Easter Term 2023 - Week 3 Sports Report

Hockey v Seaford and Clayesmore

Last week there was a block fixture versus Seaford College, as well as an U16 Tier 1 Cup game against Clayesmore.

On Thursday the U16s played very smartly to beat Clayesmore 4-0 in an entertaining game, and thereby progress to R3 of the England Hockey Tier 1 U16 National Cup. An untrained side consisting of both Fourth and Fifth form, stepped up and showed how good they could be in the years to come. Early on we kept possession and eventually the pressure gave in with a Jack Flegg drag flick. Directly after Bertie Cutler found himself on the back post and made it 2-0. We kept going and winning short corners, to no avail unfortunately. The back post bandit, Bertie Cutler found himself in his natural habitat and tucked his 2nd for the game into the bottom corner to take us into half time 3-0 up. We won plenty of short corners and one eventually paid off, with a Adam Driver back post slap to find Massimo Brown, with a well worked tap in to take us 4-0 up. We ended 4-0, to take us to the next round. Player of the match - Bertie Cutler. (AGF)

On Saturday the senior teams travelled to Seaford. With most matches seemingly cancelled across the country due to the cold weather, we were pleased all 9 of our planned fixtures went ahead.

The 1st XI were excellent, showing control and an attacking edge which Seaford could not handle. On a difficult surface, Monty Hooker beat several players before a fine pass to Ed Schuster Brice, who finished with aplomb into the bottom corner. We carried that lead into the break, and soon after the restart, Hooker scored himself from close range to double our lead after a neat passing sequence. Seaford fought back and scored a good deflection, but we countered straight away and Leo Vorobyev smashed the ball past the keeper to restore our two goal advantage at 3-1. Vorobyev then smartly dispatched a penalty corner drag flick to make it 4-1. Other chances were created before Seaford pulled one back through a contentious penalty stroke. Tom Barrett made a few key saves in goal, but the constant attacking threat of Ed Timberlake gliding around at wingback, ball winning capabilities of Oscar Berridge in the middle and the effective marshalling of the defence by Dill Howell meant we were comfortable 4-2 winners. (MDC)

The mighty 2nds looked to continue their winning ways against Seaford this past weekend. A curtain raiser for the 1st team, and what a game it was. Sticking to trends, we started off slow and lethargic which meant Lucas, our goal keeper, had to bring out some great saves to keep us from conceding. The deadlock was finally broken by a Jack Flegg drag flick, excitingly celebrated by the first team as they arrived. This opened the flood gates and allowed us majority of the possession and goal scoring opportunities. Sam Reeve found himself unmarked in the D and very calmly on his reverse put it in the bottom corner. Our 3rd came from a penalty corner, when Adam Driver slapped in back post which crept in without a touch. Half time chat was more of the same and to continue scoring goals. Our 4th came from a missed trapped penalty corner, George Guirdham very smartly and casually put it on a plate for James Harvey who tucked it into the bottom corner. Our 5th and final goal, once again assisted by George, who played a lovely through ball to Sam Reeve who after hitting the post with his first, very kindly got given another chance, which he then scored from. End result 5-0. Players of the Match; George Guirdham and Sam Reeve. (AGF/RHJH)

3rds

Despite the cold and fading light, the 3rd XI boys put in a spirited performance in Saturday’s match buoyed on by large group of parental supporters. Canford started well, but momentum shifted in the latter stages of the first half as Seaford dominated the midfield and resulted in the only score of the match. The boys came out strongly in the second half and looked like scoring an equaliser on several occasions, unlike the first half. The match could have gone either way, but Seaford were the more clinical when it mattered in front of goal, winning 1-0. (CHJ)

U15A

Seaford pushed the ball back on a cold but sunny day and started what would be a thrilling match. The boys where on to them instantly, employing an organised press from the off and putting the Seaford defence under real stress in the first couple of minutes. Seaford couldn’t get out of their half, with the boys winning the ball back high up the pitch several times and creating numerous chances. Despite the constant pressure during the first half, the ball would not go in the goal and credit to the Seaford keeper, who made a couple of decent saves. In the second half, Seaford started out stronger and all the Canford pressure would go to waste as a through ball found the Seaford striker and a clean finish put them 1-0 up. Ignore this setback, the boys kept their heads up and after 15 minutes of constant pressure, a ball through to James Law put him 1v1 with the keeper and he selflessly found Toby Lemans at the back post for a tap in to make it 1-1. This rejuvenated hope inside the lads as Canford were all over them in the last 10 minutes, but the ball would simply not fall in the back of the goal. And eventually, despite the constant pressure, the final whistle blew and finished an enthralling match of hockey. (James Law)

