A Damp but Determined Week of Football and Netball

Tuesday 10th February 

U9/8 Football v RGS 

The Year 3 and 4 boys made the short journey over the river bridge on Wednesday afternoon to play their final football matches of the half term, taking on teams from RGS The Grange at The King’s School Worcester’s Cinderella Ground. Representing the A team for St. Alban’s were; Archie M, Charlie, Finley, Ivan, Mikaeel, Theo and Wilf. 

Facing a strong RGS side, and playing on a pitch that was particularly large for their age group, the boys soon realised that they were going to have to work exceptionally hard. They rose admirably to the challenge, putting in a brave and determined performance across three well-contested thirds. 

The opening third saw the boys under sustained pressure, but strong defensive work from Ivan and Finley, combined with a series of impressive saves from Archie M in goal, kept the score to just 0-1. The second third followed a similar pattern, with RGS The Grange again limited to only one additional goal. 

Playing against Year 4 opponents, Mikaeel and Wilf worked hard in midfield to challenge for the ball, while Theo put in an excellent all-round display, contributing in both defence and attack to help move the ball up to Charlie. Although the boys carved out a few chances of their own, they couldn’t quite convert them, and RGS The Grange secured the win. 

Despite the result, the team demonstrated excellent perseverance, teamwork and spirit throughout, giving their absolute all until the final whistle. After what has been a particularly busy and tiring half term – and having worked so hard on such a large pitch -the boys were understandably quite tired by the end. 

We hope they enjoy a well-earned rest next week and return refreshed and motivated for their next fixtures after half term. 

A big thank you to all the spectators who came along to support the team during a challenging match. Your encouragement, as always, is greatly appreciated. 

U9/8 Football v RGS 

The U8/9 Bs put in a fantastic performance against RGS The Grange, showing great energy, teamwork, and determination throughout the match. 

Hugo and Sam were outstanding, covering every blade of grass as they ran tirelessly up and down the pitch. Hugo was a constant attacking threat, making several strong solo runs and was deservedly rewarded with a well-taken goal after breaking through the defence. At the other end, Magson was superb in goal. He made a number of excellent saves, showing great bravery and willingness to put his body on the line to keep the team in the game when under pressure. 

Overall, it was a really positive team performance, full of effort and enthusiasm, and another great game for the squad to learn from. Well done to everyone involved! 

U9/8 Football v RGS 

On a wet afternoon at the Cinderella Ground, the pitches were in excellent condition and set the stage for a strong U8/9 performance against RGS, The Grange. The boys adapted brilliantly to the weather and showed great teamwork throughout. Rory impressed with some saves during his spell in goal and continued to work hard when playing outfield. Ben put in a solid defensive display, timing his tackles well and helping to keep the opposition at bay. Archie made some positive attacking runs, stretching the play and creating opportunities. Edward was rewarded for his efforts with a well-taken goal, showing good composure in front of the net. Akshay worked tirelessly all game and added a standout moment by saving a penalty when it was his turn in goal. Overall, it was a very good afternoon of football and learning, with plenty of positives to build on. 

U9/8 Netball v HCS and Monmouth 

The U8 and U9 teams enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of netball at the festival, where each school brought two teams and rotated matches against Haberdasher’s Monmouth and Hereford Cathedral School. Playing exciting 4/5‑a‑side Flier games across a third of the netball court, the children showcased brilliant teamwork, accurate passing and determined shooting, resulting in plenty of goals and end‑to‑end action. Every match was played with great enthusiasm, and it was wonderful to see the players grow in confidence as the festival progressed. The atmosphere was full of smiles, encouragement and noisy support from the sidelines. After the final whistle, all teams joined together for a well‑earned match tea of pizza and a cookie, enjoyed in a friendly circle that rounded off the afternoon perfectly. A special well done to Hibah and Tiegan, who stood out for their superb effort and were awarded Players of the Festival. 

Wednesday 11th February 

U11/10 Football v Winterfold 

The Year 5 and 6 boys travelled down the A449 to Winterfold School on Wednesday afternoon for their final football matches of the half term, with the U11 A team taking on a strong side from Winterfold. This week’s team, which was made up of; Ben, Dylan, Hugo, Jack C, Matthew, Max and Zack, featured several Year 5 players who have impressed with their football skills, effort and attitude in recent weeks. With Thea and Adam unavailable, it was a welcome opportunity for these younger boys to step up and play alongside the Year 6s. 

The boys knew they would need to perform at their very best against a talented Winterfold team that they had drawn with a few weeks previously. However, despite their hard work and positive attitude, they were ultimately outplayed by opponents who, according to their coach, produced their best football of the term. Although the result was disappointing, especially as the team from St. Alban’s had been unbeaten up to this point, there were still many encouraging moments to take forward. 

Hugo pulled off several exceptional saves that helped keep the scoreline down. Max led the team with passion and commitment in his role as captain, and all players showed determination and resilience right up to the final whistle. 

After an especially busy and tiring half term, the boys will no doubt benefit from a well-earned rest next week. They can take pride in their performances so far and use this experience as motivation when fixtures resume after the break. 

