KSA Sports Roundup – A Week of Exciting Competitions and Team Spirit

It has been another action-packed week of sport at KSA, with our pupils showcasing their enthusiasm, teamwork, and sportsmanship across a range of exciting events. From netball tournaments to football fixtures, our students have truly given it their all. Here’s a look back at this week’s thrilling sporting moments!

 

Tuesday 4th February 

U9/8 Football v The Downs and Moor Park – Mr Jenkinson 

 Ten boys from Year 3 and 4 travelled to Malvern to play for the U8/9 B team in two football matches against The Downs and Moor Park prep schools on Tuesday (4th) afternoon. 

Instead of having players stood on the sideline, a couple of the boys very graciously volunteered to play for The Downs in the first match, so that as many boys as possible could take part in it. It turned out to be a very even match, with both teams trying their best to pass the ball up the pitch into the other team’s half, to get into a goalscoring position. Despite both teams having several chances, neither team were able to get the ball in the back of the unusually small goals, with the match ending in a creditable 0-0 draw. However, the heavens opened part way through the second match against Moor Park, which, understandably, had a negative impact on some of the boys’ focus and effort. Although they were very wet, most of the boys showed excellent determination and perseverance to carry on with the game, in difficult conditions, and their courage and endeavour soon paid off; Magson found himself with the ball in space and managed to get his shot away in time, which the goalkeeper from Moor Park was unable to save, meaning that St. Alban’s went 1-0 up. Unfortunately, the lead didn’t last long as Moor Park capitalised on a lack of St. Alban’s defenders, which resulted in them scoring the equaliser, which is how the match ended. Whilst this was a difficult afternoon for all of the boys, due to the character-building weather, it also proved a good opportunity for the boys to experience the importance of working together for each other as a team. Well done to Max M, George, Rudy, Archie H, Milan and Gabriel for their efforts, a special mention must go to Player of the Match, Magson, as well as Max C, Daniel and Akshay, who all demonstrated fantastic effort and determination throughout both games – well done boys! 

Thank you very much to the parents who braved the wet conditions to come along and support the boys. 

U9/8 Football v The Downs and Moor Park – Mr Hooman 

On Tuesday afternoon, despite the terrible conditions, the boys showed incredible determination and played some excellent football in both matches against Hereford Cathedral and Moor Park. In the first match against The Downs, the team displayed great teamwork and skill. The highlight of the game was a fantastic team goal finished off by Jeremiah, showcasing the boys’ ability to work together and create scoring opportunities. 

The second fixture against Moor Park was equally exciting. Due to a shortage of players, we lent a few of our boys to the Moor Park team. Jeremiah once again demonstrated his talent by scoring a brilliant goal, this time while helping out the Moor Park team. Matthew also made a significant impact by winning the ball back and scoring a fantastic goal from outside the box, which flew into the corner of the net. 

Well done to all the boys for their hard work and perseverance in challenging conditions.  

POTM – Matthew B 

Wednesday 5th February 

 U11/10 Football v Hereford Cathedral – Mr Jenkinson 

 Wednesday afternoon saw the U11 A team play a strong team from Hereford Cathedral School at the Cinderella Ground. 

The team started well as the defence, made up of Ben J, Thea and Nell, successfully closed down Hereford’s attacks. Oscar looked threatening in attack, whilst Charles, Ben D, Max and Arlo were all solid in midfield. Halfway through the first half, Hereford capitalised on a kick out from goalkeeper Harry, when their player managed to break free from Nell, just managing to get his shot away in time. Despite having made several commanding saves, Harry was unable to save the shot, on this occasion, resulting in Hereford cathedral School going 1-0 up. However, the team didn’t let this affect them and they rallied together to work the ball up the pitch, but were unable to get the ball in the back of Hereford’s goal. The second half followed a similar vein, before Ben J gave away a penalty with a mistimed challenge. Hereford took advantage to score from a well taken penalty, which meant the match ended 0-2. Despite the loss, this was another good team performance, with some excellent determination, teamwork and skill displayed by the whole team, but especially from Max, Thea and Nell. It also served to be a valuable lesson as to just how important it is to stay focussed and not lose concentration, even for a few seconds, as this proved to be the difference between drawing and losing this match. 

Well done to Harry, Ben J, Oscar, Arlo, Thea, Max, Ben D, Charles and Player of the Match, Nell, for all of their effort, teamwork and perseverance, throughout the match. Thank you also to all of the parents who came along to support the team. 