U15B

The U15B team put in an improved performance against a strong opposition. We had to defend bravely for the first 15 minutes as we struggled to break out of our half. As soon as we did we found a rhythm that our opponents struggled with only to struggle in-front of goal. We broke the deadlock with a well worked short corner finished by Tom Chissell. He nearly doubled our lead with an excellent strike that hit the post. After a sucker punch goal the game finished 1-1 but we played very well and deserved the win. (JEA)

U15C L0-1

The first outing of the term for the U15Cs turned out to be an end to end encounter with the teams only separated at the end by a well converted goal late in the game. Canford came out with all guns blazing and were unlucky not to put away a number of chances in the first half. We dominated the midfield and looked threatening in attack, use power and determination to pressurise the Seaford defence. Both sides had opportunities but in a game reduced to 20 minutes each way due to late arrival the first score was always going to be crucial, and so it proved. Well done to the Canford team on enthusiastic commitment throughout. (RMBS)

U14A

Canford 1, Seaford 1. It was a game of two halves! We were dominant in the first, controlling the tempo of the game and looking very much the better team. Constant pressure on the opposition goal produced a fine score and a thoroughly deserved lead. By half time they had figured out where we were dangerous and marked more effectively. This resulted in frustration spilling over into arguing with the umpire and a two minute spell off the pitch for the captain. Seaford took full advantage of this and levelled the score. The positives to be taken from the game were our looking to keep possession and consequently far more effective passing. We looked for free players behind us as well as in front and we trusted all players. Defensive short corner routines were also more organised and we managed to keep five attempts out of the net. Next week we have the county tournament, let's hope we can sustain our effective effort for the whole of a match rather than just one half! (NRB)

U14B

A frustrating loss for the U14Bs on a very cold Saturday. Seaford’s goal came early in the first half and after that the defence were rock solid. Harry Williams had a brilliant match taking on the opposition in their own half on a number of occasions – very positive play from the Right Back! Gil Stalker at CM had an excellent match with some good opportunities created in the circle. Despite the majority of possession and multiple opportunities to score the team just couldn’t quite find the backboard and the match ended 1-0. Luke Puzas was player of the match chosen by Seaford and both coaches. He put in some spectacular saves which drew gasps from the spectators. After only a few training sessions he is shaping up to be a keeper with a great future. Even though we lost the team played so well together and every one of them should be proud of their effort. (VOG/HD)

U14C

A closely fought first half ended 0-0, with both teams having chances but a couple of good saves from Kit Bulstrode-Newman kept Canford in the hunt going in to the second half. Seaford started to dominate territory and possession and threaten the Canford goal more regularly as the game went on, eventually breaking the deadlock 8 minutes from full time. Another scrappy goal soon after confirmed their 0-2 victory, ultimately well deserved. Despite the result, however, the Canford boys did themselves proud in their first match for the school – some very promising ability on display and some excellent work rate, particularly from Archie Brown on the right wing, the two Hectors (Hedges and Chissell), and Felix De Mounteney holding the fort in the middle of defence. Dom O’Brien also made some key tackles, and Kit showed great confidence and assurance in goal. We will continue to work on our basic skills and be ready for our next opponents. (NJW)

This week sees the 14As in Tier 1 County Cup action, as well as a block fixture versus Clayesmore, before the exeat. Well done to all players and staff on their efforts so far.

Netball v Wellington College

1sts

In preparation for Regionals, the 1st team tried lots of different combinations, playing six 8 minutes. The match started neck to neck with Canford attack playing off every centre pass to get to goal. As the match progressed, Wellington were impressive under the post however, there were some great interceptions seen from Dom Hudson in defence and in centre court Georgie Boon and Mia White brought it down nicely to the shooters. Canford used lots of set play techniques to overcome Wellington’s height in defence in order to sustain the goals. The match closed to a near 32-39 loss however, lots of progress has been made from this match.

Match Report by Chalotte Howat

2nds

A great win against Wellington on Saturday J Despite being 5 goals behind in the first 5 minutes of the match we made a quick comeback with some excellent shooting from Nia and Bella. After a couple of injuries, Tara, although a midcourt player stepped up to play goal shoot and scored some excellent shots putting us ahead of Wellington. By halftime we had pulled away by 6 goals, working hard all across the court. Elle and Alex repeatedly denied Wellington of many goals with some great defending and tight marking leading to many turnovers and allowing us to score plenty more goals! Daisy, Maya, Tara, Imi, and Nookie all kept a steady rhythm in midcourt with plenty of great attacking and defending work to move the ball down to our shooting D. Player of the match goes to… Bella Rose, with some brilliant shots from all over the D. Well done!

