Prep
Netball
Unfortunately, the U9 and 8 fixtures on Monday had to be cancelled due to yet another storm . The girls gained some great practice time indoors whilst the boys showed great resilience outside before the wind and rain became too much!
On Wednesday the girls played some delightful games against Exeter Cathedral School. From the outset, the U11s put into practice their work on driving into space, noticing rather than hearing passing options and holding space. This enabled them to dominate all but one of the 6th’s. Their work on shooting technique was also evident with every shooting player gaining confidence in these positions. Exeter voted Alba as the most deserving player of the match. The U10 team had three objectives, to keep their eyes on their player when defending, to drive towards the ball, and to try and ‘feed’ the post (essentially lifting the ball into the circle) They performed well and were consistent, reevaluating whether they were succeeding on completing each objective. All the players did well but particular congratulations to Harriet’s fantastic marking and Imogen S’s attacking. The next objective is to improve their shooting.
Hockey
U11A
The U11A team enjoyed a triangular fixture with Wellington and Exeter Cathedral on Wednesday. Playing four games, they showed plenty of positive play, and when they used the width of the pitch and passed accurately, they posed a constant threat to the opposition. There were numerous entries into the opposition’s D, resulting in some superb goals.
In defence, the team needs to press harder to apply more pressure on the opposition. Remembering to keep their sticks down will also be beneficial.
Overall, this was an encouraging performance by the boys.
U11B
Queen’s took part in an exciting triangular fixture against Wellington and Exeter Cathedral School, delivering two outstanding performances that showcased their attacking prowess and teamwork.The team started with incredible intensity, pressing high and winning back possession quickly. This early pressure set the tone for the match, as Queen’s moved the ball wide with speed, allowing the wingers to drive deep and deliver dangerous crosses into key areas. The clinical finishing in front of goal was a highlight, with Alex putting on a fantastic display of composure and precision, netting four excellent goals. A dominant and well-executed performance saw Queen’s take control from start to finish. The second match was a busy and scrappy contest, yet it remained highly entertaining. Queen’s continued to rotate players effectively, ensuring everyone contributed and maximising positional strengths. Despite the more chaotic nature of the game, the team maintained their dominance in front of goal, securing another confident and commanding victory. The solid play from all involved demonstrated the team’s growing confidence and ability to adapt in different match situations. A fantastic overall performance from Queen’s, showing attacking quality, defensive strength, and excellent teamwork. A fixture that will no doubt boost confidence moving forward!
U10A
This was a super game of hockey, between two very evenly matched sides. Queen’s started off the stronger, making very good use of the large pitch, passing into space for players to run onto the ball. This resulted in some super goals, so Queen’s led at half time. In the second half, Wellington came back strongly and scored some of their own well-taken goals. However, the highlight of the second half was some outstanding saves from the Queen’s keeper!
Senior
Netball
1st Team
What a game! The 1st team showcased consistent effort, maintaining possession from the centre pass and driving the ball to goal. The defence played exceptionally, making crucial turnovers and securing impressive interceptions. It was a thoroughly enjoyable game, with the result reflecting the intensity and high energy of this competitive fixture. Unfortunate to end on a loss but there are things to take away and work on to come back stronger for the next fixture.
2nd Team
Despite the final result, the 2nd team should be proud of their performance. The players worked cohesively, demonstrating strong teamwork throughout the match. There was a noticeable improvement from the start to the final whistle, with the team growing in confidence.
U15
Queen’s College U15B team battled it out with a very strong Wellington B team on Saturday 25th January. Well done to Ellie for captaining the match and Freya for encouraging the team on the court and whilst on the side.Each quarter they improved but despite their persistent marking and 100% effort they just couldn’t secure the win this time. Once again their fair play and ethos shone through.
U14A
A brilliant first away match of the season for the U14A team. This was a great team performance with every player working tirelessly throughout the game. There was a fast pace throughout. Some accurate shooting from Teniore, Mya and Talya enabled us to take the lead in the 1st quarter and keep it for the duration of the match. Eliza took control of the centre court and every player made an effort to find space and change direction to keep the opposition guessing. Great result to build on.
