Easter Term 2023/24 - Week 8 Sports Report

Netball

1sts - Seaford Tournament

The 1st VII Netball headed to the Seaford College’s Tournament hosted at the University of Chichester on Saturday 2nd March where we found ourselves in a 5-team group 1 with one team having withdrawn. The squad started the day with a match against Marlborough in which the score went with centre initially until our shooters, Izzy and Isla capitalised on the turnovers gained by our defensive combination of Dom, Maya and Hettie with the match finishing in a 7-5 win. Our second match was against Haileybury in which we sadly lost a little bit of our accuracy and shape which resulted in a 4-9 loss. However, with our next match coming against the only team that had beaten Haileybury in the shape of Hurstpierpoint, we dusted ourselves off for the cameras and with a refreshed determination tightened our game up and converted our turnovers in a clinical fashion with Charlotte P at centre making crucial plays to help link up the shooters and defence resulting in us being victorious with a 6-4 score line. Our last group game was against St John’s School in a match where we had our timing and accuracy synchronised throughout the court allowing us to run out 11- 6 winners.

With there being three teams in our group with one loss each we were left to wait, whilst the other teams completed their last games to see where in the group we were to finish, which was unfortunately to be 3rd place on our goals scored average. This meant that we were through into the Bowl final against The Portsmouth Grammar School. With the girls driven by the disappointment that we hadn’t topped the group we attacked the Bowl final with a definite assertiveness and quickly took and extended the lead which we maintained through to the final hooter, winning the match 12-9 and the Bowl trophy along with it.

At the presentation we gratefully received the Bowl trophy and joined the tournament organisers in congratulating Charlotte P whom had been voted by the coverage commentators as ‘The Player of Tournament.’

Well done team and Charlotte!

3rds v Marlborough

The game got off to a slow start with Marlborough getting an early lead and ending the first quarter four goals up. However centre Hattie F was working hard to keep possession even. Some good interceptions were made in the defensive circle by Poppy S and Millie J. In the second quarter we warmed up and Olive and Liv F made some great shots, getting seven goals in that quarter. Marlborough stayed ahead for the third quarter despite Canford working hard on marking all of the options and some interceptions from Madeleine S. We changed positions around in the final quarter with Paige D-M coming to goal attack and getting some lovely goals. Grace C-W was finding the gaps in centre court and getting the ball down to our attacking third earning her a well-deserved player of the match. Overall, a well fought match on a very damp afternoon in Marlborough

4ths v Marlborough

Although not the result we wanted, another great game for the fourth team. We started out strong winning the first quarter with great intercepts from Elodie, Lucy and Alice. However, due to injuries that developed as the game progressed, we were down some players (shout out to Elodie) which meant that the wonderful Fifth Form that played for us subbed on. They all played amazingly and fitted into the team perfectly and we are very thankful for them for stepping up. As the game progressed, more goals were scored with some great shots from both Rose and captain Grace. Although not the winning streak we wanted to continue, I still think that this was a great game with a lot we can take from… onto the next!

5ths v Marlborough

After Thursday’s match the 5ths were released on the court again at Marlborough. With the addition of some U16s, and the positive attitude carried on from Thursday’s win, we entered our game with confidence. With Marlborough presenting some strong attackers our defence were quickly put to the test and by the end of the first quarter we were starting to work well as a team. This allowed us to go into the rest of the match putting up a strong fight and scoring more goals with each quarter that passed, and impressively scoring more goals in the last quarter than in the first three combined. Great work team :)

Players of the Match - Marissa S and Martha F

U16A vs Marlborough U16A

Result W 33 – 27

For the 16As this was a match that I certainly didn’t have to motivate the girls for. A narrow loss at 15As along with an even narrower loss (in slightly controversial circumstances at regionals) meant Canford had a point to prove. We knew that Marlborough were a tough team to break down defensively, and so the focus all week had been on maintaining possession. We had the ability and the depth of squad to beat them if we played to our potential – it was all about simply not giving the ball away when we had procession when playing a team who would pressurise every pass.

We started well in a first quarter that ebbed and flowed, coming out slightly on top 10 – 8. The second quarter, unfortunately saw us give the ball away a little too often and they found their rhythm in terms of feeding their tall goal shooter. So half time saw us 15-17 down.

It was apparently in the third quarter last year where Marlborough managed to pull away, however this year it was to be Canford’s turn. After an exchange of opening goals, Canford managed to deliver on the two key objectives for the quarter: when in possession, simply not give it away. The goal was to always have 3 options for every pass – forward, square, and if needed the ability to reset. The second was to crowd and overload Marlborough’s movement forward all the way up the court and try and make interceptions or force Marlborough to turn the ball over before they could feed the circle. For a coach it was one of those dream quarters (in fact halves) where the players, with huge smiles on their faces, turned the plan into reality. After an initial goal exchange at the start of the third quarter, Canford then rattled off the next 10 goals in succession. When in possession we simply didn’t give the ball away, and when we didn’t have the ball we managed to turn the ball over without it getting into the circle.

