On the Pitch and Court: This Week in Sport

Tuesday 20th January 

U9/8 Football v The Elms

The Year 3 and 4 boys made the short journey over the Malvern Hills on Tuesday afternoon to play their second football match of the term, taking on a team from The Elms School. 

Ivan, Wilf, Hugo, Archie M, Finley, Charlie, Mikaeel and Gabriel combined to form a spirited mixed Year 3 and 4 side, and they got off to the perfect start when Charlie scored a well-taken goal within the first two minutes. The Elms responded quickly, however, levelling the score soon afterwards. 

Strong link-up play down the right between Finley and Ivan provided several promising opportunities, and Wilf’s speed and energy in attack were rewarded when he scored to restore St. Alban’s lead. At the back, Hugo was solid in defence and helped move the ball forward to Mikaeel, who looked dangerous on the left wing. Archie M was reliable in goal, making some important interventions when called upon. 

Further goals followed for both teams, and with just ten minutes remaining the match was finely poised, with St. Alban’s holding a narrow lead. A tactical reshuffle saw Hugo move into goal while Archie M and Ivan dropped back into defence. This proved decisive, allowing Gabriel to thread the ball through to Charlie and Wilf, who each added another goal. Wilf’s final attack resulted in him scoring to earn a well-deserved hat-trick. 

The boys thoroughly enjoyed the match and gained valuable experience that will undoubtedly benefit them in their upcoming fixtures this term. They were a pleasure to coach, and it was rewarding to see how much confidence and understanding they gained from the game. 

Thank you to all the spectators who came along to support the boys – as always, your encouragement was very much appreciated! 

U9/8 Football v The Elms

The U9s enjoyed a strong outing against The Elms, producing a performance full of energy and teamwork. Rory worked well in goal and earned a well‑deserved clean sheet. In defence, Milan, Akshay, and Xander were solid throughout, making smart interceptions and keeping the opposition quiet. 

The midfield of Magson, Geoffrey, Archie, and Edward worked tirelessly, showing great energy and determination. Their effort allowed the team to win the midfield battle and provided the platform for attacking opportunities. Up front, Sam led the line brilliantly, taking his chances well and finding the back of the net on several occasions. His movement and link‑up play were a real highlight. Overall, this was an impressive all‑round team performance, with every player contributing to a confident and well‑earned result. 

U9/8 Netball v The Elms

The U9 and U8 teams produced an outstanding series of netball performances against The Elms this week, showing a remarkable transformation from last week. From the first centre pass, it was clear they were playing with far greater determination and confidence. Their desire to win had strengthened significantly, and this was reflected in the way they moved the ball swiftly and purposefully down the court. Some matches were tightly contested, but the girls maintained composure, worked hard, and capitalised on their opportunities, scoring some well‑earned goals. 

A special well done to Hibah and Tiegan who were deservedly awarded Players of the Match for their exceptional effort, skill, and teamwork. 

Overall, the teams secured four wins, one draw, and one loss, an impressive set of results that highlights just how superb their improvement has been since last week. A brilliant effort from everyone involved. 

Wednesday 21st January 

U11/10 Football v The Elms 

After last week’s tournament was unfortunately called off due to frozen pitches, this fixture marked our first game of the term and a welcome return to football. 

Before kick-off, the boys were told that we would be experimenting with positions and using the game as an opportunity to try new things. Played on a very big pitch, the conditions actually worked in our favour, giving the players more time on the ball. The boys responded superbly, working exceptionally hard up and down the pitch from start to finish. 

Hugo was solid in goal throughout, commanding his area well and giving confidence to those in front of him. Adam played two of the thirds in defence and was an absolute rock, using his strength and pace to shut down The Elms’ attacking threats. Max worked tirelessly and was the engine in midfield, covering huge ground and linking play effectively. Jack impressed playing wide midfield and showed great team spirit by dropping into defence late on to help see the game out. 

Overall, it was a really good team performance and an enjoyable game of football. On another day, the boys could well have deserved to win it, but the match finished 1–1. A great start to the term and plenty of positives to build on. 

Player of the Match: Adam C. 

