Prep
An incredibly busy week for the Prep school children culminating with the House Matches for Netball and Hockey for the Year 5 and 6 children this week.
Netball
On Monday, the U8 and U9 girls travelled to King’s College Prep for their first matches of the season. It was fantastic to see the girls using the skills and tactics taught in lessons so effectively. They demonstrated speed and agility and marked their players extremely well. They converted many of their shots, and it was lovely to hear the girls coaching each other on techniques when shooting—a win for a teacher to know that what they have taught has been absorbed. Some traditional Queen’s three cheers at the end and some delicious cake made for a fantastic afternoon.
On Wednesday, the Year 5 and 6 girls played St Peter’s, Lympstone, both at home and away. Yet another chilly day saw the Year 5 girls with both teams making a strong start to their matches. The B team, in particular, pulled away from St Peter’s very quickly, so it was decided to mix up the teams to allow for a great learning afternoon for all. The girls showed exceptional teamwork and collaboration when playing St Peter’s, which was a lovely end to their half-term. The A team scored two early goals and put us in the lead for most of the match until the second-to-last sixth, when St Peter’s pulled level. However, some great defending from Harriet in the centre kept the ball down in our attacking third, and we managed to slot three goals in, taking the win.
Hockey
U11B
In a match defined by intelligent play, the team displayed a strong attacking intent from the outset. Moving the ball with precision and purpose, they controlled the tempo and constantly tested the opposition’s defence with creative and incisive passing. Eager to push forward at every opportunity, the team carved out numerous chances, demonstrating their confidence and attacking mindset. Their link-up play in the final third was particularly impressive, putting the opposition under sustained pressure.
However, while their attacking play was excellent, they must remain mindful of their positioning when out of possession. At times, their eagerness to push forward left gaps at the back, allowing the opposition opportunities to counter-attack. Maintaining defensive discipline and awareness will be key to ensuring a more balanced performance in future matches. Nonetheless, the team’s superb effort this term has been evident, with their attacking flair and commitment shining through. If they can refine their defensive organisation while maintaining their offensive threat, they will continue to be a formidable force as the season progresses.
U10A
Another super match for the U10A’s. Queen’s played some fantastic hockey, sweeping their way up-field with quick, accurate passing, into the space out on the side lines then crossing the ball into the middle of the D for a shot on goal. This type of movement led to 1 goal and could have resulted in 3 or 4 more. After going a goal behind, the Queen’s boys showed great resilience and determination to equalise and with both sides playing some excellent hockey, a draw was the right result in the end. Great work, lads!
U9
A couple of exciting games with all the boys getting involved in their first matches of the term. It was certainly encouraging to see the boys looking to play with control to ask questions of the opposition.
U8
The U8s played their first match together, showing great enthusiasm and teamwork. Despite being new as a team, they made excellent progress, growing in confidence with every minute. There were some brilliant moments of skill, effort, and determination. Most importantly, they had fun and gave their best—exciting times ahead for this promising group!
Senior
Netball
1st Team
The first team faced a highly competitive set of fixtures against both Wellington and Downside. Determined to secure the win, they fought relentlessly for possession, showcasing their hard work and dedication on court. Their efforts in training were evident, as they moved the ball efficiently to the shooters and remained alert for every possible interception. Tireless in their performance, the team celebrated small but significant improvements from their last encounter, demonstrating clear progress and determination throughout the game. I admire the resilience these athletes show in their ability to evaluate performance and motivate each other consistently.
2nd Team
The 2’s took to a fairly foggy court for a triangular fixture. Our 1st opponents were Wellington 3’s and with both teams demonstrating lots of enthusiasm and Queens using some tactical changes and demonstrating our versatility we gained our first win of the season. Unfortunately Downside 2’s were a well drilled team and we struggled to gain any rhythm to break down their attack. However there are positives to take forward to training and congratulations to Rebecca and Nellie on opposition players of the match.
U15A
The U15A’s challenged Downside in the first match of the triangular, winning the first quarter 6-3 and a promising start.
In the second quarter, Downside managed to score 1 goal. Reflections from the team at this point were focussing predominantly on slowing down, keeping passes low, lateral as well as trying to stay calm. However, in quarter number three it was hard to follow through with intentions when Downside started scoring a lot more and there was a big sense of urgency! Lots of successful plays in the centre third and many goals scored by Evvie and Meg.
Our defensive players Maka, Izzy and Annabel made numerous great interceptions and stopped a lot more goals from being scored. The game unfortunately ended with a win to Downside who made a comeback.
Wellington gave us a cracking challenge as our second and final game in the triangular. Queen’s U15A’s still enjoyed every minute of play and fought until the final whistle.
Many ideas to take back to training this week and coming back after half term ready to take on the second half of the netball season.
U15B
The U15B took to the court with confidence having benefited from seeing Wellington and Downside play against each other in the first match of this triangular affair. Our netball basics shone through to keep possession better than Downside. Our shooters were also superior and despite some positional changes to even up the contest we won.
The next match was far more testing as Wellington raised the speed of play with the composure on the ball that was not always evident for us, and some rushed passes led to turnovers. We were able to make some excellent transitions through mid-court and feed the shooters to set-up some effortless goals. It really did flow at times, and prove that our netball can match theirs with the spacing and timed runs we are capable of.
U14A
Two fantastic games of netball from the U14A team. They had a convincing win against downside. Some dominant performances in the centre court and some great interceptions by Talya in the 2nd half. Accurate shooting from all positions in the D from Teniore. A superb overall performance.
