⚽️ A round-up of the boys’ football games:

  • Two convincing wins for the C’s, who worked hard on their finishing and moving off the ball that resulted in success over a team that they drew against last week. Some fantastic goals scored, with Ben building on what was covered in training and showing that perseverance pays off.
  • Colts A had two tough, physical games on their hands, coming out on top against Longacre and drawing with Barrow Hills. The team played some great attacking football and rose to the challenge of improving their defending, in which Hayden gave an outstanding display.
  • Colts B struggled to gain and keep possession in their first match, allowing a well drilled Barrow Hills to cause plenty of problems; but the team turned it around for their second game and gave Longacre a much more even battle, with Isaac pulling off a superb penalty save to keep the scores level.
  • Thursday brought some more tricky matches in the football, with the U8s and U9s again home and away to Barrow Hills. Both teams made valiant efforts, but goals were like ketchup coming out the bottle for Barrow Hills, and they didn’t show any sign of letting up. Bertie showed incredible resilience after taking a knock, coming back to bag himself a wonderful goal, whilst Jasper never gave up the fight and carried on making some brilliant tackles all the way to the final whistle.

🏑 Mixed Hockey:

  • Our Year 8s came together for a mixed hockey match against Belmont. Both teams gave their all with some great individual skills, but struggled to get the ball into the D. Well timed tackles and lots of encouragement from both sides lead to a respectable 2-2 draw, with Freya showing excellent spatial awareness that allowed for clinical defending.

🏑 And the girls’ games:

  • Colts A achieved a resounding victory, sharp on the attack and defending excellently as a team. Every player played their part, and they came away worth winners. Despite playing in a new role, Aurelie gave a hugely confident performance, helping her team no end.
  • Colts B had a close battle showing strength all over the field, opening the space and creating some great goal opportunities that led to a deserved win; Bella led her defensive line superbly, never shying away from a tackle and preventing opposition attacks.
  • The U9s played three games on Thursday, working hard in each one and showing determination in getting the ball down the field. Great attacking play and fearless defending all round, Peyton was relentless in her work rate and support for her teammates.
  • Meanwhile the U8s were full of excitement at the prospect of their very first away match and mini bus journey! They worked well as a team, not shy to engage in some strong tackles and using their skills to get around the opposition, with a determined Lupe driving the ball deep into the opposition half and causing their defence problems.

🏄 Water Sports in Dorset:

  • Down in Dorset, our Year 7 students have been experiencing a range of water sports; paddle boarding, pico sailing and even (to Mrs Partridge’s despair) indulging in some crabbing! Everyone has had a fantastic time, facing new challenges and discovering new talents. Romilly took like a fish to water when it came to trying her hand at pico sailing, Mr Lindfield captained a speedboat(!) and Holly showed off her sailing skills. Abbey, Zhenya and Alvaro have all faced every obstacle head on, collaborating, persevering and being incredibly resilient all with smiles on their faces – we can’t wait to hear all about it when they return later today!

Finally, in other exciting news, Year 2 have their very first fixture this afternoon on the MUGA against St. Hillary’s. Everyone seems very keen to get going and put their practice into action (although that could also be the lure of match tea afterwards!)

A hectic few days coming up before half term, with fixtures galore and the annual swim gala thrown into the mix – it’s sure to be another fantastic week of sports at Pennthorpe!