Match report written by Millie Davey.

3rds

We started off strong and even with determined efforts from the mid court on both sides. The pace of the game remained fast as Wellington upped their game, but we kept composure. This left the 1st quarter score 4-5 to Wellington. Moving on to the 2nd quarter, we were more challenged. Their GS and GA managed to secure an effective way of working around the D, pushing them up to a higher advantage on the score card. This increased the pressure on our defensive side but the GD and GK still persisted toward high endeavours. Unfortunately, they stepped up their game and we fell behind by 5 leaving the score at 7-12. As we pushed back, our movement improved around the D, giving us more opportunities to score. However, Wellington’s defensive side was agile, with increase in interceptions we were still losing, but again, we held our heads up high as we were intent on ameliorating our performance on court. The 3rd quarter score was 11-16. For the last quarter, we worked together much better. Our confidence was boosted as the defence pulled themselves up, so we had more chances at scoring. Unfortunately, some opportunities were taken and missed, but our communication and movement and drives to the ball around the D were back in rhythm. Wellington were already up giving them an advantage, so we didn’t manage to catch up, and the final score was 14-22 to Wellington. Moreover, strong, continuous efforts were carried out throughout the game from the defence, mid-court and shooting end. Well done, Canford. OPOM- Ruby Anand

Written by Ruby Anand.

U16A

The 16As travelled to Wellington on a cold and bitter Saturday, so it was welcome news to hear that the side would be playing indoors. However with three sides 16As, Bs and Cs travelling, and only 2 courts it would be a rotating triangular in terms of fixture and playing slots. With quarters shortened to 8 min, it was going to be more like tournament play than a regular fixture. With that in mind, the first quarter can best be described as fast and furious, with ebbs and flows, but eventually we went into quarter time with a score of 6-6. The second quarter saw us defensively play well, but we struggled to maintain possession on turned over ball, giving possession back to Wellington too easily as we tried to force the game rather than be patient when we had procession of the ball. The result of this saw us trailing at half time 8-11. With a quarter off due to the Bs and Cs playing the side managed to regroup and produce what was to be our best quarter of the match, clawing our way back to a one goal deficit – due to hard work and defensive pressure along with, particularly in their final third of the court. So going into the final quarter we trailed 11-12. Unfortunately we weren’t able to maintain the momentum in the final quarter, and again, we quickly gave back, turned over ball as we tried to force to get the win, eventually going down by 3, 14-17.

As a coach I was really pleased with how the girls played and the progress that they are making. Lots of positives to take away from the game as well as lessons to be learnt.

Players of the Match – Charlotte Parkin and Layla Stannah

U16B

A close match for the Bs away at Wellington, coming away with a final score of 18-22 to Wellington. Star shooters Bella C and Serena G, worked well with great feeds from the centre court, Grace C-W, Millie M and Portia C. Canford were able to turn over multiple balls in defence with Megan M and Sophia S working as a unit. Player of the match going to Grace C-W. Well played Canford.

Written by Megan Mowbray

U15A

After a shaky start, going 2-0 down quickly after the first centre, the 15As made a quick turn around and were soon dominating. The shooting team of Jess and Georgia put Canford into an easy 5 goal lead after the first quarter. With some rotation, Canford maintained the lead of 1 after the first half. But it was never going to be easy against Wellington College and despite the excellent defence from Annabel and Matilda, there were too many overturns and interceptions by Wellington. The game finished at 38-36 to Wellington, with Jess and Connie being voted at opposition’s players.

U15B

The girls were ready to put up a fight against a very strong Wellington College team this week. We started off strong with some good drives and interceptions. Penny and Tilly working the attacking end to get the ball down. Hanna, Gigi, Ella G and Emily K got some amazing interceptions within the final quarter turning the ball over. Emily S worked with Ellie to work the ball down well. Tess took some great interceptions putting pressure on the ball. Shooters Poppy, Ella M and Rose did some great shooting. However, Wellington manage to take the win 30-11

U14A

We began the match in high spirits. As the first quarter ended, the score was 4-all seeing rapid passes and shots from both Wellington and Canford. Many times the defending players would achieve turn overs meaning the attacking end would have more chances at goal. Overall, the first quarter was a warmup. As we progressed to half time, Canford began to gradually fall behind but that did not change our mindset. With technical passing and creating space, the score ended with 10 all. After a motivational team talk, we started eager, and the goals alternated. The end of the third quarter was 14-13 to Wellington. Throughout the 15 minutes, the attackers in the D had to work very hard to find ways to get around their defenders. Finally, in the last quarter, we made a heroic come back by conceiving 9 more goals putting us in lead. Motivation from the side-lines helped very much. Overall, the match ended at 22-15 to Canford.