 

U11/10 Football v The Elms 

The Year 5/6 boys put in a committed and determined performance in their fixture against a strong Elms side, despite defeat. The team showed great resilience throughout and demonstrated encouraging signs of development across the pitch. 

Haadi produced an excellent display in goal, making several strong saves and showing real bravery under pressure. In defence, Monty was outstanding, repeatedly stepping in to block shots and making life difficult for the opposition attackers. 

Dylan and Eli brought fantastic energy and drive, working hard to regain possession and carry the ball forward whenever possible. Pip and Jacob also battled tirelessly, looking to move the ball up the pitch and support both defence and attack. Up front, Joshua worked relentlessly to press the opposition’s defence and create openings, while Max was a constant threat on the break, looking dangerous whenever the team pushed forward. 

Although the result didn’t go their way, the boys should be proud of their effort and teamwork. They represented the school brilliantly and will take valuable experience into their upcoming fixtures. 

 

U11/10 Football v The Elms  

The U10 team put in a fantastic effort against a strong Elms side, and despite the loss, there was plenty to be proud of from the lads’ performance. From the first whistle to the last, the team showed great determination and work rate. Harvey M and Bertie W were tireless throughout the game, covering huge amounts of ground and never stopping their efforts for the team. Their energy set the tone and kept the side pushing forward. Jeremiah L found himself in some excellent positions, showing great awareness and strength on the ball. He protected possession well under pressure and deservedly got on the scoresheet with a well-taken goal. 

At the back, Jack J was outstanding in defence, consistently shutting down Elms’ attacks and making it difficult for the opposition to break through. His commitment and focus were a real highlight of the game. 

Overall, it was a hard-fought match with plenty of positives to take forward. The lads worked hard for each other and showed great attitude and teamwork right to the end. Well done to everyone involved. 

 

U11 Netball 

The U11 team faced tough opposition in their matches against Bromsgrove and King’s Hawford, finishing 8–3 and 6–3 down respectively. Despite the results, there was a huge amount to be pleased about, particularly as this was the girls’ first experience playing with 10ft height nets. They created numerous shooting opportunities, but understandably found it harder to convert—something we will continue to develop in training as they adapt to the increased height. 

A special well done to Hannah (GS), who worked tirelessly in the D. She chased every ball with determination, showing excellent movement. Nell was phenomenal at centre, driving the ball up and down the court with stamina, grit, and constant availability. 

For several players, this was also their first time competing in such a challenging environment, and at moments it felt overwhelming. However, their attitude, speed through the court, and discipline in marking were genuinely impressive. 

Well done to all the girls for their effort and resilience.

 

U10 Netball

The U10 King’s St Alban’s netball teams took part in a triangular fixture against Bromsgrove and King’s Hawford, showing great teamwork and determination throughout. In their first game against Bromsgrove, the match was evenly poised at halftime before the girls pulled away to secure a well-deserved 5–3 win. Imogen delivered some super shooting, and all the girls worked tirelessly and showed clear improvement in their marking and passing as the match progressed. 

In the second match against King’s Hawford, the girls were involved in a closely fought contest, with a 0–0 scoreline at halftime. A special mention goes to Sophie, who was playing in her first ever school netball match and made several interceptions. Although the team conceded a few goals in the second half, they continued to show resilience and effort right to the final whistle. Overall, the girls demonstrated lots of potential and, with continued work on positioning, driving onto the ball and passing ahead, they have a very exciting season ahead. 

U10 Netball

The U10 Netball team took part in a competitive triangle tournament against Bromsgrove and Kings Hawford. All players showed great enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the matches, working hard in every position, supporting one another on court and growing in confidence with every match. 

In the first game against Bromsgrove, the team moved the ball confidently down the court and worked well to create attacking opportunities. This momentum continued into the second match against Kings Hawford, where the girls showed resilience and focus, especially when under pressure. 

A special mention goes to Becky D and Vicky D for their excellent start to KSA sport. In their first fixture with us, they demonstrated great attacking play and accurate movement, creating strong chances for the team. Another special mention goes to Daisy L, who demonstrated outstanding defence and determination right until the final whistle, consistently challenging the opposition and never giving up. 

Overall, it was a fantastic team effort, and the girls should be very proud of their performance and positive attitude throughout the tournament.