Prep School
Hockey
U10 Boys Hockey vs Millfield Tournament – by Mr Venning
The unbeaten run came to a heartbreaking end in the final, losing on shuffles, but what a tournament it was. From the first whistle to the last, the team showed resilience, character and togetherness in abundance. In the final, they gave absolutely everything. Joey D produced a goalkeeping display of the highest order – brave, composed and reactive when it mattered most. Time and again he kept us in the contest with saves that lifted the entire team.
Outfield, the work rate and intelligence were outstanding. Akash ran himself into the ground, still pressing and driving forward right up until the final whistle. Kwame’s work rate was equally immense – covering ground tirelessly, tracking back when needed and constantly offering support in attack. His energy set the tone for those around him. Jonah and Albie dictated the rhythm of play superbly; their intelligent positioning, awareness and flair allowed us to control large spells and create real momentum. Teddy demonstrated just how skilful he is, constantly looking to take players on and inject creativity into our attacks. At the back, Jio played a vital role in maintaining defensive shape and composure, helping ensure we stayed organised under pressure. Most pleasing of all was the unity. The team pulled together like never before – encouraging one another, responding to setbacks and showing real maturity in high-pressure moments. To finish runners-up after an unbeaten run into the final is an incredible achievement. A very impressive tournament and a performance to be immensely proud of.
U8 & U9 Boys Hockey at Wellington School – by Mr Venning
The U8 and U9 hockey teams enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of hockey at Wellington School, with a strong focus on development, enjoyment, and plenty of involvement for all players. Small-sided games ensured that everyone had lots of time on the ball, encouraging players to be confident in possession and take on new challenges during play. The format created a fun and competitive environment, with pupils showing great enthusiasm, teamwork, and determination throughout the afternoon. Players grew in confidence as the matches progressed, demonstrating improved passing, movement, and awareness on the pitch.
U11A Boys Hockey vs Mount Kelly – By Mr Venning
It was a tough start for the team as they took some time to get going and settle into the match. However, as the game progressed, they bounced back well and began to threaten the opposition with some excellent attacking play. Superb strikes from Jonah and Thomas K really tested the defence and showed the quality the team has going forward. Rex was outstanding in goal, producing several great saves to keep the team in the game and demonstrating excellent focus and bravery under pressure. It was also great to see Albie showing developing leadership on the pitch, organising teammates and encouraging those around him – something that was fantastic to watch. Looking ahead, the team will benefit from trusting their ability more when in possession. By moving the ball wider and using the space available, they can create even more opportunities and put opponents under sustained pressure. Overall, there were some very encouraging moments and plenty to build on for the next fixtures.
U11B Boys Hockey vs Mount Kelly – By Mr Burlingham
A super game, between two well-matched sides. When the Queen’s boys moved the ball out wide into the acres of space that was there, drove forward and crossed to the middle of the D, they looked slick and skilful, and, as a result of this strategy, scored some super goals. There were times when they resorted to the ‘route one’ approach through the crowded middle of the pitch, which was less successful! However, good fun and good progress were the resounding messages at the end of the game.
Netball
U10 Tournament and Festival – Saturday 28th February
It was a landmark Saturday for Queen’s Netball as we played host to our very own U10 Tournament and Festival. With nearly every girl in Year 5 representing the school on our home courts, it was a fantastic showcase of the depth, talent, and spirited sportsmanship thriving within this year group. Across both the competitive tournament and the developmental festival, the girls demonstrated not only their growing technical skill but a resilient “never-say-die” attitude that made the coaching staff incredibly proud.
Photos by Millie (Year 10)
U10B by Mrs Gent
The U10B squad enjoyed a morning to remember. A display of pure determination. Participating in a longer-match format allowed the girls to settle into a rhythm and show off their tactical growth. Katie was a particular asset to the team, displaying a sophisticated understanding of the game’s flow and positioning, while Elsie provided the backbone of the squad with her unwavering consistency across every quarter. Due to her tireless work rate and high-quality play from the first whistle to the last, Isabelle was the well-deserved recipient of the Queen’s Player of the Festival award. It was a morning defined by great sportsmanship!
U10A by Mrs Gardener
The U10A team navigated a gruelling six-match tournament schedule, starting the day in high spirits with two clinical victories against Kings and Perrott Hill. However, as the morning progressed, the team faced a tougher challenge against Wellington. In a frustratingly close encounter, a few moments of scrappy play and difficulty finding the net proved costly, resulting in a narrow one-goal loss.
