Sports Round-Up: A Week of Fantastic Achievements!

This week has been packed with sporting action, with our pupils representing the school in a variety of competitions and fixtures. From cross country and swimming championships to netball and football festivals, our young athletes have displayed determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship in every event.

A huge well done to all pupils who took part, whether competing in competitions or enjoying friendly matches in the sunshine. These experiences are invaluable for their development, both as athletes and as team players. Read on for all the highlights from another fantastic week of sport at King’s St Alban’s!

National Prep Schools Cross Country Competition Report 

On Sunday, under glorious sunshine, seven pupils travelled to Malvern College to compete in the prestigious National Prep Schools Cross Country Competition. 

After arriving, the team collected their vests and tagged running numbers before setting off to walk the course. As expected, the route presented a tough challenge, with steep hills, slippery terrain, and tricky sections to navigate. However, the team remained upbeat and unfazed, showing fantastic positivity and resilience. 

With over 200 competitors in each race, the scale of the event became clear as the runners lined up at the starting line. Despite the fierce competition, every pupil demonstrated outstanding determination and gave their all, representing the school with pride. 

All our runners should feel incredibly proud of their performances. A huge thank you goes to the parents for their invaluable support and encouragement on the day. 

ESSA Primary Schools’ Swim Team Relay Championship Report 

On Tuesday, we took 10 pupils to Malvern to compete in the ESSA Primary Schools’ Swim Team Relay Championship. This prestigious event saw our swimmers take part in both the freestyle relay and medley relay, showcasing the hard work they have done with Mrs Woodger at early morning swim. 

Although there were some pre-race nerves, the team showed great determination and gave their very best in the pool. Every pupil swam exceptionally well, demonstrating excellent technique and team spirit. 

To round off the day, there were some individual races, where our pupils not only performed brilliantly but also showed fantastic support for their teammates – cheering them on with great enthusiasm from poolside. 

We are incredibly proud of all our swimmers and now eagerly await the official results, which are expected before Easter. 

Well done to everyone who took part – you were a credit to the school! 

Tuesday 4th March 

U8/9 Netball matches against Malvern St James – Miss Jordan 

 On Tuesday, the girls had a wonderful afternoon of netball in the sunshine. We started with two 4 a side teams, some playing towards goals and some playing across a third whereby they had to knock a ball off a cone to score. We then swapped so all girls had the opportunity to shoot into the hoops. It was really good fun and we didn’t keep any score as it was about enjoying the game. We then had a 5 a side game where the girls are starting to rotate their positions and play on a full-sized court. They were very impressive moving up and down the court, defending where needed and attacking too. Again, we didn’t keep score as it was about enjoyment and getting used to the game, but special mention should go to Elodie, Maddie and Tiegan for their outstanding performances in their respective games. Well done all! 

U8/9A Football festival – Mr. Jenkinson 

On Tuesday 4th March, ten boys from Year 3 and 4 represented St. Alban’s at the Under 9 football tournament hosted by RGS The Grange. The boys were placed in a challenging pool with four other competitive teams: The Elms, RGS The Grange, Blue Coat, and Hereford Cathedral School. With the high standard of football on display, it was clear from the start that the tournament would provide a tough test for St. Alban’s. 

The boys faced a challenging start, meeting Blue Coat and RGS The Grange in their opening matches, both of which went on to reach the semi-finals. Despite the difficult opposition, the St. Alban’s boys showed resilience and determination. They rallied after these initial setbacks to produce their best performance of the afternoon against The Elms, where they earned a hard-fought draw. 

In their final match against Hereford Cathedral School, the team put in another valiant effort, showing great spirit despite the tough competition. The tournament proved to be a valuable learning experience, highlighting areas for improvement, particularly in terms of maintaining consistency and tactical understanding throughout the matches. 

The boys displayed good teamwork and effort in all their games, despite the challenge of rotating players in a 7-a-side tournament with ten team members. Haadi performed admirably in goal, making several important saves to keep his team in the game. Jack was a constant attacking threat, leading by example and pushing forward whenever possible. 

In midfield, Matthew, Harvey, Monty, and Archie worked tirelessly to win possession and control the game. They showed great determination in tackling and distributing the ball. Meanwhile, in defence, Charlie, Max, Dylan, and Bertie were crucial in trying to maintain a solid backline, regaining possession, and working the ball up the pitch. 

With several of the other teams featuring players from football academies, the level of competition was extremely high. This highlighted several areas where the St. Alban’s boys can continue to grow. The Games team will focus on developing their understanding of the game, particularly in terms of positioning, ball control, and match play, over the coming weeks. 

Although the boys didn’t make it to the latter stages of the tournament, their effort and commitment to each match were commendable. They gained valuable experience competing against teams with more experienced footballers, which will help them continue to improve. Well done to all the boys for their hard work and enthusiasm, thank you to the parents and supporters who came along to watch and support the boys. 

