Over 80 students took part in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and relay heats at Bluecoats swimming pool, with the mighty Tismans triumphing and winning the gala over all! A huge well done to everyone involved both in and out of the water – bring on next year’s competition! Click here for the full results.

Wednesday wasn’t quite over though, with Years 5-8 still yet to play their regular sporting fixtures.

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

  • Colts A, B and Cs all travelled to Dorset House, where all teams faced a challenging opposition. Struggles in the first half unfortunately meant that a comeback was hard to find despite best efforts, but all teams were much improved once they had got into their respective games. William P showed great improvement in his defensive awareness and play, relentlessly battling to get his team back into the game. Seb gave it his all in every position his was played, providing some superb saves in goal for the mixed B&C squad, with Freddie tracking back and helping out teammates when needed.
  • The 1sts tried their hand at 6-a-side games against Dorset House at home and proved that teamwork makes the dream work with some outstanding plays that started all the way from the goalkeeper; Ethan bagging himself some brilliantly finished goals.
  • The 2nds faced Farlington’s 1st team, and were able to keep the scores level for the majority of the game; unfortunately, tiredness got the better of Pennthorpe toward the end and Farlington were quick to dominate possession to get themselves the win. Felix ran the game superbly from the centre of the pitch, ensuring the whole team stayed motivated despite the challenges.
  • The 3rd team were also further afield at a tournament in Lancing, facing some fierce competition in what was a tough afternoon.
  • Again on Thursday the U8s and U9s travelled to Dorset House for a round robin with Farlington; all teams working incredibly hard, managing to get some well-earned wins and hard-fought draws against both opposition. Theo and Daniel both showed incredible work ethic on the field, and Archie W demonstrating strong leadership qualities as team captain this week.

🏑 And the girls’ games:

  • In hockey news, the 1sts and 2nds visited Farlington where we faced a narrow defeat and a larger deficit. All the girls showed fantastic perseverance and collaboration, constantly trying to break down a strong opposition defence, both teams denied a win by a well-drilled Farlington goalkeeper. Niamh provided some brilliant link up play and displayed excellent individual skills, Tilda offered strength in defence and Zahira lead her team valiantly.
  • Colts teams had a wonderful afternoon of hockey, playing some great games especially after the mornings swimming! They held their own against challenging Copthorne and Cottesmore teams, Summer playing incredibly in defence and pulling off a spectacular goal line clearance. An assured Sophie showed great positional awareness and prevented opposition attacks, whilst Freya lead the attacks at the other end with some cleverly worked plays involving the whole team. Our younger hockey squads were also competing with Farlington on Thursday, displaying their development as a team in positioning on the field and awareness of space, leading to fantastic passages of play and strong passes. Elodie excelled in regaining possession when under pressure; Sienna getting stuck in and engaging in brilliant tackles.

A much deserved half term break awaits; just a few weeks of football and hockey left before rugby and netball seasons ensue!