The Autumn Rugby Internationals and the Football World Cup have thrown up some surprising results, both in terms of giant-killing and the comeback. Japan beating Spain and Tunisia beating France are both just two examples in this very open FIFA World Cup. In the rugby, England came from 25-11 down in the final ten minutes to tie the game. Similarly, Australia came from 21 points down to beat Wales in Cardiff.
How much does the sight of the opposition turning up psych out our players, or otherwise? How much does another school’s reputation affect our teams’ performance? In the lead up to matches, the question often heard is, ‘Are they any good?’ I get it. I was young once. Our players want to win, and that possibility is under threat from an unknown quantity. How much effort will be needed to win, and will it be enough? What if it isn’t enough? It can be a stress.
When does a player mature to a point where the strength of the opposition is less or not relevant? Hopefully, a given match will be competitive. In such matches, results are based on long periods of attrition, application, patience and fine margins. Often, at school level, the writing is on the wall after a couple of goals, or tries with the end result following suit. As our players mature, recognising the problem-solving elements within a match is something to highlight. All is not lost – how can we regain momentum and achieve our own comeback? Who are the influential players on their team, and what measures can we take to limit their impact on the game? Can we maintain possession for greater periods than before to starve the opposition of chances to score? What cricket field needs to be set in given circumstances? Can we recognise other targets and adapt during a game, to work to gain the momentum in our favour?
Our rugby fixture with Horris Hill on Saturday was planned as an opportunity to get more practice time, enjoy the social occasion of visiting or being visited by a neighbouring school and continue our more gradual preparation for the rugby season. From Foals, at Under 10, up to U13 in Year 8, we emulated the arrangement often seen at rugby clubs in this joint training approach, in which there was a greater emphasis on collaboration between staff and social interaction amongst the boys.
As well as the physical, sport is, amongst many other things, intellectual and sociable.
Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year!
Introducing our new member of Grounds Staff – Ronald the Robot!
Ronald is amazing – he uses GPS to map and mark our pitches! Who’d have thought….
Inter-Set Football
The 2022 Inter-set football was as exciting as ever. Good football across all year groups was on display, with some spirited performances and an enjoyable atmosphere throughout.
The Year 5 competition looked all but over after round 1 earlier in the season. The Romans running cruising at the top of the table, with a 100% record. However, this time round the wrens and the Normans put up a much better fight and performed brilliantly meaning the final standings were far closer than one would have anticipated. Still, the power of the Romans proved just too much in the end, taking the victory with 17 points. Well done!
The Year 6 competition also threw up some exciting games with a very close finish! So close in fact that there was some confusion with the final standings with goal difference coming into play! The end result being a shared 1st place between the Monks and the Saxons.
In the mixed Year 7/8 Championship tournament, it was the Normans who continued on from a good first round to take the trophy which was also the case in the Premier League competition showing the strength in depth. Well done to the Normans!
Thanks to all boys for their efforts and to staff for a memorable last day of football. JB
And thank you Mr Buck, for all your hard work in running football this term.
Premier League Winners - Normans
Championship Winners - Normans
Colts Winners – Monks and Saxons
Foals Winners – Romans
In PE lessons since half-term there has been a varied programme of activity with gymnastics in the juniors through to volleyball, adventure development and basketball in the seniors. A flavour is found below, more images from other classes and year groups will follow next term.
Here we have some Year 3 Gymnastics, working on a movement pattern:
And demonstrating counter and partner balances, before a bit of celebratory end of term ‘extreme cone collector’:
https://vimeo.com/778524647
Year 4 also demonstrate their partner balance work, aiming for good body tension.
During wet weather, we had Year 5 in the Sportshall working on their basketball skills in some match play.
Here, 8S emulate the volleyball scene from Top Gun.
Christmas Holiday challenge?
As we approach the end of term, please consider working towards the Pilgrims Way Virtual Challenge, Winchester to Canterbury over 214km or 133 miles. The Pilgrims Way is an actual walking trail, however, the idea of this award is to log any distance based activity to work towards this distance goal.
You could walk, run, cycle, swim or any activity that builds distance. Once you have shown Mr Short your completed log, you will receive a badge which could be ironed on to your Pilgrims’ hoodie. There is no time limit. Copy this spreadsheet to log your distances:
Pil Way Virtual Challenge.xlsx
From the LDWA (Long Distance Walkers Association) website:
The Pilgrims Way is an ancient track between Winchester and Canterbury. It is an historic pilgrimage route to Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, home of the shrine of the martyred archbishop, St Thomas Becket. It follows a major chalk ridge through scenic countryside, taking in characterful towns and villages and historic churches. Though not itself a single promoted long-distance path, it is approximated by two promoted routes, the St Swithun's and North Downs Ways.
The route's naming varies in using an apostrophe (or none) - as Pilgrims' or Pilgrim's or Pilgrims.
Andrew Short
Director of Sport