U11/10 Football v Hereford Cathedral – Mr Rowley 

The U11/10s put in a determined performance against Hereford CS, showing great teamwork and resilience. Ben F was outstanding in defence, consistently breaking up opposition attacks and turning them into opportunities going forward. His vision and work rate helped the team create some excellent chances. Henry I was solid in goal, making several brilliant saves to keep the team in the game. Despite facing strong opposition, the team played with great energy and commitment, battling until the final whistle. A fantastic effort from all the players, showing real progress and determination. 

POTM – Ben F 

U11/10 Football v Hereford Cathedral – Mr Hooman 

It was a pleasure to take these boys for the first time this season in a brilliant triangular against two Hereford Cathedral School teams. Leo started in goal and made some good saves, showing his skill in distributing the ball effectively. He also stepped out of goal to play centre midfield, where he excelled at beating opponents and scored a well-deserved goal in the final game. 

Pip T, Jake K, and Crispin N were solid in defence, consistently winning the ball back and looking up to not only clear the ball away from the KSA goal but also to find a teammate. Jackson and George P played wide in midfield, demonstrating good ball control and transitioning the ball from defence into attack. 

Joshua impressed up front, making good runs and creating several chances for himself. Brody also had a stint in goal and performed well, making a few good saves. 

Overall, the boys had a fantastic afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed their football. 

 

U11/10 A Netball v Hereford Cathedral – Miss Jordan 

On Wednesday afternoon, over at Hereford Cathedral school, the girls had a great afternoon of netball. It was the first time this season that the netball dresses had made an appearance and they loved wearing them.  

 The A team started well in their 7 a side game. There was some excellent movement up the court and some great interception in defence. We were 5-1 up after the first quarter. However, in the 2nd quarter, Hereford tried to pull it back and were excellent with their defence. At the end of the second half 9-4 to KSA. In the 3rd quarter, although tired, the girls picked up a gear and were soon leading 15-6. After a quick change for the 4th quarter to enable the girls to experience different positions ready for the Stinger tournament at IAPS, the score ended up 18-10 to KSA. A special shout out to Skye, who was awarded player of the match by Hereford. She was superb as GS and then GA in the last quarter, she did not make any footwork errors and along with Zara, scored many of our goals. Well done all. 

U11/10 B Netball v Hereford Cathedral – Mrs Clark 

On Wednesday, our Year 5 & 6 girls played a thrilling 7-a-side netball match against Hereford Cathedral School. The B Team started strong, demonstrating great progress and putting into practice the skills we’ve been working on in recent lessons. 

Our attacking circle was particularly impressive, with Tilly and Phoebe working brilliantly together. Phoebe had an outstanding game, scoring an incredible 9 goals, while Tilly added another 7 to the tally. In defence, Sophia delivered a standout performance, making several crucial interceptions that helped keep the opposition at bay. 

It was also fantastic to see Daisy and Flo, who have had less netball experience, stepping up with confidence and showing excellent improvement in their footwork. Their contribution played a key role in the team’s overall success. 

The final score was a fantastic 16-3 victory, with Phoebe deservedly earning ‘Player of the Match’ for her outstanding attacking display. 

Well done to all the players for their teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship! 

 

U11/10 C Netball v Hereford Cathedral – Miss Jordan 

The C team were up next and played the 5 a side stingers rotation game. It was lovely to see a slightly slower paced game with lots of thought into their play and where to go once they passed the ball. Again there were very few footwork calls which shows the strength of this cohort of girls. Isy was excellent in her movement in and around the D and Romi was always well placed to catch the ball. Well done to Martha who was awarded player of the match by Hereford. At quarter time, the score was 1-0 to KSA. At half time it was 3-0 to KSA. After the 3rd quarter it was 5-0 to KSA and the final score was 6-0. Well done all!   

U11/10 D Netball v Hereford Cathedral – Mrs Clark 

What a fantastic performance from this team! The girls played 5-a-side Bee Netball, rotating positions each quarter, which allowed everyone to showcase their skills. It was especially exciting to see some of our newer players demonstrating such confident and composed netball. 

A standout performance came from Emily D, who has made remarkable progress in such a short time. Her effort and skill earned her the well-deserved title of ‘Player of the Match’—well done, Emily! 

Emilia and Hannah showed great accuracy in shooting, helping to secure our 4-2 victory. A special mention also goes to Hannah for her tireless movement and excellent positioning throughout the game. 

Well done to all the players for their teamwork and determination—an excellent match!