Sport’s Round up of The Week

Swimming

The Year five and six swimmers have enjoyed several superb performances during the first half of this academic year.

The children have been working with impressive levels of focus, determination and commitment within their timetabled PE lessons, after school clubs and early morning swimming sessions. This hard work and passion in the pool has resulted in multiple dominant displays in competitions. So far this academic year, no fewer than 35 children across the two year groups have been selected to represent King’s Hawford across three local galas. The most recent of which took place last Thursday evening at King’s St Alban’s.

For several of the Year five children, this was their first gala of the year and it was wonderful to see them stepping up and demonstrating the excellent progress that they have made. Despite the excitement and slight intimidation of swimming in front of a crowd of parents and other spectators, the children did not let it phase them; they swam with confidence and conviction to achieve numerous strong positions in races against King’s St Alban’s and RGS The Grange. Ruby K and Arthur G produced especially impressive performances, achieving second place finishes in the backstroke and breaststroke respectively.

The Year six children have been truly outstanding in their swimming endeavours. We have a plethora of strong and dedicated swimmers throughout the year group and their talents were on full display during Thursday’s gala, winning a remarkable nine out of ten races. In several of these races King’s Hawford swimmers claimed both first and second place. A special mention should go to Olivia G, Pippa P, Thea E, Lyra H, Millie B, Charles C, Harry G, George C, Noah L, James B, Arthur A and Arthur O for all finishing either first or second in their individual and/or relay races.

As a result of these superb performances, the King’s Hawford team were announced as the overall winners of the gala; continuing their 100% record in city galas this academic year. The attention now turns towards the IAPS swimming competition in which a squad of swimmers will compete at Millfield School in an attempt to qualify for the national finals; an achievement that would make it four consecutive years of national final representation for King’s Hawford swimmers.

At King’s Hawford we are proud of every one of our children’s efforts and progress in the pool, which starts with their very first tentative splashes in our school pool whilst in Kindergarten. It is lovely to see so many children embrace the opportunity to make progress in their swimming endeavours throughout their time with us, whether that be working hard in lessons and having fun with their friends or representing the school in local, regional and national level competitions. Every child embodies our ethos of ‘giving it a go’ and the commitment and progress that each and every one of them makes  is a credit to them all.

Netball

Match Report: King’s Girls Shine in U11s Netball Tournament

On a chilly Saturday morning, the U11 netball teams from King’s travelled to Warwick for an exciting tournament.

Partnering with St Alban’s, King’s fielded two teams to compete against several strong prep schools from across the region. Despite the freezing conditions, both teams displayed remarkable resilience, skill, and determination throughout the day, with unwavering support from family and friends.

Facing physical opponents and fast-paced play, King’s proved to be a formidable force, securing several wins and draws against tough competition. Out of twelve teams, King’s secured an impressive 4th and 5th place finish, outperforming teams from R.G.S, Warwick, and King Henry’s.

Key highlights included fast transitions, excellent shooting under pressure, and brilliant defensive displays that frustrated opponents. The teams worked tirelessly to lose markers, executed solid tactics in centre-court play, and maintained their momentum with quick ball delivery and patient build-ups. Fabulous turnovers showcased their ability to seize crucial opportunities, adding to their success and goal difference. The King’s Hawford girls of Millie, Marnie, Olivia G, Elizabeth, Thea, Iza MP represented the King’s community with passion and pride and Mrs Beech and Mrs Butt were extremely proud of all the netballers and their achievement.

This tournament was only the second match experience of the season for King’s, making their performance even more commendable. Their teamwork, adaptability, and commitment were evident throughout, marking a significant achievement at this stage of their development.

A fantastic effort by both teams, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the season!

Match Report: U11 Netball v Bromsgrove School

Mrs Beech – Two Teams

The U11s showcased their talent in a thrilling encounter against Bromsgrove, playing England Netball’s Bee Netball five-a-side format.