U9/8 Football Festival at King’s Hawford – Mr Hooman 

Tuesday afternoon proved to be a challenging outing for the boys at the U8/9 Football Festival hosted by King’s Hawford. Despite their best efforts, the team struggled to find their rhythm, facing strong opposition throughout the afternoon. 

One standout performer was Hugo, who was deservedly named Player of the Day. He produced a series of outstanding saves in the KSA goal, showing bravery and sharp reflexes. His ability to close down angles, dive at attackers’ feet, and command his area kept the team in the game on several occasions. 

While results may not have gone our way, the festival provided valuable learning experiences. It highlighted key areas for development, particularly match awareness, positioning, and composure on the ball. The boys will take these lessons forward as they continue to develop and improve over the rest of the term. Well done to all involved for their effort and determination! 

Wednesday 5th March 

U11A Football Triangular – Mr. Jenkinson 

On Wednesday, 5th March, nine Year 6 boys represented King’s St. Alban’s in a football festival at King’s Hawford. The boys played two competitive matches, showing both determination and teamwork throughout the event. 

The first match of the afternoon was a chance for St. Alban’s to redeem themselves after a defeat to Winterfold School the previous week. The boys were eager to put in a better performance, and they started the match with great intensity. 

The breakthrough came early when Will capitalised on a perfectly timed through ball. Displaying a combination of strength, speed, and skill, he rounded off a fine individual effort to put St. Alban’s 1-0 up. The early goal sparked confidence in the team, and they defended resolutely to maintain their advantage. 

Archie and Ben J were particularly solid at the back, holding off Winterfold’s attacks with composure. In midfield, Arlo, Charles, Henry, and Ben F worked tirelessly, making important tackles and running hard off the ball. Will continued to be a constant threat in attack, providing options and pushing the team forward. 

Winterfold had their chances, but Harry made two crucial goal-line saves, ensuring the St. Alban’s lead was maintained. Despite both teams having further opportunities to score, the match finished 1-0 in favour of St. Alban’s. This was a brilliant team performance, and all the boys should be extremely proud of their efforts. 

In the second match, St. Alban’s faced their friends and counterparts from King’s Hawford. The boys worked hard and gave a strong performance, but despite their best efforts, they were narrowly defeated. The match was competitive and showcased the team’s resilience and teamwork. 

This football festival proved to be a fantastic afternoon of football. The boys demonstrated great determination, skill, and sportsmanship throughout both matches. Although the team faced a loss in their second match, the performance in the first match, particularly the defensive resilience and Will’s standout goal, was a highlight. 

A special thank you goes to the parents and spectators who came out to support the team. Well done to all the boys for their fantastic efforts, and we look forward to future successes! 

U11B Football Triangular – Mr Rowley 

The U11B football team delivered an impressive performance against Winterfold, showcasing excellent teamwork and swift, precise passing throughout the match. Their ability to move the ball quickly and support each other was evident, creating numerous scoring opportunities. Freddy H was outstanding, netting two well-taken goals that highlighted his attacking prowess. The team’s collective effort and unselfish play were key to their success, reflecting their growing confidence and understanding of the game. 

 In their match against Hawford, the U11B football team displayed remarkable defensive resilience, with every player contributing to a solid backline that thwarted numerous attacks. George C stood out with his exceptional vision, delivering precise passes that opened up the opposition’s defence. The highlight of the game was Freddie H’s stunning goal from the edge of the box, a powerful strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance. The team’s determination and skill were evident throughout the match. 

 

U10A Football Triangular – Mr Hooman 

 On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, the U10s took part in a fantastic triangular fixture against Winterfold and King’s Hawford. It was an incredibly enjoyable afternoon, with all the children playing with smiles on their faces and producing some of the best football they have played all season. 

The team showed great skill, teamwork, and determination throughout. Henry was solid in goal, making some key saves and distributing the ball well. In defence, Thea and Nell were the ‘dream team,’ putting in another commanding display and making life difficult for the opposition. Max controlled the midfield superbly, driving forward with purpose and picking the right moments to release the ball to his teammates. 

 Further up the pitch, Ben D impressed with his dribbling skills, taking on defenders confidently while also showing great effort to take feedback on board and improve his game. Joshua and Pip worked tirelessly in midfield, keeping possession well and always looking for teammates in space. Up front, Zack held the ball up brilliantly, linking play effectively and turning well to create opportunities. 

The match against Hawford was particularly unlucky, with the team creating plenty of chances but just unable to find the finishing touch. Despite this, the quality of play was excellent, and every player should be proud of their performance. 

Players of the match: 

KSA v Winterfold – Max 

KSA v King’s Hawford – Nell 

 

Well done to everyone involved on a brilliant afternoon of football!