Prep
Rugby
Years 3&4
On Monday, we were delighted to welcome West Buckland year 3 and 4 for an afternoon of competitive hockey and rugby. The atmosphere was one of great enthusiasm and determination across both fields. The rugby fixtures showed promising development. The team passed the ball well and continued to improve their tackling technique. Their great enthusiasm was evident across the pitch. We are looking forward to building on this positive performance and hope to progress even further in preparation for the matches against King’s next week.
U10 Boys Triangular fixture
On a cold afternoon that bit at fingers and toes, our squad delivered a performance that radiated warmth and spirit. From the opening whistle, the progress made playing as a team was unmistakable – passes were sharper, support lines tighter, and every player committed to the collective plan. We competed in our tackles with real intent, meeting every carry with determination and refusing to give an inch. Moments of pressure were met with calm teamwork, and breaks in play became quick huddles of encouragement rather than frustration. As phases built and confidence grew, so too did the sense of unity; players lifted each other, worked tirelessly off the ball, and celebrated togetherness after every hard-won moment. When the final whistle sounded, the scoreboard mattered far less than the sight of the team leaving the pitch with big smiles, proud of what they had built and shared on what was a bitterly cold afternoon.
U11A
The cold weather was perfect for U11’s style of rugby – running, open, fast-paced and full of great tries! The first match against Wellington was just that, with Queen’s leading the way in either moving the ball out wide to space or putting pressure on the opposition to regain possession. Both resulted in some super scores. The second match against Blundells was a little more additional and less free-flowing. Nonetheless, Queen’s showed super bravery and resilience to put up some determined resistance against a very good side. Great work lads! Another super set of games!
U11B
A tough set of fixtures in unfavourably cold conditions, really brought out the grit and resilience of our boys, playing on with freezing hands, showing dogged defence and unwavering determination to go forward with the ball, made for some competitive fixtures. I’m really proud of the squad for battling on and again highlighting their willingness to improve and use what we have practised in training within match play conditions.
Hockey
U11A
The U11A team faced a formidable challenge in a tough match against a very talented Blundell’s side. Despite the difficulty, the team showed tremendous fight, with highlights including powerful forward play by Annabel and Imogen S who delivered excellent carries throughout the game. Defensively, Imogen C was highly effective, executing crucial tap tackles to break up the opposition’s momentum. In attack, Alila worked tirelessly, while Harriet displayed good stick skills on the left wing. Ultimately, Blundell’s superior speed and high level of stick skills proved to be our undoing. However, the team never gave up, battling hard until the final whistle, and concluding the afternoon with their signature, very loud three cheers, demonstrating exceptional team spirit.
U11B
A GPS tracking system would credit our U11B players for distances covered. It was plain to see how much the girls wanted the ball by the way they kept working on and off the ball. Annie was a great example of this and others also shone for dribbling the ball up the pitch, particularly Rebecca from defence, Emily in the middle and Olivia eliminating defenders creating chances in front of goal. Blundells scored first but our equaliser came soon after and the game continued back and forth with chances both ends. Our intensity never faded despite Blundells continuing with their scoring ways to take victory. Queen’s gave a brilliant three cheers and Elizabeth picked up player of the match for her shot saving performance in goal.
U10A
Another game at full tilt by the Under 10A girls who work their socks off. We had some brilliant passages of play, especially our most inclusive attack ever. It began with a block tackle and carrying out of defence, linking to midfield, switching channels using width provided by a winger and a tireless centre forward receiving ahead of the ball to put it across the goal for our opposite winger to be in the D. The movement, support, composure and ball pace was exquisite. We matched Blundells for going end to end, but it was their finishing that led them to victory. Frankie picked up our player of the match, and every player contributed great effort and skill. Our takeaway lessons were prioritising clearing the danger from our own D, and making sure we receive passes with intent going forwards that keeps the ball. Overall it was another fine display of entertaining hockey from a hard-working team.
U10B
Finally, the U10B team delivered a truly fabulous performance, showcasing remarkable swiftness, tenacity, and relentless hard work throughout the game. The team was justly awarded with a number of goals thanks to their exceptional efforts. Highlights of the match included some fantastic, driving carries out of defence by Katie, who successfully turned defence into attack. Meyline demonstrated an outstanding work ethic, proving herself tireless in both attacking and defending roles. Meanwhile, Matilda utilized her good speed effectively, running hard up the wing and consistently looking for the crucial pass to set up plays. In goal, Lydia was a picture of consistency, skillfully shepherding the ball off the pitch and making timely, clean clearances whenever the pressure mounted. A very well-deserved win! Great to watch.
Senior
Match reports by Meg Year 13 Prefect
Rugby
Queen’s College U15 vs Brymore
Queen’s faced their toughest test of the season as they travelled to Brymore, with the occasion elevated by the presence of an on-field referee and assessor, an academy scout on the sideline, and full VEO analysis in operation. It was a high-pressure environment from the first whistle and both teams rose to the challenge.
The opening ten minutes were a tight, physical arm-wrestle. Neither side gained more than ten metres beyond the halfway line as the game became a tactical battle, dominated by territorial kicking and aggressive defensive lines. Queen’s matched Brymore’s physicality, with excellent line speed and committed tackling keeping the opposition at bay.
However, a brief lapse in concentration during a broken phase allowed Brymore to pounce for the first try, midway through a fiercely contested first half. Queen’s responded with determination, repeatedly putting bodies on the line and defending with real grit against a significantly larger Brymore pack.
Despite their bravery in contact, Queen’s struggled to secure consistent turnovers and a couple of handling errors under pressure gifted Brymore field position. Two further tries were conceded in quick succession, giving the home side a commanding lead.
To their credit, Queen’s refused to fold. Their defensive effort, particularly around the fringes and in the tackle, remained a standout feature throughout. The scoreline did not reflect the character, attitude and sheer physical effort shown by every player in blue.
While the result was disappointing, the performance will undoubtedly serve as a valuable learning experience. With one match left in the season, a return fixture against the very side they opened the year against, Queen’s are determined to finish on a high. Training intensity has already stepped up, and there is no doubt this group will make a strong statement when the teams meet again. A stern test, a tough day, but plenty of positives and huge resilience shown. Queen’s will be ready for the return leg.
U13
The U13 team followed up their impressive showing against King’s the previous Wednesday with another well-earned victory against Brymore Academy. The Brymore boys always pose a physical challenge and this encounter was no different than before. The opposition were strong in the tackle and competed hard at the breakdown, but this did not deter the Queen’s boys. There is a growing steely determination about this team and all their work on the training pitch showed in their willingness to compete equally ferociously in the physical contest. Our effectiveness at the ruck meant that we secured lots of ball to launch our attacks. Sometimes we could have moved the ball wider into space – something to focus on at training – but strong running and support led to us securing a victory by five tries to two.
1st Team
Hockey
1st Team
The 1st Girls’ Hockey Team delivered an excellent performance in one of their strongest matches of the season. They started with great energy and kept control throughout, showing impressive teamwork and smart decision-making. Their attacking play created plenty of chances, leading to a well-deserved 5–1 win over Plymouth College. Stand-out play of the match goes to Izzy Farrelly, whose outstanding defending kept Plymouth under pressure and helped secure the victory. A brilliant effort from the whole squad and a result they can be proud of.