Written by Julide Kose Captain

U14B

Cold conditions for this game and a late start did not see us setting off to a particularly strong start. This game was always going to be used to explore different combinations of players within the squad of 10. Wellington beat us on height and made shorter sharper passes – something we will continue to work on. Canford did not give in and it is worth noting that we won the last quarter. A good debut by Willa and strong performances this week from Josie and Lily.

Coaches player Josie Carswell

Score L 12 – 26

U14C

I'd like to say well done to everyone for the match against Wellington College on Saturday, with a special mention for Ella Lane who got player of the match. Everyone has improved so much in such a short time, and we are already starting to play together with some good passing and improving communication. Ellen Carnegie had a good game against Wellington's strongest player (and our player of the match) whilst Elisa Meng is starting to show what a great GK she is. Scoring from Willa Benady was consistent and Polina Yeremeyeva made some good runs to get Willa the ball. The final score was 9-16 to Wellington. We are looking forward to an exciting future with the team.

Real Tennis v The Hyde

Huxley & Milton lost to Blackburn & Fountain: 2/8
Huxley lost to Fountain: 5/8
Milton lost to Blackburn: 6/8
Brinson & Thicknesse lost to Cork & Church: 7/8
Brinson lost to Cork: 7/8
Thicknesse lost to Church: 7/8
Lockwood & Pentreath beat Chissell & Davey: 8/5
Lockwood beat Chissell: 8/1
Pentreath lost to Davey: 5/8

Final Result: Hyde 2 - Canford 6

Fantastic effort from all our boys in the annual away fixture over at the Hyde Real Tennis Club in Bridport. Each player got a singles and doubles match, all were long sets first to 8. Canford got off to a flying start, winning all six of the opening rubbers but there were some incredibly close matches, with the middle pairing of Merlin and Felix winning all their games 8/7! Albert and Will both got off to slow starts, losing their opening number of games, but they both started serving and retrieving well, coming back impressively to edge the win. Our Fourth Form pair worked together well in the doubles but did not have quite enough. Tom's opponent had just that little too much experience in his singles, but Gabriel did well to get the final rubber of the day and convincingly seal the win for Canford.

Player of the day has to go to Felix Church. First outing for the school against adult opposition, winning both his matches. Also attitude across the day was superb.

Boys’ Junior House Squash

First round is complete, with Court, Franklin, School and Monteacute progressing. Senior boys start next Tuesday 31st January, with girls later in the term.

Coming up…

• Squash match vs. Bryanston on Thursday
• School National Doubles Championships at Queen’s v Radley and Wellington on Sunday 5th February

Running / X-Country – Dorset County Championships

This week saw Canford runners take part in a smorgasbord of events. Not letting the cold weather dampen spirits, this week there was a mix of indoor and outdoor sessions, two longer runs off site, a County Competition and even time for a speed session. A highlight included visiting Holt Heath for the first time as an offsite training location; blue bird skies and frozen frosty heathland make a wonderful backdrop to run to.

On Thursday, our top runners took part in the Dorset County Championships and we saw some superb efforts. Captain Abi led by example with a stellar 9th place finish in the Senior Girls race, and thus receiving automatic qualification to Regionals, Tom C finished 11th and Santi 24th in the Inter boys, and Ethan Yeow 20th in the Junior boys. Tom narrowly missed out on automatic qualification but is now on the reserve list – fingers crossed he gets a call up (he now has!!). To top off the week, runners of all abilities took part in a speed session on Saturday. A mixture of: sprints chasing each other in an elaborate game of tag, a negatively split shuttle run, a running version of a Keirin event (normally only seen in a velodrome) and team relay races. With the winter sun bearing down on the group and competitive juices flowing, everyone left the session with a smile on their face.

Rugby 7s

Rugby 7s continues to build physical competency and layer in tactical elements, this week focused on playing on the edges in 7s matches. Tournament fitness is starting to build nicely with a view to more competitive training sessions this Thursday at Bryanston. Jack Jones in our Fifth Form was outstanding this week, great work rate (particularly tracking back after linebreaks) and a lovely pass off his right hand to switch play and allow play to move from one side of the field to the other was just one highlight.

Swimming

Another excellent weekend for Canford swimmers at the Dorset County Championships. Less events this weekend but the 800m Freestyle saw Robbie Hemmings and Freya Coupe both crowned as County champions in their respective age groups.

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