Sport
Year 10 Football
Mt Tomlinson reports on a thrilling and ground-breaking performance by the Year 10 footballers on Tuesday, and one which I had the pleasure of watching in fact; “Although the league season has paused for a winter break, the Year 10 team are still going strong in the English Schools Cup competition. This is a national competition that stays regionalised in the first instance and then goes nationwide thereafter. We were drawn in the third round this week against Lymm High School away (my old school – so extra spice involved). The team have trained well and were prepared for the game, the selection of the team was really tough as everyone is excelling and pushing for a place in the starting line-up. We started very cautiously, even nervously, in this game – whether that was through fear, anxiety or the cold weather I don’t know. After the first 15 minutes we established control on the game and played some nice football. We took the lead through our pressing game, forcing them into a mistake and then a foul inside the area – Tom Carr slotted the pen 1-0. We then had a period of domination in the game and forced many corners through which we scored our second – Oli Senescall with the ball in and Tom with a fantastic header to finish. The lads were great and the defence worked hard to nullify their threats, especially Ethan and Dan. At half time we talked about controlling the game and taking the sting out the opposition. The team came out sloppy and gave away the ball numerous times until we then established control with some lovely play and then … Senescall got the ball at left back, fed Ruchat, who delivered a great ball to Buckley, who in turn passed to Stelfox, to Barrington and back to Buckley (all one touch football) who rifled it in the top corner. A sublime goal worthy of the build-up play. 3-0 and comfortable in the game, at which point our opponents started to get a little desperate and played long ball after long ball. Unfortunately for us it paid of – a mistake by Louis meant their striker was one on one with Henry in goal and scored. 10 minutes later another long ball to the corner and miscommunication led to another goal. Two of the worst goals to concede in the circumstances. But we showed great character and resolve in a tough situation – Jordan Ruchat, Jaydon Brady and James Drummond calmed us down in possession and we managed to see the game out 3-2. The victory was more convincing than the score-line suggests but our decision making needs to be better in that final third. But we go marching onto the fourth round – the furthest any Wellington team has reached to my knowledge. The team bus was rocking on the way back and that epitomises our team spirit and togetherness.”
Yes, the game got rather tense at times and Mr Tomlinson had to call upon by footballing tactical astuteness on several occasions in the second half to seal the win! In all seriousness, I was mightily impressed the commitment, energy, skill and organisation of the boys. Mr T has them well-drilled and fingers crossed for a good draw in round 4. I have already been asked for new kit and executive coach travel by certain members of the squad; maybe in round 6!
Hockey
Miss Richards is feeling ‘hockey-tastic’ by all account; “Well done to the U13 and U15 boys hockey teams who both beat Sale Grammar this week. On such a chilly night it was great to see an amazing display of teamwork and talent shining through to take us to victory.
The U13 had mainly Year 7 players but took to the field with gusto. Their final score was 7-0 and man of the match went to the only Year 8 Callum Brown. The U15 boys have played Sale Grammar before and not been so fortunate. The score was 2-2 at half time with Sale’s best player yet to take to the pitch. Great teamwork and discipline took the score to 3-2 at full time with Maceij Dworakowski and Lewis Boyle receiving joint man of the match.”
It’s good to see the hockey feel-good factor continuing after the Olympics here at Wellington. These boys train religiously every Thursday and it’s fabulous that they’re reaping the rewards. With Olympic Gold medallist Sam Quek appearing on ‘I’m a Celebrity …’, which begins tonight (I believe!), hockey may enjoy an even higher profile; I’ll certainly be tuning in (I’m a big Ant and Dec fan, I mean).
Netball
Miss Challinor describes another fantastic performance from the Year 7 netball team against Ashton on Mersey on Tuesday night. “We stormed ahead early on in the first half with goals from Scarlett and Rosie, followed by some brilliant defensive play from Shahed and first time player Jayda. Esme and Emelia were both key players in moving the ball down the court ensuring Ashton were unable to get the ball into their attacking third, resulting in them ending the game without a single goal. Marina and Alicia played solid central roles throughout, resulting in a 7-0 victory. Scarlett was awarded Girl of the Game from the Ashton players, but every girl deserves recognition for their outstanding performance. Our team are now sitting at the top of our league table. Watch this space!”
I’m getting rather excited; could we match last year’s bumper silverware season from our netballers? It looks promising.
Just a timely reminder, in light of all this sporting success, that it couldn’t happen without the absolute dedication and passion of the staff, both teaching and non-teaching, PE and non-PE. Thanks to you all for providing such fabulous opportunities for our young people. It really is increasingly becoming an area of strength at Wellington.