A week ago saw the U11A boys in action at the County Tournament. They found the going tough against strong opposition but nevertheless battled manfully throughout. They enjoyed better fortune on Wednesday against Perrott Hill where they worked hard to play with control and showed determination as they battled for a deserved win. On the same day, the U10/11Bs had a tight encounter against the same opposition. It was end to end with Archie making some key saves in goal and all the boys really digging in to hold out for the draw. The U10As was a cracking game in which the Queen’s boys played some great hockey. Unfortunately, they struggled to convert the opportunities that were created.
The U9 boys are very much at the development stage and showed good progress last Saturday morning at the Millfield Festival. When they were able to play with structure, some very good hockey was played. They then travelled across town on Monday to play King’s Hall with the U8 boys. Some good hockey was played by all, with the boys trying to keep to positions and play with control.
The U9 girls enjoyed a busy morning at the weekend at the Millfield Netball Festival on Saturday where they represented the school brilliantly playing nine matches including one against themselves! Both Queen’s teams worked really hard and learnt immensely from the experience.
Following on from last week U12 Somerset and U10 Devon Hockey tournaments. This week was the U10 Somerset Hockey Tournament. Aurelia, Mabel, Rosie and Livi from Year 5 represented Civil Service who came second in the tournament but did not lose a game and will go through to represent the county in the West of England competition in two weeks’ time. Well done to a number of Queen’s children who also played last weekend for Taunton Deane and Chard Hockey clubs. (Penny and Eliza)
Senior Sports Report
South West 7’s U16
Despite heavy rain in the build up, Queen’s hosted 16 schools in the South West 7’s U16 tournament on Sunday 14th March. With the side-lines packed full of spectators, it had the making of a brilliant day. The rugby played throughout the day was explosive and clinical, as 7’s can be, with plenty of tries scored and closely fought matches. The Queen’s players represented the College superbly against some much bigger schools, and were unlucky not to be on the winning side during the day. As the day progressed, the matches became hotly contested and there were some magnificent individual performances from players from all of the competing schools.
Across the road at Taunton School, the U18s put in three fantastic performances to push some of the regions best rugby scores to the wire, with the highlight being a 12-7 defeat to King’s Bruton in the elimination stage. Coaches Hamilton and Shepherd were absolutely delighted with the fight that the boys displayed, not giving up on any tackle or lose ball and stringing together some outstanding phases of play throughout the day. The boys earned the respect of the opposition, and were fantastic ambassadors for the College.
A big thank you to everyone who made the day such a success, including but not limited to, the ground staff, catering, the coaching staff and volunteers and all of those who came to the event to support.
More photos can be found on Flickr!
Hockey Match Reports
U15A v Exeter School – The U15s defended superbly for long periods of the first half and threatened on the counter, seeing out the half with a 1-0 deficit. The second half saw the better hockey but despite Joel Savage’s match of the match performance in goal, Queen’s were unable to make a breakthrough. A well fought performance as we continue to learn the game.
U13B v Exeter School – The U13B team created several chances in front of an exceptionally strong goal-keeper at Exeter School. Queen’s players led some of their own tactics and adapted them to good effect in the second half. Our 7-2 loss does not reflect the end-to-end contest we had. Louis Thompson’s goal was a great top corner shot and Roger Cipriano battled hard to register his goal. The work rate was excellent throughout the team.
U14B v Exeter School – Did well to go into half time at 0-0 but had a wobble after half time and conceded too easily. Max Mockridge and Karun Wasu defended very well.
Senior 2nd v Exeter School – Very good game. Very even in the first half but Exeter were more clinical in both Ds after half time. Excellent team spirit as always. Greg Cook worked very hard in midfield as did Franky Gediking up front.
U14A v Exeter School – The boys enjoyed a challenging and competitive fixture vs Exeter on Saturday. It was good team performance with the boys showing some much improved attacking phases of play scoring some very good team goals, link plays and shifting the ball across the pitch.
U13B v Perrot Hill – The U13B boys started slowly and it took a goal from Perrott Hill for the team to spark into life. Eventually, it was a well balanced game but the Queen’s boys’ lacked the goal scoring touch which they have had in the last few weeks and despite pulling level, ended up on the losing side. James Confrey and Roger Cipriano worked hard throughout.
U14A v King’s – This was a fantastic match packed full off excitement; last ditch defending, goals on the counter attack and chances at both ends to win it. Queen’s found themselves a goal down early on but brought the score level through a well taken goal from Theo Hartland, found in space in the D by Alfie Rucklidge. King’s restored their lead in the second half as Queen’s defended valiantly for an extended period, before catching King’s on the counter with Tom Nash finding the net. Queen’s had a chance to nick the win at the end but failed to convert when in on goal and the spoils were shared, in what was the right result for a great game of hockey.
Netball Match Reports
U15A v Blundell’s –The 15A team had a very close game vs Blundell’s! The score line was extremely close throughout with it being level at half time. Blundell’s then managed to pull 2 ahead by the end of the 3rd quarter but the Queen’s girls didn’t let this phase them and managed to pull it back brining the final score up to a draw. Niamh Lee and Natasha Ncube were awarded joint oppositions player of the match.
U15B v Blundell’s – The team had a good game against the Blundell’s side with some great individual efforts. Every player put great pressure down the court forcing Blundell’s to make lots of passing errors. Unfortunately the team weren’t able to covert all of these turnovers to goals, resulting in a respectable loss to Blundell’s. Mollie Martin was awarded oppositions player of the match.
U13A v Blundell’s-Good team effort with the girls fighting to the end but, we were unable to break their strong attacks. Evie Ragatt & Blanca Pasanal voted players of match.
U14A v Blundell’s-Some excellent passages of play dominating in attack & defence. Alicia Hartland voted player of match for her tireless work as centre. Well played girls.
Senior 1st v Blundell’s – The 1st team took on Blundells on a day not ideal for flowing netball due to strong winds. The team played some lovely netball and worked hard as a team to push Blundells all the way. With one quarter left Queens had pulled to within 1 point. The last quarter was end to end with Blundell’s holding on to take the win. POM Pippa D.
Senior 2nd vBlundell’s – Queen’s played some of their best netball this term vs a strong Blundells team. Taking the lead early in the game they kept control of the match working as a team in tough conditions. They finished the game as deserved winning by 5 well played everyone. POM Emily
Senior 2nd v Exeter– The U12B team put out an amazing performance against Exeter Cathedral! The defence made some amazing intercepts which they were able to bring nicely down the court to the shooters. Mia Aydon-Benz was on fire with her shots in the GA/GS positions and Harriet Newcombe also managed to put a few goals on the board. Freya Mills was awarded oppositions player of the match for her great defensive pressure.