U14B
A superb 1st win for the U14B team. Great commitment throughout the game and team spirit was shown by the positive energy and comments from the players. Millie and Tilly controlled the centre court well with some great turnovers from the defence pairing of Jess and Hannah. Once the lead was gained we worked hard to keep it and maintain the pressure on Wellington. Less errors this week and the fitness is improving.
U13
The team wanted to start strongly and they did with a 5-1 lead during the first quarter. Beyond the first quarter, it was Wellington that dominated the turnover. The 12-minute quarters were tougher on a smaller squad, but the tenacity never dwindled. Possession was contested in every third and we were eventually outplayed to 24-12, but with a feeling that the team missed an opportunity to rekindle their early win record of this term. Onwards and upwards with plenty of steel to look after the ball and further develop our straight and square options. The U13A’s are a competitive outfit that will weave down the next court they play on with plenty of positives in their favour.
U13B
The team gave a spirited effort at Wellington as they took on a very good B team who were particularly strong in feeding the circle and converting shooting opportunities. The girls were eager to develop from Minty wanting to make those interceptions into possession to everyone wanting more space. The eagerness to offer for the ball, led to running into the same space as each other and being convinced the Wellington courts were smaller. Isabella was particularly strong in defence, and the team should be similarly proud of their work rate in this challenging game.
U12A
A tough fixture which demonstrated how resilient and agile our players can be. Several players were moved around to give some height in the attacking and defending ends, and were fantastic. Some great interceptions were made with the tempo and tenacity on show until the very end.
U12B
This was a good team performance. The team played well throughout and worked very well together highlighting good communication and movement. Their defence was solid with some great interceptions from Niamh which prevented more goals being scored. Nice fluid and flowing movement throughout. The team need to work on keeping possession more and giving easy passes to their team mates. One poor quarter resulted in the loss.
Hockey
1st XI
The U18’s had a challenging match vs a strong Wellington side on Friday in the National Plate. The team played very well and created the same amount of chances as Wellington. Queen’s were strong with their press, and attacking quickly and fast. Mo made some great saves in goal once again to keep Queen’s in the match. The defensive workrate was sound by everyone in a display of maturity and discipline by all. Final score 2-1 loss. Queen’s will keep working to change these narrow defeats around.
2nd XI
Excellent show of teamwork and technical skill from the seconds today as they remain undefeated! Although there were a few new additions to the side, the boys did well to adapt and work around the changes to capitalise. The start of the match was a close contest, with Wellington holding possession well and working the ball around. However once Queen’s took the ball, they were able to hold possession and put the ball into the middle of the D where Theo scored an excellent goal. From there the boys converted again quickly to put us 2-0 up at halftime. The first 10 mins of the second half was a very close contest with both teams creating good opportunities but being held out by very effective defending. The boys worked well together, moving the ball from stick to stick up the pitch to score the third goal of the match. Using an aggressive press, they then quickly put yet another on the board before Wellington came back with one of their own. Just before the end of the match, Vincent scored a lovely ‘sweaty’ goal to put the final score at 5-1.
U15A
Queen’s hosted Wellington School in what turned out to be a thrilling hockey fixture, with both teams battling hard to secure a result. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, reflecting the intensity and quality displayed by both sides.
The first half was dominated by Wellington, who enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and pressed relentlessly to break the deadlock. Queen’s goalkeeper, Ilya, delivered a stunning performance, making a series of crucial saves to deny Wellington on multiple occasions. His composure and sharp reflexes kept the home side in the game and earned him the well-deserved title of Player of the Match.
In the midfield, captains and playmakers from both teams fought tirelessly to gain control of the game. The intensity of the contest was evident, with neither side giving an inch. Despite Wellington’s attacking dominance, Queen’s held firm, and the half-time score remained 0-0.
