Sports Review: Confidence soars on the sports pitches.

U8 Hockey Festival at Winterfold

On Tuesday a group of girls from Year 3 headed to Winterfold to take part in their Hockey Festival. Having missed out on the last festival, nerves and excitement were high as the girls warmed up. Any nerves quickly vanished as the players settled into their first game. Working hard to move the ball around the pitch and put into practice what they have been learning in their games sessions, the girls had a great afternoon of hockey and very much enjoyed playing against three other schools.

U8 & U9 Swimming Gala

Twenty-six Year 3 and 4 children headed to King’s St. Alban’s on Thursday to compete in their first swimming gala of the year.  They were competing against the hosts and RGS The Grange. The children showed excellent sportsmanship and supported their teammates in every race. The competition was strong, and it seemed that most races came down to the wire. There were impressive swims from Finn M-P, Pippa P and James B, each of whom came first in their individual races. Pippa P should also be commended for an outstanding flying last leg of the Year 4 Girls Medley Relay, which pushed their team into first place.

The Year 3s also competed extremely well in what was their first gala representing King’s Hawford. There were fantastic swims from all and some tight races from Zara O and Charlotte F, as well as Ruby K and Daisy E. Austin R and Johannes K deserve mentions for competing in two individual races each, and Austin for swimming up a year group for the Year 4s in their relay team. All swimmers should be proud of their performances, and we have taken away lots that the children can work on, ready for the next swimming gala next term.

U9 Hockey v Winterfold

“The greatest game you can win, is won within”

King’s Hawford hosted Winterfold in the final hockey fixture of the season for the U9s.

Despite the chilly, wintery afternoon, there was a noticeable improvement in the team throughout the two matches. Both games saw lots of passes being strung together to create opportunities. The girls were better at communicating and spacing throughout the game, resulting in a couple of stunning goals courtesy of Millie and Iza. It was the continual pressure that the girls put on our opponents that created the opportunities, despite the tricky conditions underfoot.

One of the highlights of the game was Elizabeth’s reverse stick play, sending the ball through an open space onto the wing, where Millie converted the pass into a goal.

Pippa, Pip K, Iza and Jess worked well in attack, creating scoring opportunities, supported by some excellent and confident defending in the D from Lily, Olivia G, Olivia W and Lyra.

Throughout our hockey games this season, a phrase often used has been “All things are difficult before they are easy.” The Girls’ Games Staff have seen great improvement on the pitch and key hockey skills have developed, shown in attacking and defensive match play. We are proud of the girls’ efforts this season and thank the families who have come to support them.

U11 Rugby v Blue Coat

The under 11 boys played their final set of fixtures on Wednesday with a triangular fixture at Blue Coat school involving the hosts and Eversfield. The King’s Hawford boys played some fantastic rugby showing skill, organisation and determination. It was a fitting climax to a wonderful term, the boys should be proud of their efforts and they have represented the school brilliantly. They now look forward to three 7s tournaments in the Spring Term including our first visit to the Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s festival.