A Week of Sporting Action: Netball, Football & Swimming Gala

Tuesday 27th January 

U9/8 Football v King’s Hawford 

After the heavy rainfall, it was touch and go whether Tuesday’s fixture against Kings Hawford would go ahead. Thankfully, the Cinderella pitches once again proved their excellent drainage, allowing the game to be played. 

Charlie put in a strong performance in goal, showing confidence and composure, and also impressed when stepping into centre midfield. Across the pitch, Theo, Ivan and Hugo worked tirelessly, making several well-timed tackles and doing a great job of regaining possession for the team. Finley gave maximum effort throughout the match, putting himself about, working hard off the ball and distributing possession well when we had it. 

Archie enjoyed a positive game outfield, using his pace effectively to beat opponents and showing good awareness to find his teammates. Wilf also impressed playing up front and on the left side of midfield, working cleverly on the defender’s shoulder and using his skill to knock the ball past opponents and create opportunities. 

Although the result didn’t quite go our way, the most important thing was clear to see: our football continues to improve week by week. The boys played with great enthusiasm, effort and teamwork, and most importantly, they thoroughly enjoyed their football. A really pleasing afternoon all round 

U9/8 Football v King’s Hawford 

The U8/9B team delivered an excellent all-round performance against Kings Hawford. 

Mikaeel was in superb form, scoring a fantastic hat-trick and showing great confidence and finishing in front of goal. Gabe also impressed, adding two well-taken goals to complete the scoring. At the back, Magson and Milan defended brilliantly, staying organised and making important tackles to limit the opposition. Their strong defensive work gave the team a solid platform throughout the match. 

Up front, Sam led the line with an outstanding work rate, constantly pressing, making strong runs, and driving the team forward with his energy and determination. Archie supported the attack well, playing some excellent passes that helped create chances and keep the team moving forward. Overall, it was a great team performance full of effort, teamwork, and positive football. Well done to all the players! 

 

U9/8 Football v King’s Hawford 

The boys can be proud of their efforts in a competitive and spirited match against King’s Hawford. Rory was dependable in goal, making several confident stops and organising the defence well. In front of him, Ben showed excellent commitment with strong tackling and calm, accurate passing that helped launch a number of attacking moves. Early on, Xander played a good ball in from the sideline, finding Geoffrey in space. Geoffrey timed his run perfectly before finishing confidently to score a well‑deserved goal. Sam and James worked tirelessly throughout, chasing down loose balls, making important tackles, and linking play effectively to keep the team moving forward. Another positive afternoon of football! 

Overall, it was a performance full of teamwork, determination, and real promise. Well done to all the boys. 

 

U9/8 Netball Friendly with Hawford

The U9 and U8 girls enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of netball on Tuesday as they joined with King’s Hawford to take part in a series of mixed friendly matches. It was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to experience Bee Netball, the 5‑a‑side version of the game that acts as an excellent stepping stone towards the full 7‑a‑side format they will play as they get older. 

The girls were split into small groups of three or four, mixing with Hawford pupils to create friendly, balanced teams across three courts. This format allowed everyone to experience at least 4 out of the 5 positions, work with new teammates, and develop their understanding of movement, spacing, and teamwork within the Bee Netball structure. 

Throughout the afternoon, the courts were filled with energy, smiles, and enthusiastic play. The mixed teams encouraged all the girls to communicate, support one another, and build new friendships with pupils from our sister school. 

As these were friendly matches, no scores were kept—placing the focus entirely on learning, enjoyment, and building confidence. 

A huge well done to all the girls involved. They represented the school brilliantly and clearly had a great time playing, learning, and connecting with new friends. It was a super afternoon of netball and a lovely way to continue developing their skills. 

 

Wednesday 28th January 

U11 Football v Winterfold and KH 

Nine Year 6 pupils represented St Alban’s on Wednesday afternoon in a pair of tightly contested football matches against Winterfold School and King’s Hawford, played at KSW’s Cinderella ground. With Ben sidelined early on by an ankle injury, the remaining squad – Adam, Hugo, Jacob, Joshua, Max, Pip, Thea and Zack – knew they would all need to dig deep and work even harder for each other. 

The first fixture against Winterfold proved to be a balanced and entertaining encounter. Both teams created several chances, but strong defensive work from Pip, Thea and Jacob kept St Alban’s solid at the back. Adam, Max and Pip showed impressive energy, supporting both attack and defence, while Zack looked dangerous when the ball reached his feet. 

With the score still 0–0 in the closing minutes, Winterfold mounted a late push in search of a winner. However, Hugo’s imposing presence in goal proved vital, producing an excellent save to keep the scores level. A goalless draw was a fair reflection of a well-fought match. 

The second match brought added excitement, as many of the boys from St Alban’s had played rugby alongside the King’s Hawford pupils earlier in the year. This time, the two schools had the chance to test themselves against each other on the football pitch – and the game did not disappoint. 

Once again, chances came at both ends, with both goalkeepers – Hugo for St Alban’s and Arthur for King’s Hawford – pulling off several vital saves. Eventually, a quick St Alban’s counter-attack broke the deadlock: Thea played the ball forward to Max, who threaded a clever pass through to Zack. After a scramble in the penalty area, Adam reacted quickest, slotting the ball home to give St Alban’s a 1-0 lead. 

King’s Hawford came close to equalising with a well-struck effort, but Hugo produced a remarkable goal-line stop, juggling the ball before preventing it from crossing the line. His heroics ensured St Alban’s held on for a deserved 1-0 victory. All nine players should be proud of their determination, teamwork and resilience across both matches. A special mention must go to Player of the Match, Thea, who led by example throughout — tackling bravely, distributing the ball intelligently, and organising the defence with confidence. 

