Christmas Term 2022 - Week 13 Sports Report

Rowing @Radley and the Canford Christmas Races

Radley College

Radley College is amongst the premier sports schools in the country and so is its rowing program. Radley Boat Club are a frequent finalist at National schools’ regatta and this year made the final two boats at Henley Royal regatta in the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup.

Radley hosted the Canford Boat Club last weekend and allowed full use of the £450,000 indoor rowing tank. 2 groups of selected boys and girls attended the 10 seated tank where they were able to work on technical and sequential movements both individually and collectively.

A great experience for the Canford rowers and huge thanks to John Gearing Head coach of Radley Boat Club for hosting our coaches and rowers.

Canford Christmas Races

This Saturday we rang in the festive season with our annual Christmas races. We had four mixed VIII’s dashing, dancing and prancing along the river in some side by side racing! It was wonderful to see so many friends and family enjoying the races, and some delicious mulled wine! Thank you to all the parents that helped in providing our festive treats, and to Bournemouth University for joining the festivities by entering a coxed quad.

Our winning crew ‘Dancer’ boasted great success after winning all three of their races. Congratulations to Walter, Taylor, Batt, Fillingham, Roberts, Ngwenya, Valdez, De La Haye, and Martins!

CSBC wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and we can’t wait to be back on the river in the New Year!

Rugby v Gordon’s

Canford 1st XV 25 Gordon’s School 29

The curtain came down on the rugby season on Saturday on Higher Park vs new opponents Gordon’s. With icy conditions materializing the game was touch and go to be played but with the sun breaking up the early fog the game was good to go ahead.

The game started at a frenetic pace once again with possession ebbing and flowing, Gordon’s had the better of exchanges playing direct with strong support. The Canford boys gave a little too much respect to our opponents in the tackle and it allowed Gordon’s to gain momentum in the go forward. They scored an early try and it looked like we might be in for a long afternoon. These thoughts were short lived with the Canford boys able to gain a foothold in territory off the kickoff and apply pressure to their opponents forcing them into mistakes. Once again, the Canford pack were able to grab the match by the scruff of the neck. Beginning to squeeze a very big Gordon’s front row at the scrum and once able to put pressure on in the lineout with 2 defending jumpers in a 5 man lineout. A very rare sight at schoolboy level and one that has marked our set piece defence out as a very good one. Now that these elements of our game became established the boys then started to turn the screw with the lineout maul, added to the maul was the boys’ ability to break once the momentum slowed and the triple threat of Janaways were able to break out into the back field. They were thwarted at the last pass on a number of occasions when it looked like we might start to dominate the game and establish a good early lead. Instead, it was our opponents who gained some scoreboard pressure hitting us against the run of play with some slick handling to go into the break 19-5 up.

With a welcome chance to regroup at half time it was clear that whilst we were down on the score line we had been very much dominating large sections of the game with our locks Sam Martin and Mark Kosgei in particular having their best matches all season. Their work rate off the ball to chase whether to cover back or in our kick chase was a notch above where it has been all year. Alongside excellent kick chase defence from our centres and excellent link play from our back three we looked like a well-practiced outfit who would still have some say in the outcome of this match.

We started well from the restart with an excellent steal at lineout, and with a shrewd clearance from Jack Janaway with an outstanding chase, the boys made a 70 metre gain in territory. With the throw in at the lineout the inevitable rumble and score from Sam Janaway was a welcome contribution which put us back in touching distance. When we were able to repeat this kind of pressure we soon found ourselves 20 points to 19 up. Gordon’s were not going to lie down though and they hit back with a score of their own. Cue the topsy turvy end to another of our 1st XV matches this year. Canford dug deep to answer this score with another try to seemingly take the match 25-24 but with a couple of minutes left had we scored too early? Gordon’s won a penalty and drove the ball deep towards the Canford 5m line for a lineout, but the Canford boys mounted a final challenge, stole the ball in the air through Mark Kosgei but Gordon’s managed to wrestle back possession, chipped through but the ball went dead for a 22 drop out. With the clock running down Gordon’s somehow won a penalty and with the last play of the game managed to move the ball from one wing to the other and squeeze in at the corner stealing the game 29-25. This might have been one of the best displays from the team this year. The pack were indomitable once again with everyone throwing in stellar performances. Our half backs directed play, mixing kicking and running options well. The centres had less of the ball in the hand than they might have liked but poured through in support when they got the opportunity, linking nicely with forwards and backs alongside chasing off the ball well, marshalling the forwards and managing to snuff out opposition attacks. Our back three have grown into the season and they looked well accomplished on and off the ball. With the majority of our back 3 boys being Lower Sixth the chance for them to kick on next season looks bright.

