🏑A round up of the boys’ matches:

  • In hockey, teams faced St Edmunds across the board with both home and away fixtures taking place. 1sts had a game very much of two halves, St Edmunds quick out the blocks to dominate possession and territory, catching Pennthorpe out on the counterattack one too many times. A spirited fightback in the second half demonstrated just how much pace and precision Pennthorpe had in their attacking play, but unfortunately, we just couldn’t claw back the deficit. Jack once again proved his defensive capabilities with a fantastic performance that helped propel the team back into the game.
  • 2nds gave a disciplined, clinical display in their 2-0 victory, wherein Patrick found clever spaces in between the defence to provide attacking options. The team passed and controlled the ball well throughout, ensuring St Edmunds had little chance to get a foothold in the game.
  • Sam’s goal was the deciding factor in a narrow win for the 3rds. Pennthorpe had plenty of opportunities and the majority of possession but struggled to make the most of the chances that presented themselves. The team fought hard to stay in front, staying positive and encouraging throughout.
  • Another slick, cohesive performance earned Colts As a 2-1 win, AJ controlling the defensive line and playing teammates into creative spaces to build attacks. Colts B played a triangular with St Edmunds and St Andrews, growing into the games and adapting to the space, developing their game play to overcome the challenges they faced in the first match to turn it around for the second. Harry worked hard to support his teammates throughout, using his stick skills well to play strong passes. Colts C faced the same triangular, dominating both matches but falling to narrow 1-0 defeats after struggling to score despite creating plenty of chances. Joe showed excellent work ethic, pressing the opposition, and not shying away from his defensive duties.
  • Thursday Y4 travelled away to Hurst where both teams played with grit and determination against competitive sides. They showed massive progress in their stick skills and passing capabilities but struggled to find a way through in the final third. Matthew held his own in defence making plenty of strong and successful challenges, whilst Austen found himself in good space at the right time, pushing Pennthorpe forward in their attacks.
  • Y3 hosted Hurst at home, facing some tough and well-drilled opposition. Everyone gave it their best shot, constantly trying to keep the press at bay and combining well to play themselves out of trouble. William did a superb job after taking on board coaching points at half time, adapting his game to make those improvements, backed up by Daniel who worked tirelessly all over the pitch.
  • The 1sts had the additional bonus of the Hurst Hockey tournament on Friday, where they held their own against some significant competitors. The boys showed ambition and eagerness to succeed against each new opponent, playing some superb hockey on the way.

âš˝ And the girls’ matches:

  • Pennthorpe hosted two more Girl’s football festivals this week, the first of which was for the Year 7 & 8s on Wednesday. The 2nds gave a valiant string of performances, keeping their heads up even when results weren’t going their way and always fighting until the final whistle. Holly showed her fantastic progression this season, consistently making last-ditch tackles and getting back to prove cover when needed. The team supported each other throughout their games and played in exactly the right spirits.
  • The 1sts started strong with a statement 3-0 win over Cranleigh and kept their win streak going until their final fixture, where a nail-biting 0-0 battle against Farlington was enough to see them finish two points clear at the top of the group, with 0 goals conceded! Superb efforts from the whole team, with Eli ensuring there was no way through with her committed, tenacious defensive display.
  • All Colts visited Duke of Kent for their fixtures. Bs and Cs each faced some tricky opposition; Pia stepping up for both teams to play in goal and made some exceptional saves. Whilst the results weren’t in our favour, the girls remained positive and didn’t give up, Charlotte applying practice into match play brilliantly. Colts As game ended 3-2 to Duke of Kent after a brilliant comeback and display of resilience from Aurelie put Pennthorpe back in the game. The team fought hard but couldn’t quite close the difference before the final whistle.
  • On Thursday it was the turn of Year 3 & 4 to compete! Playing in mixed teams, the girls faced opposition from Duke of Kent, Barrow Hills and Dorset House. Annabel showed relentless determination, chasing down every ball, whilst Lupe got stuck in with her tackles and made some great attacking passes. Ella W was courageous in goal, throwing herself at anything that came her way and making some daring clearances. Everyone played their hearts out despite the sudden change of weather, ending the day with smiles on their faces and a bit of mud for luck!

Next week is the final fixture week of the season, with another two girl’s football festivals at Longacre for Year 5 and Year 3, as well as the annual House Golf competition at Slinfold – a great way to end the term!