceptionally well, showcasing their skills and teamwork. There was excellent communication throughout the game, and the batting lineup was strong, with players hitting numerous fours to keep the scoreboard ticking. Harry’s agility and quick reflexes in the field prevented many runs and contributed significantly to our defensive efforts.
Barrow Hills opened the batting against Colts Cs, Pennthorpe bowling accurately and demonstrating some excellent fielding in the first innings. Once we came into bat, we found our rhythm and began to use the boundary as our target, Isabel hitting a stupendous 6 amongst her superb batting over. Unfortunately Barrow Hills also flexed their fielding muscles and were able to claim enough wickets to win the game.
Colts D travelled to Cranleigh for a great afternoon of cricket with two closely matched teams. Cranleigh opened the batting, finding a number of boundaries in quick succession as Pennthorpe developing their bowling as the inning continued. Despite some great batting from Holly and Sophie, scoring numerous 4s and 6s, Pennthorpe fell just short of Cranleigh’s lead by 9 runs.

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

Everyone at the Year 4 athletics competition at Dorset House performed to a very high standard, taking away 2^nd place overall for the girls and a joint 3^rd for the boys. The children showed determination and superb sportsmanship throughout, giving their all to earn a podium finish. Well done to all involved, especially Lexi and Phoebe, who won their 200m and 600m races!

In the final week before half term, all attentions are focused on arguably the biggest sporting event of the Pennthope calendar – Sports Day! It all kicks off on Monday with the House Relay, followed by the usual Wednesday and Thursday cricket fixtures before the big day itself on Friday. With all heats completed and schedules in place, the tension is mounting and rivalries are reignited – will Pallinghurst retain the top spot, or will recent high flyers Tismans get their hands on yet another trophy this year? Only time will tell….