We say farewell to our Upper Sixth boys of course and we greatly appreciate their sterling efforts on the pitch for the blue and white. Felix Synott, Charlie Hallam, Oscar Feingold, Mark Kosgei, Oli Fox-Pitt, Tom Windsor, Ryan Woodford, Henry Martin, Jack Robinson and skipper Jack Janaway have all made a huge contribution to the club during their time here. We have some 7’s to compete in after Christmas but as far as our XVs go we thank them enormously for their service and wish them all the best with their next steps!

Hockey v Bradfield

Last week saw the final hockey matches of the season, with the 1st XI hosting Marlborough College in their final league game, before a block fixture versus Bradfield College on the last (arctic) Saturday of term.

1sts

On Tuesday, it was a case of déja vu for the first team, as a lack of marking and turnover allowed Marlborough to race into a 3-0 lead at half time. Marlborough then nicked another just after the second half began, and we were staring down the barrel. However, we kept probing and creating opportunities and then sparked into life. First, Poppy White pulled a goal back after good work from Lulu Thompson. Millie Davey then halved the deficit after good composure in the D, and from the centre restart, Honoré Cutler stole possession and threaded a great pass through to Poppy, who showed nerves of steel as she slotted the ball past the outcoming keeper to make it 4-3. The crowd were rocking – we were all over them. The final 10 minutes saw us camped in Marlborough’s half and being denied by their keeper. With 5 to go, we pulled our keeper and went to 11 outfield in an attempt to draw level. We were close, but ran out of time, in what was a fine second half performance. (MDC)

On Saturday, we jumped on the bus to Bradfield for the final chapter. In freezing conditions, the girls were in good spirits; determined to finish the season on a high. We started sharply for a change(hurrah!) with a neat team move finishing with a sharp cross-shot by Charlie Whitmore, touched in by Poppy White at the far post. Bradfield equalised through a penalty stroke that Mia Ashby Rudd nearly saved, before Honoré Cutler scored from a well worked short corner to restore our advantage before half time. The start of the second period was even, before Bradfield scored twice in five minutes to turn the game on its head. As always, we pressed in all areas of the pitch, with Charlie Howell and Dominique Hudson throwing aerials to relieve pressure and give us a different point of attack. A sweeping team move saw us draw level again, with Millie Davey feeding Maya Doubleday, for her 11th goal of the campaign. The game was end-to-end at this point, with Mia making an outrageous double save to keep us at 3-3, before we nearly nicked the game in the last 90 seconds, only for Honoré to be denied by the post. The spoils were shared in a 3-3 draw which was a fair result for both teams playing positive hockey. The end of season dinner was a great success, with Honoré receiving the Captain’s award, Tara King named as Players’ Player of the Year and Georgie Boon the Player of the Year. (MDC)

The 2nd’s, 3rds and 4ths all also travelled to Bradfield and all had extremely competitive matches albeit all ended up on the wrong end of close scorelines to finish their seasons.

15A

After a rushed warm up after pressure from the home side, Canford started well and went 1-0 with a very well worked short corner scored by Georgia Kenny. Bradfield had the majority of possession, but Canford coped well in defence and countered well. After Kate Landale pulled off a few saves the opposition managed to score before half time. With the score at 1-1 the team talk during the break focussed on being positive and being direct. With this in mind the team started well counter attacking Bradfield and had several 1 on 1 chances with the keeper but couldn't finish the chances. The home side played well and converted two more chances after the first shots were saved. With the final game of the season the team had a good season and improved throughout the term. Player of the match - Jess Taylor. (BBD)

15B

The 15B’s finished their season with a 1-0 victory over Bradfield. Well done on all your efforts this term.