The true highlight of the day was the clash against Blundell’s. Having suffered a heavy defeat to this side earlier in the term, the Queen’s girls showed exactly how much they have improved through their hard work in lessons. It was an incredibly tight and thrilling game to watch; while they eventually lost by just two goals, the narrow margin was a testament to their progress and tenacity. Following a solid 0-0 draw against West Buckland, the team met the eventual winners, Sherborne. Although the opposition’s height advantage was a deciding factor—as it often is at U10 level—the Queen’s girls never lowered their heads and fought for every ball. Amandine was awarded the Coaches’ Player of the Day for her exceptionally positive and helpful outlook toward all aspects of her play and her teammates.
To have so many Year 5 girls out on the courts simultaneously, representing their school at a home event, is a brilliant achievement. Whether it was the undefeated streak of the B team. The girls represented Queen’s with immense pride.
None of this would have been possible without the dedicated Prep, catering, and grounds staff who ensured the morning ran so smoothly, and of course, our wonderful parents. Thank you to everyone who braved the sidelines to cheer the girls on; your encouragement truly spurred them on through every match. Well done to all the girls for their effort and determination—we look forward to building on these performances in the weeks to come.
U8/9 Netball Vs Wellington – Monday 1st March by Mrs Gardner
On Monday, the Year 3 and 4 teams took to the court for an action-packed outdoor match against Wellington! The players really turned up the heat, showcasing some fantastic shooting skills and zipping the ball around with quick, accurate passing. The team is also getting much sharper on defense, showing great grit by remembering to mark the Wellington players tightly. While they are still learning to stay quiet when they aren’t in open space, the players are beginning to master the art of losing their defender by moving away from the ball and then quickly changing direction and pace to burst into the clear. It was a brilliant effort by everyone involved, topped off with some fantastically loud three cheers at the end of the match and—as ever—another well-deserved doughnut!
U11B Netball Vs Mount Kelly- Weds 4th March by Mrs Gardner
On Wednesday, 4th March, the U11B team took to the court for a thrilling, nail-biting match against Mount Kelly! The play was truly end-to-end, with fantastic interceptions coming from both sides in a real battle of wills. While the team snatched an early lead, Mount Kelly proved to be tenacious opponents, making it a real challenge to break free and get in front of their defense. Olivia put in a tireless stint as Center, working incredibly hard to drive the ball down the court, while Bella pulled off some brilliant tips to disrupt the opposition. In the shooting circle, Pixie and Ffion were a model of consistency in the attack. Moving forward, the players will continue to focus on passing accurately and driving hard towards the ball to receive it.
U11A Netball V Mount Kellp Weds 4th March – by Mrs Foster
Once again the U10As dominated on a netball court through team work, determination and high standards. It was a pleasure to umpire and take stock of our development this term. We have increasing speed of drives and passes. Our feeding the circle has vastly improved and this momentum is well-timed as we head for IAPS tournament on Friday. The victory over Mount Kelly was resounding, but above all the trajectory of the team is most pleasing.
U10B Netball V Mount Kelly – Weds 4th March – by Mrs Foster
The Year 5s did Fast 5s justice on Wednesday against Mount Kelly. They buzzed around the court with purpose, making great interceptions, securing possession and feeding the shooters under the post. It was end to end enjoyment played with great spirit and a taste for success as we made a thrilling comeback to within one goal and even had a last second shot from the edge of the circle. Well played to all the team.
U10A Netball V Mount Kelly- Weds 4th March – by Mrs Gardener
On Wednesday, 4th March, the U10A team celebrated a fantastic win in their netball match against Mount Kelly! It was a brilliant afternoon of sport, with all the girls showing off their improved shooting skills to keep the scoreboard ticking over. The team worked hard on creating space and using clever dodges to get in front of their defenders and win the ball. While the players made some superb interceptions, a key focus for next time will be to slow down and not rush their passes, ensuring they keep possession after winning the ball back.
Senior School
Hockey
1st Team Boys Vs Old Queenians By Mr Knight
Queen’s Boys 1st XI came from behind to secure a strong 4–2 win over Old Queenians. The OQs took an early 1–0 lead, but constant pressure from the 1st team saw them run out of steam as Queen’s responded superbly. The hosts turned the game around to lead 4–1 with a dominant second-half display, before conceding a late goal to make the final score 4–2. It was fantastic to see such a big crowd down supporting the match — your backing made a real difference. We look forward to welcoming everyone to future OQ events!
U13A Boys Vs Leweston – By Mr Knight
The U13A side produced an impressive performance to secure a 6–2 victory over Leweston.
Queen’s made a flying start, racing into a 2–0 lead with confident attacking play and sharp finishing. Leweston responded well and managed to bring the game back to 2–2, capitalising on a brief spell of pressure to level things up. However, the boys showed great character and composure, regaining control of the match and stepping up the intensity. A dominant second-half display saw Queen’s pull away, adding four more well-worked goals to seal a convincing 6–2 win. A fantastic team effort and a great response after being pegged back.