Against Wellington we drew. We went into the last quarter 2 goals down but some determined periods of play allowed us to keep possession and pull the goals back. We had opportunities in the final minute to win the game but couldn’t quite convert the goal opportunity. The team were positive and supportive throughout and played aggressive flowing netball. Well done!
U14B
In very chilly conditions, the U14B squad played some fast-paced, tenacious netball against Wellington and Downside. Some great defending by both Ava and Jess made it difficult for both of the opposing schools to successfully get the ball into the circle, limiting both teams to only seven goals in total. The mid-court players, Tilly, Ffion, and Milly, brought the ball out of defence and into our attacking third really effectively, while Nana, Amelia, and Molly grew in confidence throughout the matches and converted many of the opportunities they had. Players of the match were Nana, Jess, and Ffion, but the coaches’ player was Ava for changing position and turning over the ball on a number of occasions. Well done!
U12/U13
On Wednesday, our U12 and U13 teams took to the Queen’s College Netball courts for a series of competitive and confidence-boosting fixtures. With large squads in action, every player had the opportunity to put their training into practice, showcasing their developing skills in a match setting. It was a fantastic afternoon of netball, with plenty of game time for all and a great display of teamwork, determination, and progress.
Hockey
1st XI
Queen’s 1st XI put in a good performance against a strong West Buckland side. It was tight and tense throughout the match with opportunities at both ends. West Buckland took an opportunity through a well worked short corner. Queen’s came close several times within the last 10 minutes with several players having shots on goal and calling in the West Buck keeper to action on multiple occasions.
With a little work on goal, the Queen’s boys will change these tight results around. Lots of positive learning experience to take from the matches so far. The next fixture is Leweston after half term.
U15/14B
In freezing conditions, the team showed incredible work ethic and determination in a highly competitive game. Right from the first whistle, they fought for every ball, refusing to let the cold affect their energy levels. The defence remained disciplined under pressure, while the midfield linked up well to drive the team forward. Chances were created through excellent attacking movement, and the players gave everything until the very end. Even as fatigue set in, their commitment never wavered, proving their resilience. It was a strong all-round performance, and the team can take plenty of positives from their efforts.
U14A
The first half was an excellent contest with both sides creating some opportunities but struggling to convert any to goals. Our boys were moving the ball through the midfield very well and connecting to the forwards to create ample D entries. By half time the score was still 0-0 and the match was looking to be a close one.
West Buckland came out hard in the second half straight away and scored early. This put us on the back foot and although we were still creating opportunities, we were moving the ball less and giving it away to their players too easily. This led to another two quick goals from West Buckland.
U13A
Queen’s U13A hockey team delivered an electrifying performance in a victory, showcasing attacking flair, resilience, and teamwork in a game that had everything.
The match got off to a rapid start, with both sides trading early blows. Tom was the star of the show in front of goal, netting a fantastic hat-trick to keep Queen’s on the front foot. His finishing was clinical, and his movement off the ball caused constant problems for the opposition’s defence.
In midfield, Ben put in a commanding performance, dictating the tempo of play and creating chances with his excellent passing and vision. His ability to control possession and link up with the forwards ensured Queen’s maintained attacking momentum throughout the game.
Despite their attacking dominance, Queen’s were tested at the back as their opponents fought back with some well-worked goals. However, Henry stood firm in goal, making a series of crucial saves to deny the opposition at key moments. His shot-stopping and composure under pressure proved vital in securing the win. As the game entered its closing stages, Queen’s showed great determination to see off the late challenge. A flurry of goals ensured they stayed in front.
U13B
Queen’s U13B battled to a determined win in a tense and closely fought match. The team worked tirelessly throughout, with Ollie leading the charge from midfield, testing the opposition goalkeeper with numerous shots.
Despite dominating possession, Queen’s found it difficult to break through a resolute defence. The decisive moment came when Claudiu reacted quickest on the goal line, getting the faintest of touches to divert the ball into the net and secure the winning goal. A solid defensive effort and great teamwork ensured the clean sheet, rounding off a well-earned victory for the U13B side.
U12A
The U12A team had a tough encounter with their West Buckland counterparts on Saturday. The opposition moved the ball quickly and scored some expertly-taken goals. However, the Queen’s boys did not give up and Harry was particularly impressive in defence, nullifying several of the West Buckland attacks and clearing the danger effectively. Mitch provided lots of energy and goalkeeper Harry made some important saves in goal and also showed more willingness to come off his line to shut down the opposition attackers. As the game progressed, the Queen’s boys began to make more entries into the opposition D but were unable to finish off their attacks with a goal. A great effort from the team, against strong opposition.
U12B
An impressive performance from the U12B team produced a commanding victory on Saturday. The speed and accuracy of their passing was a delight to watch and their free-flowing attacks ensured they created lots of opportunities to score. Mason, Owen and Antonin were a constant threat in and around the West Buckland D and they scored some spectacular goals. In defence Harvey, Toby and Tom were a near impenetrable wall and Tom was particularly effective in launching rapid counter-attacks with his powerful passing. A very pleasing effort which should give the boys confidence for their upcoming fixtures.
Swimming
On Tuesday, we hosted Wellington for our first swimming gala of the year. The squad, who were captained magnificently by Amalie and Arthur, swam brilliantly, and Queen’s won the majority of the races. There were a number of personal bests recorded. What was evident was the amazing sporting behaviour of our squad, clapping on every competitor regardless of school and supporting each other brilliantly.