14A

Canford 1 – 2 Bradfield

Two evenly matched teams produced an exciting and entertaining finale to the season. Our individual skills easily match those of the opposition as did our determination and competitive spirit, but we failed for large parts of the game to string more than two passes together. When we did, we looked dangerous and built attacking opportunities. Bradfield took an early lead, we levelled the score at the beginning of the second half, and they capitalised on our tired legs in the final minute to score the winning goal.

The team have been an enjoyable group to coach, happy to listen, supportive of each other and determined to improve. These are all exceedingly good qualities and will surely lead to continued improvement to a squad that has a mixture of experience and relative newcomers to the sport. The more hockey that can be played in the off season at clubs, the greater the improvement will be......not to mention the opportunities afforded by the tour to Holland! (NRB)

14B

The final match of the season came sooner than expected, and my, this team has certainly grown in stature. From early September, when many of the team first picked up a hockey stick, to the confidence shown in tackling and passing the ball in this final fixture, I couldn't be more proud. Although the result against Bradfield College wasn't what the team were hoping for, the determination on display was commendable! Special mentions to Millicent Bowley for her constant fight and drive to win the ball, Leena Kachemad for her development as a player, Matilda Tweedie for her composure in defence and work rate and finally, Julide Kose for her focus on the goal down the right wing. A pleasure to coach! Team of the week - Millicent Bowley (Wimborne House) never played hockey before but will be one to watch as she moves through the school! (NXW)

14C

This week the U14C's had their final game of the term against Bradfield. The girls were tired due to it being the end of the term and this definitely showed on the pitch. However they kept up the fight against a very good team working tirelessly till the end. The keepers making some good saves. The game unfortunately the game ended with the score 11-0 to Bradfield. Players of the match: Amelia Blomfield and Elisa Meng. (REH/VOG)

Well done to all players who have represented the Canford Hockey teams this term. You have worked hard in training and played with smile on your face, regardless of the outcome. My thanks to the staff for their efforts in coaching and developing the teams as well. (MDC)

Netball v Shebbear and Dauntsey’s

1st VII - National Plate Round 2 v Dauntsey’s

Canford’s 1st Netball Team travelled to Dauntsey’s in need of a win to progress in their National Plate Competition. On arrival an intensive warmup got the team raring to go. Daisy Brown leading the team with enthusiasm and passion.

The first whistle went, and the pressure was on. A tough centre court press from Dauntsey’s meant that our centre passes had to be accurate. Patient play was in need to ensure effective outcomes from our mid-court play. Georgie Boon was linking up with Mia White who consistently managed to break through their defence and win us the ball, playing it through to Daisy Brown and Daisy Askew. Both managed to stand their ground against a physical defence to slot in impressive goals from awkward angles.

The defence had to work hard to turn over play. Honoré Cutler, Esther Browning and Georgie Boon did well on set play to ensure that Dauntsey’s centre passes were turned over due to constant hassle and pressure. Strong defence in and around the circle by Dominque Hudson and Esther Browning ensured pressure was put on their shooters, forcing mistakes and allowing for turn over balls. This included Dominique intercepting pocket balls and going for fly balls. Canford went ahead in the score and would be hard to pull back.

After a continuous threat to the Dauntsey’s defence by Charlotte Howat’s quick leads and wonder goals, Canford continued to be ahead in the match. Daisy Bayles was working hard to maintain a calm approach to our centre passes and Canford were still a continuous threat. After a relentless effort and hard work put in by the girls, Canford came away with a 52-35 win, meaning they take their next steps in the competition. Everyone put in their all, despite being exhausted off the back of a busy term.

Player of the Match going to Esther for her continuous battle in defence, denying Dauntsey’s of possession and ultimately goals.

U15 – National Plate Round 1 v Shebbear College

We had a long 6 hour round trip to Shebbear for the U15 Plate Round 1 match.

It was clear from the first whistle that Canford were the stronger team. Great options through court allowed our attackers to be fed the ball and convert it easily. After the first quarter Canford had a substantial lead. We mixed up our playing positions and took to the court in our new combinations. Our defence turnover countless balls and there were some beautiful takes to win Canford the ball.

Even though it was a large score line the girls play with decorum and humility.

The U15 team were too strong for the opposition and the final score was 74-5 seeing Canford onto the next round.