U13A Boys Vs Blundells – By Mr Knight
Queen’s battled hard to earn a 2–2 draw against Blundell’s U13A in a competitive match. Blundell’s took the lead early, but Queen’s responded well to level the score before halftime. Blundell’s went ahead again in the second half, putting Queen’s 2–1 down, but the team showed great determination and fought back to equalise late on.
A strong team effort and resilience from Queen’s secured a well-deserved 2–2 draw.
U13B v Leweston by Mr Smith
The U13B team delivered a strong performance last weekend, earning a well-deserved 3–1 win in a game that could easily have seen a much wider scoreline.
From the pushback, the team showed intensity and purpose, controlling possession and applying consistent pressure in the opposition D. Crisp passing created numerous scoring opportunities throughout the first half, but despite several clear chances in front of goal, we were only able to end the half one goal ahead.
More pressure from the Queen’s boys in the second half still did not lead to a deserved second goal. Leweston started to get more into the game and though most of their attacks were broken up by solid Queen’s defending, they eventually equalised from a short corner. Credit to the Queen’s team, however, who surged forward, scoring two tries in the last three minutes to deservedly win the game. While the final score read 3–1, the number of chances created suggests the margin could have been much greater. Improving composure and decision-making in front of goal will be an important focus moving forward.
U12B v Leweston by Mr Smith
The Under 12 B side delivered a superb all-round performance to secure a dominant 7–1 win in a match that demonstrated their improving individual skills and teamwork.
The team’s defence was solid with some important saves from goalkeeper, George, and they counter-attacked well when regaining possession. Numerous sweeping attacks into the opposition D led to seven well-taken goals with some players scoring their first ever goal in a hockey match. The team played with growing confidence, great sportsmanship and a big smile on their faces and it was really pleasing to see their steady improvement.
Netball
U14/15C Vs King’s College
King’s set the pace early, moving the ball confidently through the thirds and converting their chances with accuracy. Their defensive pressure forced errors and limited Queen’s opportunities in the opening stages as we were warming up. Despite Queen’s determination, King’s built a strong lead across the first half, capitalising on turnovers and finishing clinically in the circle.
Queen’s, however, refused to let the game slip away. After the break, they returned to court with renewed energy and belief. The defensive end tightened up significantly, with Aisha excelling in her new favourite position in GK. Alongside her, Maelie worked tirelessly at WD, tracking her player relentlessly.
Through the middle, Rosie put in a tremendous shift, adapting seamlessly across a variety of positions to support both attack and defence. Her versatility proved vital as Queen’s sought to close the gap. In the shooting circle, Naomi was on a roll, finding her range and converting chances with growing confidence. Sofia also shone brightly, displaying natural talent and composure in what is still a relatively new sport for her. Her movement and awareness suggested a very promising future on court.
The team’s resilience was epitomised by Molly, who bravely played through injury and continued to give her all for the side, demonstrating real determination and commitment. In the final five minutes, Millie stepped on to relieve her teammates, who had worked tirelessly throughout the match, bringing fresh energy at a crucial stage.
King’s left with a deserved 15–8 win, but Queen’s can take immense pride in a second-half performance full of grit, growth, and individual brilliance.
14A vs King’s College
A really tough match against a strong and fast-paced Kings College side tested the U14A team throughout. Queen’s worked hard to create some successful transitions through the court, showing determination and teamwork against intense opposition pressure.
Strong defensive pressure in the circle led to some missed shooting opportunities, allowing Kings to gain possession from rebounds. Despite this, the girls showed great resilience and never gave up, continuing to compete until the final whistle.
The team should be proud of how they conducted themselves on court, demonstrating excellent attitude and sportsmanship, and leaving the game with their heads held high.
14B vs King’s College
The U14B team worked hard throughout a challenging match against King’s College, showing a consistently positive attitude and strong effort across the court. Eva-Bella made some excellent turnovers in the defensive circle, helping to regain possession for the team. The girls worked hard to transfer the ball through court, although loopy passes and movement to get in front sometimes made progression difficult. Despite this, the team scored some well-worked goals and continued to compete until the end. Although the match finished in a loss, the players should be proud of how they conducted themselves on court.
1st Netball Vs King’s College by Miss Simpson
A tightly fought 23–22 win rounded off a well‑contested, competitive match for the First Team, who showed discipline and determination throughout. Strong communication across the court kept play controlled under pressure, and every player pushed at 100% intensity from start to finish. That collective effort made the difference in the final moments, securing a deserved one‑goal victory.