A huge thank you to all the spectators who came along to support the team during a difficult match – your encouragement is, as always, very much appreciated. 

U11/10 Football v Winterfold + Moor Park 

The U10/11 Bs played two very competitive games against Winterfold and Moor Park, showing fantastic effort, determination and resilience throughout both matches. 

A huge highlight of the day was Theo’s goal, the team’s first! It was a brilliant moment and thoroughly deserved, with everyone delighted to see the ball hit the back of the net. 

In goal, Haadi was outstanding, making some superb reaction saves to deny both oppositions. His bravery and sharp reflexes kept us in both games and gave the team real confidence. 

At the back, Monty, Eli and Pip were excellent. They defended with real determination, made important tackles and interceptions, and worked tirelessly to protect our goal. 

Further forward, Jacob and Joshua did well to find space and drive the team up the pitch. While we are still developing our link-up play in attacking areas, the effort to carry the ball forward and support teammates was clear to see. That will be the next step in our progress as a team. 

Overall, two great games of football with plenty of positives to take away. The attitude and commitment from every player was superb, and for that reason the whole team deserves to share Player of the Match honours. 

U11/10 Football v Winterfold 

The boys delivered an excellent performance against Winterfold, starting the match at a terrific pace and taking control early on. Their bright start was rewarded with four quick goals, setting the tone for the game. Bertie and Harvey were both in fine form, each grabbing two goals. Their attacking play was a joy to watch, showing great skill and confidence to dribble past defenders before calmly finishing into the net. 

In midfield and further forward, Rudy and George worked tirelessly for the team. Both were heavily involved in the build-up play and were unlucky not to get their names on the scoresheet after some promising attacking moments. Max also impressed with his movement, getting himself into good positions and always showing for the ball, eager to contribute to the team’s forward play. 

At the back, the defence was outstanding for much of the match. Jack and Daniel formed a strong and reliable partnership, communicating well and consistently winning possession back for the team. Their determination and strength helped keep Winterfold’s attacks at bay. Henry once again showed his quality between the posts, making sure the team kept a clean sheet during his time in goal. 

Although we conceded two late goals, the boys remained composed and saw out the game to secure a convincing and well-deserved victory. A fantastic team performance. Well done to everyone involved! 

U11/10 Netball v MSJ 

The U11A netball team produced an excellent performance in their fixture against Malvern St James, securing a confident and well‑deserved win. We began the match in what was possibly our strongest formation, and this solid start paid off immediately. The ball was moved smoothly through the court, with accurate feeding into the circle where Martha and Hannah worked superbly together. Their movement to receive the ball in the D was excellent, and a number of well‑taken goals quickly put us ahead. 

As the game progressed, we introduced several changes to give players experience in different positions. Romi impressed throughout with her calm and committed defensive play, reading the game well and making several crucial interceptions. Millie also shone when she stepped in at GD, applying pressure and disrupting MSJ’s attacking flow with confidence. 

While the team played with great determination, we identified areas for development, particularly around where to release the ball and meeting passes rather than running away from them. These are exciting refinements as we look ahead to IAPS in a couple of weeks’ time. 

A huge well done to Romi, who earned a thoroughly deserved Player of the Match award for her outstanding contribution. A fantastic result for the team! 

 

U11/10 Netball v MSJ 

The KSA U10 A netball team had a fantastic afternoon of netball against Malvern St James. In their opening match, they faced the MSJ U11/U10 B team and produced an excellent performance, winning several goals to nil. Strong defending and good teamwork helped them take their chances while completely preventing their opponents from scoring. 

They then stepped up to play the MSJ U11 A team and made an excellent start, pulling ahead 3–1 in the first half thanks to superb defending, dynamic centre court play and accurate shooting. 

Malvern St James came back strongly after the break and the game finished 4–3 in their favour. KSA showed great determination throughout and pushed an older U11 A side all the way in a closely contested match. The whole team played well and should be very proud of their effort, resilience and teamwork. Imogen and Maddie were Opposition Players of the Match. 

 

U11/10 Netball v MSJ 

Our U10 team delivered a fantastic performance against MSJ in what was an exciting and competitive match from start to finish. The girls showed great enthusiasm, improving teamwork, and growing confidence on court. 

From the first whistle, the team worked hard to move the ball down the court with quick passes and strong attacking play. The shooters demonstrated excellent focus in the circle, converting some well worked opportunities into valuable goals. In defence, the players applied consistent pressure, making important interceptions and forcing turnovers that kept us in the game. 

Throughout the match, communication and support for one another were clear to see, with players encouraging each other and showing real team spirit. The determination shown in every quarter made it a closely contested game and a great learning experience for everyone involved. 

A special mention goes to Vicky D, who was awarded Player of the match. Vicky showed outstanding determination from start to finish, never giving up on a ball and working tirelessly both in attack and defence. Her teamwork was exceptional, always supporting her teammates, creating space, and helping to build play. Her positive attitude and effort throughout the match truly earned her the recognition. 

Well done to the whole team for their hard work and sportsmanship, keep it up!