The games captained by Olivia G and Pippa P, were fiercely contested, with both teams demonstrating energy and determination throughout. From the first whistle, the matches were fast-paced, with both of Mrs Beech’s teams displaying impressive control in their passing and accuracy in their throws. Pippa P, Sophie W, Millie and Marnie made excellent use of the court, smartly widening the play to exploit the available space.

Mary, Elizabeth and Chloe used their ability to drive into space allowing for seamless transitions through the thirds, keeping the opposition under constant pressure. Defensively, both teams were resolute, holding their positions effectively and forcing errors from the Bromsgrove attack. Marnie and Pippa P were a dominance on the courts along with Iza who worked tirelessly, turning over possession and limiting scoring opportunities for their opponents.

At the shooting end, our players were on fire, Millie, Marnie, Chloe T, Sophie W and Pippa P sinking goals from all angles with confidence and precision. Their clinical finishing was a standout feature of the match and a key factor in all three matches.

Overall, it was a brilliant performance, winning three out of the four matches, combining teamwork, skill, and determination. The U11s should be proud of their effort and execution in what was a fantastic display of Bee Netball.

Bromsgrove awarded player of the match: Marnie, Mary & Pippa P.

Mrs Beech awarded Coach player: Iza and Olivia G.

U10 vs Bromsgrove

Miss Holtham’s team delivered a dominant performance in match against Bromsgrove School, showcasing excellent movement on court and outstanding teamwork. From the first whistle, they took control of the game, demonstrating skill, strategy, and cohesion in every play. Captains Abbie and Izzy led their teams brilliantly throughout.

Their attacking play was dynamic, with quick and accurate passing creating numerous scoring opportunities. Ariana and India linked nicely into the circle with Ariana converting numerous scoring opportunities in both games. Defensively, the team applied relentless pressure, making it difficult for Bromsgrove to break through, Valerie and Ruby stood out for their efforts in marking and intercepting. Every player contributed to a well-structured and disciplined performance, ensuring they stayed ahead throughout the game. The players of the match were Izzy W and Ariana P.

Miss Lake’s Team

From the first whistle, Miss Lake’s team dominated match play. The team showed great progress with quick passes from the centre circle, sending the ball quickly to the D. Thea, Jess and Olivia W’s accuracy when shooting was pleasing, clear evidence of hard work in lessons and practice at break time. Lily and Chloe S formed a great partnership in defence, keeping a tight reign on their opposing players. King’s Hawford finished with a commanding win with no goals conceded from the opposition. Bromsgrove awarded Chloe S player of the match and Miss Lake would like to recognise Jess for her enthusiasm and resilience in the game, intercepting many goals and finding plenty of space on the court.

Match Report from Pippa P:

Wednesday‘s game of netball, which was played away at Bromsgrove, was a great continuation of the Year Six girls developing netball skills.

Captain Pippa P won the toss outwitting her opponent with Rock, Paper, Scissors – enabling King’s Hawford to choose the first centre pass.

In the first quarter all players stuck closely to their partners, marking well and making crucial interceptions. King’s Goal Attack of Chloe T and Pippa P scored several goals before the whistle went for the end of the first quarter. After a quick change of positions the girls were back on court, ready to face the second quarter. Mary W darted around the court making quick efficient passes enabling the shooters of Elizabeth and Sophie to add to Hawford’s building score. While Bromsgrove players continued to mark well, King’s players took advantage of short passes and rebounds adding more goals to the scoresheet.

During the third quarter, the ball frustratingly refused to go through the net as Hawford tired slightly.

After a quick team talk and refreshing drink, the players returned to the court prepared for the final quarter. As it began it was obvious the team was determined to end on a high note and there was a flurry of goals before the final whistle.

After the three cheers for a friendly yet competitive opposition, Mary W was awarded player of the match and King’s Hawford finished with a win recorded at 23-4 which was well deserved victory for the girls.

