Prep School
Rugby
U10 Rugby vs St Peter’s
The final rugby fixture of the season delivered a thrilling conclusion, showcasing not only the excitement of the game but also the tremendous progress made by every member of the squad. From the first whistle to the final moments, the team displayed determination, skill, and a growing understanding of the game, making it clear that this season has been one of significant development for all. Standout performances came from a wide variety of players, each contributing in different ways – whether it was breaking the line, making crucial tackles, or demonstrating excellent game awareness – highlighting the depth and versatility within the squad. The match itself kept everyone on the edge of their seats, with momentum swinging back and forth, and it was a fitting finale to a season defined by growth, teamwork, and resilience. With the lessons learned and confidence gained, it is incredibly exciting to look ahead to next season, anticipating how this team will build on their foundations and continue to evolve. Now, attention turns to the hockey season, where the same commitment, energy, and promise will undoubtedly shine through.
Hockey
U10 Hockey Tournament in Exeter by C Foster
What a fantastic tournament Queen’s played on a Friday afternoon in Exeter. A big squad went to fulfil the four matches. The girls responded well to sharing opportunities by begging for more pitch time (as usual), whilst cheering on their team mates from the side. They started by playing Blundells and their defence stood strong against their speed and ball-striking. The girls nearly got a well-deserved goal-less draw but in the last 90 seconds Blundells managed to take a 1-0 win. Their bounce back came quickly as they dominated Stover, recycling the ball around the back and shots from the top of the D. It was a great 2-0 win.
Next up was a very well-matched encounter with the hosts (Exeter). It was end to end and perhaps a bias lens, but Queen’s created more chances and looked deserved winners, but it was a single goal at the wrong end that determined the result. The last game also could have gone either way as the girls enjoyed another balanced match with West Buckland.
Both teams were quicker to get going in attack than they were to respond to losing possession and defending. Queen’s certainly exploited this with pace going forward and created many chances at a goal. Queen’s could hit the target more and won more matches, but our style of play had success written all over it.
There were lots of contenders for player of the tournament, including Elsie S making incredible carries to find space and switch channels, and indeed the collective work rate was exceptional as usual. Norah got the certificate for her reliable tackling and switched-on decisions to outlet the ball out wide at pace or dribbling it clear and mounting quality attacks for her team. Overall, the whole squad enjoyed the tournament and were a credit to Queen’s sport.
U8 and U9 Hockey Tournament by L Gardner
On Saturday, two mixed U8 and U9 hockey teams travelled to Hazlegrove for a tournament. The teams delivered high-energy and demonstrated great focus and dedication throughout.
With only five players available per side, the pace of the games were intense, requiring relentless work and minimal rest. The girls started slowly but began to pass the ball out wide which gave us more attacking opportunities.
The defensive structure was a particular strength, anchored by magnificent performances from Emilie, Charlotte, and Lizzie. Their resolute play ensured a stable base throughout the match.
Further up the pitch, Lucy, Emmy, and Elisa attacked with genuine pace, keeping the opposition busy.
Well done to Ava and Elowyn who also performed brilliantly for their team.
U11 and U10 Hockey at St. Peter’s by L Gardner, C Foster, H Czeres
The Year 6 U11 hockey season concluded with its final set of fixtures against St. Peter’s. The U11A squad played a spirited match against a robust St. Peter’s side.
Midfielder, Imogen S, maintained consistent control, effectively distributing the ball and ensuring play remained active in the centre. However, early play was hindered by a tendency to become congested on the right side of the pitch, limiting the team’s ability to capitalise on open space.
Despite the initial challenges, the team found its rhythm. Once they established a flow of scoring, the dynamics of the match opened up significantly. This gave the opportunity for valuable positional rotations, allowing players to experience different roles on the pitch—a beneficial developmental exercise.
The U11B were playing St Peter’s year 6 mixed in with their U10A players. This proved an even challenge with 2-2 the half-time score. St Peter’s pushed on to 4-2 up before Queen’s replied again. Our captain, Pixie, scored two and Annie’s goal from a wide angle was also excellent. The girls should be proud of their hockey today – they played with determination but also a great sense of fun!!
U10B Hockey
The U10B team, affectionately nicknamed “Team Jingle Bells” for their final outing, concluded their season with a strong performance focused on fundamental hockey skills.
The match provided an excellent opportunity to focus on specific tactical goals: namely, utilising two-touch passing and executing effective wide passes to stretch the opposition. The team successfully applied this strategy, distributing the ball strongly and resulting in a commendable number of goals scored.