The second half saw Queen’s College come out with renewed energy, and their persistence paid off. A well-executed attacking move allowed Tristan to sweep the ball home, giving Queen’s the lead and igniting excitement among the home supporters.
Wellington, however, were far from finished. They increased the tempo, piling on the pressure as they sought an equaliser. Their efforts were finally rewarded in the dying moments of the match, as they capitalised on a chance to level the score.
The game concluded with a 1-1 draw, a fair result in what was a fiercely contested and highly entertaining fixture. Queen’s can take great pride in their defensive resilience and Ilya’s heroics, while Wellington deserved credit for their perseverance and commitment to attacking hockey.
U15B
The U15B hockey team put in a spirited performance against Wellington School in a closely contested match that ended in a well-deserved 1-1 draw. The game marked a special occasion for Noe and Colin, who both made their debuts for Queen’s College and impressed with their energy and commitment throughout.
The first half saw Jacob come agonisingly close to giving Queen’s the lead on two occasions, with his sharp runs and clinical positioning causing trouble for the Wellington defence. Meanwhile, Harry worked tirelessly up front, showing great determination to make a difference and coming close to finding the back of the net, only to be denied by some last-ditch defending.
In goal, Sam was superb, producing a string of crucial saves to keep Queen’s in the game. His composure and quick reflexes under pressure were pivotal in securing the result. Wellington were relentless at times, but Queen’s defensive unit, bolstered by Sam’s efforts, held firm to keep the visitors at bay.
The deadlock was eventually broken when Queen’s struck first with a well-taken goal, rewarding their persistence and teamwork. However, Wellington responded late in the match with an equaliser, ensuring the game ended all square.
A draw was a fair result in what was a competitive and hard-fought fixture, with both teams showing great skill and sportsmanship. Special mention goes to Noe and Colin for their promising debuts and to Sam for his standout performance between the posts.
U14A
The U14As were up against a tough opponent today with Wellington playing a very organised and well-polished game of hockey. In the first half, Queen’s struggled to connect passes in the middle of the pitch which meant the boys were continuously losing possession after working hard to gain it in the first place. A few shots worked their way past the post, unlucky not to be converted to goals. At half time Queen’s were still in it at 1-0. Wellington came out strong in the second half which sent a slight panic through the Queen’s boys. This led to another two quick goals being scored by Wellington and the score line standing at 3-0. The boys struggled to pull up the fight to get any goals back and the score remained the same for the rest of the match. All together it was a good learning experience for the 14As and one they will hopefully grow from.
U13A
The U13As travelled to Wellington for a tightly contested fixture. Wellington started strong putting themselves in a 1-0 lead early on in the second half. This woke Queen’s up and after some lovely interplay in the midfield we got our equaliser leveling up the score at 1-1. The rest of the first half saw both teams play some exceptional hockey with Wellington score just before the half time whistle bringing the scores to 2-1. In contrast to the first half, Queens came out the blocks in the second half turning the score around to lead 3-2. Our boys defended valiantly for the rest of the second half with Wellington pushing hard for the equaliser, they managed to equalise on the last play of the game. Bringing the final score to 3-3, all together the U13As played an exciting game of hockey.
U13B
The U13B team played some fantastic hockey in their latest match under glorious sunshine. From the first whistle, they dominated possession and created plenty of chances. Their passing and movement were sharp, and they worked well as a unit. Despite their efforts, they were unlucky not to find the back of the goal, with a number of close calls and some great saves from the Wellington goalkeeper. The team’s defence remained solid throughout, and they were unfortunate not to come away with a win. Overall, it was an impressive performance, and they showed plenty of promise for future matches.
U12B
A solid defensive display, sharp dribbling, and cohesive link-up play propelled the team to a well-earned 2-0 victory against a well-organised Wellington side. A brilliant spell of possession culminated in a superbly crafted team goal. The game ended in thrilling fashion with a last-second strike, highlighting the team’s skill, strategy, and resilience in an electrifying performance.