Match Report from Olivia G:

On Wednesday we had a match against Bromsgrove. Lyra was outstanding at shooting getting in lots of goals. Marnie was whizzing around the netball court, intercepting the ball. Millie was amazing at helping Lyra get in lots of goals and even scoring multiple times herself. Iza was also outstanding. She was intercepting the ball getting it up in the attacking third. The first game we won 8-3 which was a really good result as we played really well. Even though we were really tired when we played our next game we only lost by a couple of goals and we had some injuries. Mrs Beech was really pleased with how we played and moved around the court.

Match Report from Thea:

On Wednesday the girls and I set off to Bromsgrove. When we got there we put on our bibs and played a great match. Chloe S played great defence work and was good at passing the ball up the court. Jess K did some lovely passes and well timed interceptions. Lily SH did some really strong passes to attackers. Olivia W did some amazing goals along with Thea. Chloe S got the well deserved player of the match award.

U10 Netball Against Bromsgrove School

Mrs Butt’s Team 1

We enjoyed a little sunshine on Wednesday afternoon and welcomed four teams from Bromsgrove to play Netball against our U10 girls.

Georgia captained the team beautifully today and reminded us all what a fantastic addition she has been to this wonderful group of girls in Year 5. Georgia headed up the initial shooting pair along with Valerie and the girls were able to lay a strong foundation securing three important goals in the first five minutes. Bella made a significant impact at Centre and distributed the ball fluidly in centre court before moving on rotation to Goal shooter alone with Daisy putting another three goals away expertly at the post.

The girls grew in confidence and moved the ball up the court effortlessly creating attack after attack. They coped with the quick rotations of positions well and were able to showcase a strong performance with every rotation made. Abbie made an impact in both centre court and in the shooting circle, as did Ariana with numerous interceptions. When the two girls teamed up as a shooting pair they made a huge impact with numerous well executed shots on target to extend the lead.

It was a very positive afternoon with some fantastic displays of team work and skill.

Players’ Player – Bella P

Coaches Player – Valerie M

Mrs Butt’s Team 2

Zara led her team as Captain through a thorough and independent warm-up on court side with the girls ready to play as they took to the court. Bromsgrove played some fast flowing and slick attacking Netball that required the girls to dig deep throughout the game.

Rosie made some excellent deliveries from the middle of the court as Centre setting up a dominant shooting pair of Charlotte and Zara to secure three early goals.

The middle section of the game saw Bromsgrove regain momentum and some goals but our defense did not stop working, particularly Florrie and Jasmine who maintained their intensity and work rate to break down the Bromsgrove attack at every opportunity.

After following the rotations Charlotte was once again in a shooting role as Goal Shooter and continued her consistent run of accurate shooting to pull the score back to a one point game. Despite the fantastic efforts of the girls they were unable to hold on to the lead and a strong combination from Bromsgrove were able to finish with the win.

There was some very promising play on Wednesday, particularly in attack, and some areas that the girls were able to identify as “work ons” for their next training session but all in all the girls should be incredibly proud of their performance and their work rate.

Player’s Player – Charlotte F

Coaches Player – Florrie W

Football

U10 Boys Football Away at Winterfold

The Year 5 A&B Football teams had two extremely competitive fixtures away at Winterfold House on Wednesday, finishing narrowly on the wrong side of the scorelines in both games. The B team battled superbly throughout, after a tough first half, and scored a couple of well-taken goals, the best of which was a penalty from Alex dispatched into the bottom corner. The A Team found themselves playing uphill in the first half and soon were a couple of breakaway goals down, despite having the balance of play in our favour, and displaying excellent tiki-taka attacking play. The second half was a different story, and the boys scored three goals which can only be described as “screamers” – Austin, Charles and Harry all getting on the scoresheet. At one point it looked very much like we were going to getting back on equal terms as we hit the woodwork no fewer than four times but, in our quest to equalise, Winterfold scored a couple more on the break. An excellent afternoon of sport, with both teams demonstrating admirable resilience throughout.