A highlight of the fixture was the display of exceptional sportsmanship by Lydia, who was named player of the Match. Demonstrating great flexibility and commitment, Lydia played for both the Queen’s U10B side and the St. Peter’s team to ensure both sides had full participation.
The squad exhibited great team spirit and camaraderie throughout the afternoon, providing a positive and successful conclusion to their season.
U10A Hockey vs St Peter’s
U10A played with all their heart and energy again to put a fantastic hockey season to bed. They had ball pace, switching channels, options ahead of the ball and shots from the top of the D. It was exceptional. Elsie S opened the scoring and Queen’s followed up with two more great goals, including Emily beating the keeper with relentlessness and Elsie M receiving and converting her chance to score. There were also heroics at the other end of the pitch with Emily making several brilliant saves in goal to deny St Peter’s getting on the score sheet. A fantastic win by a quality team performance. The only negative is that they don’t want the season to end, but that’s a wrap. Well done girls.
Senior School
Rugby
U12/13 Rugby Match Report vs St Peter’s Prep School by Mr Bell
In the final midweek fixture of the rugby term, Queen’s took to the field with determination and pride, fielding a full squad of committed contact players eager to represent the school. The atmosphere was one of focus and excitement as both teams prepared for what promised to be a competitive and constructive afternoon of rugby.
The match was played in three thirds, a format that provided valuable opportunities for development and in-play coaching. This structure allowed players to refine their skills, respond to feedback and continue building on the progress made throughout the season.
From the first whistle, Queen’s displayed impressive organisation, moving the ball confidently through the phases and demonstrating the strong team cohesion that has defined their season.
Queen’s maintained excellent structure in both attack and defence, with players working together to create space, support one another and apply sustained pressure. Their support play was particularly notable, ensuring continuity even under physical challenge. St Peter’s proved strong and determined opponents, responding well and testing Queen’s defensive resilience with several incisive runs of their own.
Both teams crossed the try line, reflecting the balanced competitiveness of the contest. The scoring passages showcased the players’ growing tactical awareness, their resilience in contact and their willingness to work hard for one another across all areas of the pitch.
The collective team talk at the final whistle captured the spirit of the afternoon. Players from both sides reflected maturely on the match, recognising not only their successes but also the areas for future development. The respect shown, alongside the positive behaviours and attitudes demonstrated throughout, highlighted the true value of the fixture.
Overall, it was a brilliant afternoon of rugby, filled with learning, effort and sportsmanship. Queen’s finished the match with pride in their performance and gratitude for another competitive and enriching opportunity on the field.
Super Saturday Match Report by Mr Bell
Super Saturday marked the first full school sporting house event of the academic year, bringing with it an atmosphere of anticipation, camaraderie and healthy competition. In the days leading up to the event, the Heads of House prefect team, William, Joe, Henry and Grace, met with each house to set the tone for a spirited and fully inclusive afternoon of sport. Their leadership ensured that students arrived energised and ready to compete, with house banners flying proudly and the sky just about holding out long enough for the action to begin.
The Juniors took to the Hockey and Rugby pitches first, delivering an impressive display of determination and teamwork. On the hockey astro, matches were fiercely contested, with every house pushing hard for early points in the standings. Ray secured first place on goal difference, followed closely by Woolmer in second, Barnicott in third and French in fourth.
Over on the rugby field, the competition proved just as intense. Woolmer emerged victorious, taking the top spot, with Ray finishing a close second, Barnicott in third and French in fourth. The opening half of the day set a high standard and established a competitive momentum that carried into the afternoon.
As the Juniors concluded their events, the weather took a dramatic turn. Under the spectacular backdrop of two vivid rainbows, the heavens opened. Undeterred, the Inters and Seniors embraced the challenge, taking to the pitches in true sporting spirit despite the increasingly muddy conditions. The rugby field became a battleground of athleticism and resilience, with countless tries scored and some extraordinary defensive efforts showcased in the mire. Meanwhile, on the hockey astro, goal line clearances and rapid turnovers kept spectators gripped as each house fought to gain the narrow advantage needed to climb the leaderboard.
The competition grew tighter as the afternoon progressed, with several matches coming down to the smallest of margins. In both the Intermediate and Senior age groups, results were ultimately decided on goal difference, reflecting just how evenly matched the houses proved to be. The final standings, having gone right down to the wire, will be revealed during the End of Term Senior Assembly, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for all involved.
Super Saturday once again demonstrated the unity, enthusiasm and competitive spirit that define our school community. Despite the rain, the mud and the intensity of the contests, every student contributed to a memorable and uplifting day of sport, one that sets a strong foundation for the house events still to come.
