U8 and U9 Rugby at Wellington by Mr Venning
A really positive triangular fixture against Wellington and King’s, with our Year 3 and Year 4 boys continuing to develop their rugby skills and understanding of the game. The children are becoming increasingly confident in applying their skills within a match environment, particularly when making tackles, with a noticeable improvement in their confidence and commitment in defence. It was also encouraging to see the boys beginning to visualise and understand defensive patterns, recognising where they needed to position themselves and how they could work together to stop the opposition from progressing. There is still plenty to learn as their rugby journey develops, but the progress being made is clear, and it was fantastic to see the boys enjoying their rugby while beginning to understand the game at a deeper level.
U9 Football vs Taunton Town FC by Mr Venning
An exciting opportunity this week for our footballers as we welcomed Taunton Town Football Club for an excellent evening of football. Our pupils had the opportunity to train and play alongside a thriving local football organisation and high-level coaching staff, embracing the experience with fantastic enthusiasm, energy and a real willingness to learn. The opportunities extended beyond the pitch too, with Senior School pupils capturing the action through sports photography, while those with an interest in refereeing were able to practise and develop their officiating skills. This is exactly what makes Queen’s College, Taunton so special – creating meaningful opportunities, building strong connections within our local sporting community and, most importantly, giving our children experiences they may not otherwise have access to. An exciting project with plenty more to come!
U10A Rugby at King’s Bruton Festival
An excellent display of rugby at the King’s Bruton Festival, with the children showing superb tackling, determination and real character across a challenging series of matches. Ralph and Jonty provided excellent leadership throughout, while Anil, Kento and Harry impressed with their ability to move the play forward and create opportunities for the team. The highlight of the festival, however, came from our very own Rupert G, who produced a number of last-ditch tackles to save the day on more than one occasion, demonstrating outstanding commitment and bravery when his team needed him most. The strength in depth across this group is incredibly impressive, with every child contributing positively and showing a willingness to work hard for one another. A fantastic festival and an absolute joy to work with this group of children.
U11A Rugby vs Sherborne by Mr Burlingham
For the first contact match of the season, this was a great performance from the U11’s. Very often, as soon as contact is introduced, children seem to think they need to start running through the opposition, rather than trying to move the ball wide and into space. However, the boys stuck to the principles of ‘green’ rugby and passed the ball, found space out wide and scored some super tries. There was also an element of physicality, with the boys showing they could play direct ‘go forwards’ when needed – which they thoroughly enjoyed! Their defense also stood up to the test, which was good to see. Well done, lads. A super first contact outing!
U11B Rugby vs Sherborne by Mr Bishop
A fantastic outing to Sherborne this week. With another opportunity to show off what we have been working on in training. The difference in defence from week 1 to now is tremendous, with teamwork and communication to shift as one line coming to the fore, forcing numerous turnovers. Whilst attacking, our work on best mate running and green rugby resulted in 6 tries being scored, every single one of which included a best mate offload just before and just after a ‘tackle’.
U11 girls Hockey Tournament at QC – Mrs Gardner
It was brilliant to host our own hockey tournament on Saturday, with 20 of our girls out representing the school. Historically, this has been a tough tournament, attracting some of the best local schools looking to refine their tactics ahead of Regional or County events. Both of our teams worked incredibly hard throughout their six matches, finishing with four draws and two losses each. While clinical finishing will definitely be a focus in training this week, the core school value of positivity was present in abundance, with the girls eager to learn and support one another. A big thank you to Mr. Knight for organising such a fantastic event.
U9 and U8 Hockey at King’s with Wellington Mrs Gardner
The girls were thrilled to go on their first away fixture by bus! Playing in mixed-ability teams, more of the players are starting to show a tenacious side and get stuck into the action. A few Year 4s continued to lead the way, and it was brilliant to see them organising their less experienced teammates. Overall, it was a wonderful afternoon of hockey.
U11A and B V Sherborne/ Millfield Hockey Mrs gardner
Today, both teams played with fantastic positivity and enthusiasm. The other schools are known to have many players competing at club level outside of school, so we knew we were in for a tough afternoon. However, once we found our rhythm, we displayed some brilliant attacking hockey – relentlessly pressing to win back possession and quickly looking for options upfront.
