County Challenge Qualifier
Saturday 24th February saw a number of girls from Year 7 to Year 11 compete at West Wilts in the Wilts and Glos NSEA County Challenge Qualifiers. It was a very cold day, but the riders were undeterred. An early start for many, with travelling and horse preparation needed before course walking. That did not deter the riders and their enthusiasm and effort were great. Different riders entered different rounds, with the lowest show jumping height being 70cm. The more experienced riders were able to test themselves over 1m and we were able to field teams over both 80cm and 90cm which was lovely. Whilst results were mixed, it was a great experience for all and a chance for some newer horses to be tried out in competition. Well done to all, and a big thank you to all the parents for their help in preparing the riders and horses, transporting them and encouraging them throughout the day.
Team: Lottie Ravenhill, Grace Gillard, Molly Schwerdt, Nicole Dunlop, Lola Claxton-Keys, Maddie Perry
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Challenge Shield
Monday 26th February
The Challenge Shield
The Royal High School 6 – 2 Clifton High School
101 years ago, The Royal School first played hockey against Clifton High School to compete for what is now called The Challenge Shield. The Royal High School now continues this tradition after the merger and this year, it was our turn to host Clifton High School. Despite the freezing cold conditions, the match was still able to go ahead largely due to the quality of our new astroturf and its ability to withstand the harsh conditions.
The first 5minutes of play were quite scrappy from both teams however The Royal High School gained some momentum and more importantly, periods of possession. Tabby Gallen made some fantastic runs down the right wing and it was impressive to see the girls always fight for an outcome in the D, whether it be a shot or short corner. This pressure soon paid off and we were able to take the lead. Kate Perkins and Willa Gravell both had strong performances in midfield, driving the ball at the Clifton High back line whilst also helping to regain possession. By half time, we were 4-1 up and in control.
It was brilliant to see Darcy Gresham make her debut for the 1st XI and she slotted into the team as if she had been playing with the girls all season. Darcy was partnered in defence with Lavinia Hann and Diana Kawonga, who demonstrated composure at the back and didn’t allow the Clifton High strikers much time on the ball.
The match was definitely a squad effort as every girl played their role in this match. We were able to rotate in numerous positions to ensure we always had fresh legs but the flexibility of some girls to play out of their preferred position was brilliant. The final score was a convincing 6-2 win to The Royal High School and the player of the match was Co-Captain Diana Kawonga.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Netball Reports
RHS vs Badminton
Saturday 24th February
Senior 1st Team
Score: 20 - 11 to RHS
Player of match: Charlotte Churchill who played C and debuted in the new position of GA
A very composed match in bitter conditions. The squad dominated from the start and built on their lead every quarter. Badminton struggled with the defensive pressure from Charlotte Laurent and Willa Gravell.
Year 10A
Score 38 - 34 to RHS
Player of : Phoebe Aisher who's work around the circle and shooting was very strong.
The Year 10s were depleted after injuries, illness and Ten Torrs, however, the girls still managed to put a dominant performance. Some great work in the circle by Tatiana Squire and Ellie Mount support by a hard-working Ceri Millward at WD helped secure a solid win.
Year 9B
Score 14 - 12 to Badminton
Player of match: Hannah Ford
This was a very close encounter throughout with the pendulum constantly swinging in both directions. The girls should be pleased with the and their work rate throughout.
Year 8B
Score 9 - 3 to RHS
Player of match: Mia-Mi Cheung
The Royal High School were in control of this game from the first whistle. Fantastic shooting from Ella Powell and defensive work from Juliette Marinelli and Mia-Mi Cheung helped to secure the win.
Year 7A
Score 34-2 to RHS
Player of match: Francesca Sill
The Year 7A team played a fast-flowing game against this Badminton side, their passes were deft and accurate and the duo of Jess Lewis and Francesca Sill unstoppable in the shooting area. The team went straight into the lead and their accuracy and response to each other meant they were simply impossible to stop! An excellent game!
Year 7B
Score 16-2 to RHS
Player of the match: Holly Lancaster
The Year 7B had to adapt to the absence of one of their shooters but that didn’t thwart them, both Coco Hyatt and Betsey Gelpey volunteering to fill the gap. With some passes and great driving into the team soon went into the lead, excellent shooting from Sofia Smith, Coco and Betsey and super and defence play meant this was an assured victory - well done!