Prep 

We have enjoyed the winter sunshine on many afternoons in the last two weeks which has been welcomed but still very cold, especially for the fingers of our netball players. Wednesday saw less sun but an increased temperature which suited the girls for their first matches of the season. The girls were excited, albeit a little apprehensive with the U10 teams hosting Wellington and King’s Hall and the U11 travelling to Wellington for their triangular. The U10 teams did really well and showed off some of the work we have been focusing in our lessons, both teams did particularly well with their defending.

The boys enjoyed their triangular against Kings Hall and St Peters. The U10 boys worked well together and played some promising hockey.

Monday sees our first U8 and U9 matches of the year. We welcome Wells for a 2.30pm start. The girls will be on the Prep School Court and Muga. The boys will be on the astro.

Senior

Cross Country 

Thirteen Queen’s College students were selected for the Taunton Area Cross Country team following the first round of selections that took place at King’s College before Christmas. On Saturday 21st January at RNAS Merryfield near Ilminster, the Taunton team ran to achieve selection for the Somerset team who will compete in the South West regional Cross Country champs in Bristol on the 4th February. Huge congratulations to everyone who took part. It was a fine bright day but the course was tough with mud and ice to contend with. Special mentions to Franky, Year 12, Megan, Year 10, and Jayden, Year 7, who have been selected for the Somerset team and Somerset reserve team. We wish you the best of luck for the next competition in Bristol.

Netball

Our 1st VII did Queen’s proud on the netball court this week. They displayed excellent teamwork, resilience and work rate throughout the match. Facing a well-drilled and athletic team didn’t make for an easy match. We had to work hard to move the ball and find space when in possession. Millie , Edie and Claire did well to find space in the D to secure some outstanding goals. A huge well done on the team’s performance and the progress they are making as a team. 

The 2nds played their second game on Saturday. Everyone gave 100% playing as a team vs a strong King’s Bruton team. Each quarter we hit our targets and played some great netball.  The player of the match was Isla. 

The 15As had an evenly matched game throughout until the final quarter where, unfortunately, we could not capitalise on all our shooting opportunities. Nevertheless, there were some great defensive turnovers by player of match Tasanee as WD.

The U14A girls started strong against King’s Bruton, but narrowly lost the first quarter by 1 goal. As the game moved on the girls got much better at driving into space and making some amazing interceptions to turnover the ball. A change in the final quarter helped the girls to win 13-11 in what had been a very competitive game. A big thank you to the year 8s who stepped up to play: Evvie, Francesca and Maryam. The attacking player went to Evvie and the defending player went to Rebecca. 

Hockey

The 1st XI had a solid first-half performance, followed by a lacklustre second half. Queen’s were creating opportunities in first but sadly were not enough to turn this into an advantage. Collegiate came out quickly in the 2nd half, scoring 2 to finish the game 0-3.

This was a fantastic game for the U15A squad, showing real class as they cruised to victory with a flowing performance. The boys have practised short corners and attacking principles this week, all of which were on display throughout the game and it was pleasing to see a development in the understanding of the game. In the first half, Queen’s scored off three short corners, and a further two in the second half. Caspar produced an excellent drag flick to open the scoring and after netting another, turned provider in setting up Tommy who also bagged three goals on the day. Archie got in on the action, scoring an excellent deflection but goal scorers aside, this was a brilliant team performance which left the boys brimming with confidence. 

For the 13As it was a narrow defeat for Queen’s on this occasion. A display to be proud of however, creating chances, but the boys just were not quite enough. Tristan scored a great reverse stick goal diving around the keeper, and Oliver ran the game from centre midfield. 

In a fantastic game that was evenly matched, both 13B teams showed real fight in their attempts to win the game. Queen’s drew first blood with a well-taken goal from Olly, before Collegiate responded just before the break. Queen’s fought hard and through some effective pressing turned the ball over close to the opposition D and Bradley was on hand to smash the ball in. A deserved goal after an excellent performance. At the other end, Lucas made sure Queen’s took victory with two great saves towards the end of the game. 

The U13Cs had an encouraging performance with the boys showing a lot of potential. As control and understanding improves, along with increased fitness then good progress will be made.

The U13D Boys Hockey had a lively fixture against a very sporting Collegiate team. The game had 2 distinct halves with Collegiate pressing relentlessly throughout the 1st half, and Queen’s mounting a very spirited reply in the 2nd half, leading to the scoring of a goal, which they very much deserved. Queens’ U13D’s were determined and never lacked intent or willingness as they defended wave after wave of pressure on their scoring zone. All players played incredibly well with so much potential for the remainder of the season.

The mid week triangular vs King’s Hall and St Peter’s

The U13As had two competitive matches on Wednesday and lots of hockey for everyone involved. First up was King’s Hall, with chances galore at both ends, on this occasion no one could convert. 0-0 was the score. St Peters next, a good quality game, and some good quality goals. 3-1 to Queen’s was the final score.

The U13B team welcomed King’s Hall and St Peter’s for a triangular, playing King’s first in a tough match. Despite defending brilliantly and matching King’s in midfield, the players couldn’t convert and ended up losing the first game. In the second match, Queen’s showed far better control and moved the ball well across the pitch. With a minute to go, Euan gave the team a deserved lead which was protected to the final whistle, largely thanks to some outstanding goalkeeping from Lucas.

U15A cup match against Sherborne School

The squad travelled to Sherborne for a cup fixture and came up against a strong side, who took the lead through an early goal. Queen’s rallied and the game was well balanced for the majority of the fixture, but Queen’s lacked the cutting edge and were two down at half time. In the second half, chasing the game, Queen’s hit the post and had a shot cleared off the line, and were the better side. Unfortunately, the players couldn’t find the net and ended up on the losing side.