U9 Boys Football vs The Downs and Winterfold

On Tuesday afternoon the U9 boys welcomed both Malvern The Downs and Winterfold School for a triangular football fixture on the top field. The boys started by playing The Downs and quickly impressed with high levels of determination and energy. It was wonderful to see them trying hard to apply their target of passing the ball in attack and this led to an early first goal for Thomas H following a superb cross from the left from Joshy R. Resolute defending from Isaac H, Rupert T and Cassian W enabled the Hawford boys to keep the lead for much of the game. Bruce W was a constant threat, showing highly impressive levels of energy and a combative spirit in midfield and he was soon able to provide another testing ball into the box which Thomas was able to pounce on to secure his brace. The next match saw Hawford take on a strong Winterfold side who showed some nice passing and clever footwork to take an early lead. The Hawford boys rallied but, despite some intelligent decision making, composure on the ball and accurate passing from Cassian W in midfield, we were unable to find the back of the Winterfold net. It was brilliant to see the boys starting to gel together as a team and we will take this progress into next week’s match with King’s St Alban’s.

Under 8 Football

Our Under 8 football squad played their first matches of the season with home advantage on Tuesday this week, competing in a triangular mini-tournament with Winterfold and The Downs. It was great to see them putting into practice much of what they had learnt in training, playing out well from the back, looking to move the ball quickly and pressing hard in defence. There were a number of standout performances in amongst some high-quality team play, that saw them win both matches comfortably. Billy K led the line well, scoring a number of well taken goals. Frank O’M and William C played an end-to-end game supporting the lone striker and covering the defence. It was Rupert C who caught the eye the most, making a number of marauding runs down the wing; his locks flowing in the wind, reminiscent of David Ginola in his heyday. This was a very encouraging day for the boys.

Under 11 Football

Mr Stigant’s Under 11 side returned to the scene of their final minute victory last week as they travelled to take on RGS the Grange for a second time.  The boys, once again, gave a very positive account of themselves against strong opposition. Charles C made a nuisance of himself up front and bagged a brace of goals, Nayel M-S did not stop running in midfield and Freddie B was a rock at the centre of the defence. However, the performance of the day was put in by the goalkeeper Alex A, who made a number of fantastic saves, thwarting waves of opposition attacks. The highlight being a perfect hattrick of saves, firstly (and possibly inadvertently) with his head, then his left arm and, finally, his right hand.  This was another very satisfying performance from a side who are developing quickly into an excellent team unit.

U11 Football vs RGS The Grange

Fresh from their victory in the cup final of the Matty Thacker Tournament, Mr Hodgkins’s U11 side were keen to test their skills against this week’s opposition RGS The Grange. Having lost 1-0 to them in the group stage of last week’s tournament, this was an opportunity to show how much progress the boys had made as a team. Despite being without James B and Arthur O through illness and injury respectively, the boys were excellent in the first half, demonstrating organisation and shape in defence. Barnaby J, Oliver G and Arthur A were impenetrable at the back and Thomas C was on top form yet again in goal.

The strength of the defence set the tone for much of the match with Henry K, Jude R and George PW looking threatening on the counter-attack. Towards the end of the first half George went on a strong run towards the RGS penalty area and was bought down outside the box. Henry stepped up and curled his left footed free kick into the bottom right hand corner to give Hawford the lead.

The second half followed a similar pattern with RGS having much of the possession but struggling to find a way through the Hawford defence. With a little over five minutes to play, Jude collected the ball in midfield and drove forward showing good footwork to beat his man before finding George with a defence splitting pass into the box. George collected the ball and showed superb composure to apply an outstanding finish into the roof of the RGS net to double the Hawford lead. Again RGS came back strong and managed to grab a consolation goal before the final whistle. Mr Hodgkins was delighted with the determination and work rate of the entire team as well as the defensive discipline and organisation on display.