In the B team Meyline worked tirelessly in midfield, while Elsie M. made a series of sharp runs and intelligent passes. Frankie set a great standard with high energy and excellent communication throughout.
On the other side of the pitch Emily and Norah put in solid performance on defence, while Amandine adapted impressively during her first stint in midfield. My Coach’s Player of the Match goes to Isabel – her work rate was non-stop, fighting for every ball in both attack and defence. Stopping the shot is our focus for Friday.
Above all, the girls showed fantastic team spirit and supported each other every step of the way.
U10B V sherborne Away – Mr Chislett
The U10Bs made massive strides in positional awareness and driving forward into space during Wednesday’s away tri-fixture at Sherborne against Sherborne and Millfield. Although results didn’t go our way, the shift in match play was impressive. The team held their shape, tracked back with discipline, and looked genuinely dangerous on the attack. Unlucky scorelines, but a hugely encouraging performance.
U13 Rugby vs. Wellington – Mr Bell
Queen’s U13s produced an outstanding performance away at Wellington, securing a deserved 3-0 victory in a match that showcased their skill, creativity and teamwork.
While the ground conditions continued to limit full contact, the players adapted brilliantly, demonstrating excellent technical ability throughout. Queen’s moved the ball with confidence, played with real intent and displayed impressive handling skills that allowed them to create and exploit space across the field.
All three tries came as a result of intelligent movement, sharp passing and strong support play, with the team consistently looking to attack from all areas of the pitch. Their commitment to playing positive rugby was evident from the first whistle to the last.
It was a brilliant display from the entire squad and an impressive all-round performance. Every player contributed to the result, showing great enthusiasm, teamwork and rugby intelligence throughout the match.
A well-deserved victory and another encouraging step forward for this talented group of players.
U12 Rugby v Wellington – Mr Smith
The U12 team enjoyed a competitive encounter with Wellington on Saturday. Whilst Wellington’s pitches were unable to take full contact rugby, the Queen’s boys adapted well and played positive rugby from the start. Moving the ball to space was the aim and when the team did this they scored some super tries, displaying great footwork and speed to outpace the opposition. Noe managed four tries of his own, the pick of the bunch being when Oliver kicked ahead, Noe sprinted after the ball, collected it after the first bounce and left defenders in his wake as he sped to the tryline.
In defence, the team put pressure on the opposition, forcing a number of errors and showing determination to shutdown the Wellington attacks.
This was a pleasing all round performance from the whole team and bodes well for future matches.
U12 Rugby v Wells Cathedral School – Mr Smith
The U12 team travelled to Wells Cathedral on Wednesday for their first proper contact game of rugby this season and it was like letting tigers out of a cage!
The team relished being able to tackle and ruck, determinedly stopping many of the Wells’ attacks. Players bravely drove their opponents back and competed hard at the breakdown to win their own ball or steal the opposition’s. When in possession, the Queen’s boys swarmed forward, breaking tackles and offloading effectively to support runners to keep the play alive. Several tries were scored through a combination of strong, tackle-busting running and elusive, silky running and the whole team contributed to a thoroughly satisfying victory.
The team must build on this encouraging performance for their next match against Leweston.
Cricket – Somerset Pathway – Mr Suppiah & Mr Venning
Huge congratulations to the following pupils who have been selected for the Somerset Cricket Pathway! 🏏.
A fantastic achievement and a reflection of your hard work, dedication and potential. Enjoy the experience, keep working hard, and most importantly, enjoy your cricket! Well done! 👏
Juno, Arthur, Ailbe, Imogen, Ffion, Carys, Jonah, Joey, Isabel, Harry, Austin and Isaac.
Whilst we celebrate those who have been successful this year, it is equally important to recognise the ever-growing pool of talent we have at Queen’s College.
I would like to round off by congratulating everyone who took part in the selection process. Your hard work, commitment and enthusiasm are hugely encouraging, and I hope we can maintain this positive momentum as we head into the off-season and continue to develop as cricketers.