Well done to the whole team on two excellent performances and thank you very much to the spectators who came along to cheer the team on! 

 

U10 Football v Winterfold and KH

Wednesday saw us take part in a triangular fixture against Hawford and Winterfold, with Hawford up first. From the opening whistle, the boys played brilliantly, creating plenty of chances while also looking solid and organised in defence. Monty, Max C and Dylan were outstanding at the back, showing excellent communication and teamwork, making it very difficult for Hawford to break through. 

In centre midfield, Jack looked extremely comfortable on the ball, distributing play well and helping us control large periods of the game. Despite creating numerous chances, the ball just wouldn’t quite find the back of the net. Unfortunately, in the dying minutes Hawford managed a shot that took a nasty deflection, leaving Haadi with no chance and denying us a deserved result. 

Winterfold were up next and provided a different challenge, with several very skilful players. Theo and Eli both performed well on either side of midfield, working tirelessly and using their skill and pace to beat opponents and support attacks. Matthew also had two strong games up front, holding the ball up well and linking play nicely with his teammates. 

The boys were unlucky in both games and certainly deserved more from their efforts. A real standout moment came when we conceded a penalty, but Haadi produced a fantastic save to keep Winterfold out, then reacted quickly to launch a counter-attack by putting our strikers in straight away. A superb all-round performance from Haadi earned him a well-deserved Player of the Matches. 

Another very encouraging afternoon, with strong performances, great effort and clear progress from the whole team. 

 

U10 Football v Winterfold 

The U10B team produced a spirited and well-balanced performance against Winterfold in an exciting and competitive fixture. From the outset, the boys showed great enthusiasm and teamwork, moving the ball well and supporting each other across the pitch. 

Bertie W was a constant attacking threat, demonstrating brilliant dribbling skills and making several powerful runs that consistently unsettled the Winterfold defence. His confidence on the ball and willingness to take players on created multiple scoring opportunities. George N was equally impressive, showing excellent composure in front of goal. He struck some fantastic shots, testing the goalkeeper repeatedly, while also contributing defensively with intelligent positioning and strong tackles when required. 

At the back, Max M and Jack J were outstanding. Both defended with determination and awareness, making crucial tackles and interceptions to break down opposition attacks and keep the team organised. Overall, it was a strong team performance, full of effort, skill, and positivity, with plenty of progress to be proud of as the season continues. 

 

U11 Netball v Hawford

On Wednesday, the King’s St Alban’s U11 netballers took part in friendly but competitive training matches with King’s Hawford. Pupils from both schools were mixed together to form three teams, with each team playing one another. The players rotated after each half so everyone had the opportunity to try a range of positions, including shooting. Martha impressed with her confident and accurate shooting, while Hannah and Nell stood out for their agility and speed across the court. Romi and Elizabeth showed great determination, competing strongly for the ball in every game. 

The standard of netball was very high throughout, with pupils demonstrating excellent skill and teamwork. The matches were played in a positive and supportive atmosphere, and the event provided a valuable opportunity for pupils to begin building friendships ahead of joining together in senior school next year. 

All players showed great enthusiasm and sportsmanship, making it a fantastic afternoon of netball. 

 

U10 Netball v Hawford 

Our U10 team enjoyed a lovely afternoon of netball with King’s Hawford in a friendly that was all about fun, opportunity, and teamwork. Players from both schools were mixed together to create 3 teams, which made the game less about competition and more about giving everyone the chance to play all positions, learn, and make new friends. The mixed teams created a really positive atmosphere, with lots of encouragement, smiles, and great teamwork across the court. It was brilliant to see the girls embracing the change, supporting one another, and growing in confidence throughout the matches. Special mentions go to Imogen B for her great attacking play and shooting, and Elodie H for her versatility on court and consistent positive mindset, both were fantastic examples of the spirit of the afternoon and the whole team should be very proud of themselves.   

 

U10 Netball v Hawford

The U10 girls enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of netball on Wednesday as they took part in two friendly matches. Working alongside the King’s Hawford girls, the teams had the chance to experience full 7‑a‑side netball, with a particular focus on learning and understanding where the different positions are allowed to go.  

Throughout both matches, the girls worked extremely hard to apply their learning on the court. It was brilliant to see them growing in confidence, especially in their movement towards the ball—an area in which they showed noticeable improvement as the afternoon progressed. Their willingness to listen, adapt, and support one another made a real difference to the quality of play. 

Although no scores were kept, the emphasis was firmly on teamwork, skill development, and building match experience. Every player contributed positively, showing determination, enthusiasm, and a great attitude in both of their games. 

A big well done to Flo, Sofia, Henrietta, Iris, Daisy, India, Vicky, Kasvika, and Becky for their effort and sportsmanship. They should be very proud of how they represented the school and of the progress they made. 

 

Thursday 29th January 

U9/8 Swimming Gala 

On Thursday afternoon we were delighted to welcome Kings Hawford and RGS The Grange to our brilliant pool for the U9/8 swimming gala. As always, it was a fantastic event, filled with excitement, teamwork and great sportsmanship. A big thank you to all the parents who came along to spectate and cheer the swimmers on, your support made a huge difference. 

There were plenty of nervous but quietly excited children poolside, which is always part of what makes these events so special. The message to the swimmers was simple: do your best and enjoy the experience. They certainly did just that. We saw lots of strong performances across all races, with every swimmer giving maximum effort and showing great determination in the water. Just as importantly, there were plenty of smiley faces throughout the afternoon, especially afterwards when the swimmers enjoyed a well-earned sausage roll. 

A really enjoyable afternoon for everyone involved and a great celebration of effort, confidence and participation.