Football v King’s Bruton and OC’s

Canford Acorns 2-3 King’s Bruton 1st XI

Goals: Geng, Gunu

The Acorns hosted King’s Bruton’s 1st XI last Thursday in a game the boys were really looking forward to. In the return fixture, the Acorns managed a 1-0 win. The boys were confident, and started really well, creating several chances in the opening exchanges. T Norms had a goal ruled out for offside, although he’s sure that he was on. As the first half progressed Canford kept peppering the King’s goal, a mixture of poor finishing and good goalkeeping kept the scores 0-0. Very much against the run of play, King’s Bruton took the lead, a cross was poked into the net by their striker. Despite this set back the boys kept playing well, but couldn’t draw level in the first half.

In the second half the boys started like they finished the first. A goal soon followed, some brilliant work from Williamson kept the ball alive, and his cross was finished brilliantly by Geng into the top right corner. Canford on top again, but couldn’t find the second. A corner for Kings Bruton was nodded in, unmarked at the front post. Yet again, the boys had to come from behind, this time a lovely free kick from Geng was headed in by Gunu, who claimed celebration of the year with his cartwheel and a little dance. Unfortunately for the Acorns, King’s Bruton scored another on the counter, making the score 3-2.

Player of the match was Max Williamson.

Oaks 1-1 OCs

Goal: OG

The Oaks hosted a strong OC’s side on Saturday, luckily the pitch was just about playable for all those who had travelled down. The Oaks, notoriously slow starters this year, did it again, with the OCs scoring within the first 30 seconds of the game. The boys didn’t panic, they stuck to the game plan and calmed the game down. We controlled the game for periods and calmed the game down after the early set back. Wittram and Sparkhall created some chances for themselves and almost earned themselves goals.

However, the Oaks got their way back into the game from a corner. Wittram delivered and the ball was bundled in off the back of one of the OCs.

Going into half time the boys were confident, they had got the game back on level terms and looked like going to get another. The second half was fiercely contested, with the Oaks having the better chances. Landale had his best game yet, rushing off his line at every opportunity to claim the ball. Bolland and Lockyer headed everything away, not allowing the OCs a clear chance in the second half. Despite the boys pushing and having a couple of opportunities, we were unable to get the second goal. As the game ended a draw, we went to penalties for the second year in a row! As with last year, the OCs used their wealth of experience to win on penalties.

Player of the match was Joss Ransom-Esposti who ran the show from holding midfield, winning everything and distributing the ball well. Another brilliantly contested fixture between the Oaks and OCs, played in the right spirits as always. The boys are really looking forward to the next game at the end of Easter term.

Running / X-Country

After last week’s race at Ferndown, attention has now turned towards preparing pupils for this week’s House Cross Country event. With the course being only 2.6km, shorter than most PEDSSA races, pupils had a competitive Team Relay competition to ensure the engines were reved up to their top speeds. Elliot A, Tito B and Ragnor R performed excellently over the shorter distances. With temperatures barely above freezing pupils were put to work with little rest between relay races. Other notable mentions go to Cammy for showing unbelievable grit and determination in a sprint finish and Zac for getting stuck in so well after a spell off sport due to injury. With a recce of the House XC route completed on Tuesday, we hope runners are in a fit place now to do well on Thursday.

Squash / Real Tennis v Wellington College and Sherborne

Tom Clark won: 3/2
Louis Potts won: 3/0
Elliot Hilton won: 3/1
Hugo Pollard lost: 1/3
Sam Stirling lost: 1/3
Joe South won: 3/1

Final Result: Canford 4 - Sherborne 2

A great fixture again, away this time at Sherborne. Joe and Sam got us started, both comfortably winning their first game, however Sherborne came back very strong and gave the boys some thinking to do. Joe kept up his retrieving and managed to take it 3/1, however, Sam couldn't quite find his length and just came up short. Hugo again started very strong, hitting the ball hard into the back of the court and dominating the T. Sherborne worked out the drop shot and took it 3/1. Elliot, Louis and Tom all played some great squash, with some brilliant serving throughout and great retrieving.

Player of the day: Louis Potts. He played some clever squash, controlling the T and keeping his opponent running around the court retrieving. Some good combination of drop shots as well as long shots into the back of the court kept him on top throughout. Well played.

Coming up…

• U18s Real Tennis away at Wellington on Thursday for the last fixture of the term

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