The girls turned a 15 – 17 deficit into a 29 – 20 lead. A 14 goal to 3 quarter. We continued to apply pressure well in the final quarter but weren’t quite as successful at turning opportunities into scores. The end result was a pleasing 33 – 27 victory.

A great win for a squad who all contributed well in equal measure. Well played ladies.

Players of the Match – Poppy W and Annabel R.

U16B v QE

The match against QE was an exciting game for our 16B team, who showed skill and thrived throughout the whole game, consistently scoring high amounts of goals per quarter. We started the first quarter with our attackers working hard to convert every centre pass and all the defensive players turning over a lot of ball. A shout out goes to each of 16A players who rotated in each quarter to ensure we always had 7 out on court. In the third quarter QE didn’t score a single goal and Canford scored 13 goals which shows all the hard work that every player did down the court. The final score was 43 to 7. The players of the match were Tess B and Poppy M who played exceptionally well in their positions throughout the match.

U15A v Marlborough

On Saturday the U15A team played Marlborough. Going into the match we knew it would be a close one, as last year we scraped by to win by only one goal (27-28). And this year we pulled through with a 2-goal win of 16-18. Everyone played the best they have all season. POM was Oriana and Julide. Well played everyone.

U15B v Marlborough

In a thrilling U15B encounter, Canford faced off against KES Southampton under the leadership of captain, Phoebe. The initial quarter saw a slow start for Canford, but their tenacious defence and strategic turnovers brought them back to level terms at 4-4, with stellar conversions from Willa and Esme. The second quarter remained fiercely contested, concluding with KES holding a narrow lead at 10-7. Despite facing formidable physicality from the opposition, Canford's girls-maintained composure, narrowing the deficit to a single goal.

As the final quarter unfolded with the score standing at 13-14 in favour of KES, the tension was palpable. In a gripping showdown, the clock ticking away, the Canford team fought valiantly, but KES ultimately secured the victory with a final score of 19-15. Admirable sportsmanship was displayed throughout, with Bea and Josie earning well-deserved recognition as the best in attack and defence, respectively.

U15C v Marlborough U15D

20-25 L

This week the team battled hard against a very technically strong team. Right from the off they steamed ahead to a 7-2 lead in the first quarter, with everything they did just being a little quicker than us. As we went through the rest of the match the girls stayed positive and managed to keep the gap narrow, by keeping possession when it was our centre, driving forward to receive the ball not looping over their heads which was easily intercepted and defensively making the player not the space. The closest quarter was 5-4, as the girls all worked so hard. A good match and lots to learn from.

POM - Brooke L

U14A v Marlborough

It was wonderful to play a home match in bright sunshine and to see the crowds watching in their sunglasses. The U14s did not disappoint and were firing on all cylinders from the first whistle. Jossie H was on fine shooting form, working the attacking D with confidence and slotting the ball through the net. In defense, Mary B took the WA out of the game with her tight marking and strong ‘hands over’ on her 3ft mark, by quarter time the team found themselves 11-2 up. With changes being made, and pocket rocket, Amber B stepping onto the court and tenacious Violet R, the momentum continued. With a tumble from Lexi B just before half time, the team's confidence was riding high at 17-4. The second half saw many more changes and different combinations being worked, allowing all players court time. Tilda M had a brilliant match at keeper, with her partner in crime Sinachi O. Zana S worked her baseline drives with confidence and ensured she put the ball through the net. Rosie D, starting as centre in the first successful quarter, moved to a WA position. It was great seeing both Lexi B and Rosie D working out their centre passes and problem solving on the court. Overall, an excellent team performance!

MVP – Jossie H and Sinachi O

Players player split between – Mary B, Jossie H and Zana S

Result – 30-16 win

U14B v Marlborough

Canford had a strong start with the first quarter. Marlborough fought and came back during the second quarter however after half time the Canford girls really pushed back and made it an even match. The second half was a tense game as Marlborough really woke up. Jasmin Q played well in a new position as Goalkeeper, helping the defence and pressurizing the Marlborough C team. Canford had a missing player making them all work harder and coming out with an amazing score of 21-27. This meant another win to the Canford Bs netball team. The star players were Georgia L, Jasmin Q, and Maisy J.

Hockey

Last week there was a block fixture against Millfield, as well as the 1st XI in EH U18 Tier 2 Cup last 16 action, versus Blundell’s.

Thursday 27 Feb

EH U18 Tier 2 Cup R4: Canford 4 – 3 Blundell’s

The 1st XI boys were keen to make the most of their almost traditional Tuesday afternoon slot on Rossiter, with another vocal and partisan crowd in good voice, supporting from the sidelines. We started like lightning, with Leo V cutting in from the left hand side and firing in an opener inside 90 seconds. Blundell’s then grew into the game and applied some concerted pressure, forcing us into some defensive errors. Just before half time, Blundell’s had turned the game on its head to lead 2-1. The break enabled us to regroup and the second half saw us play with more composure with and without the ball. Massimo B scored early to draw things level at 2-2 after more good work from Leo V, before Captain Dill H fired in a short corner to re-establish our 3-2 lead. We controlled proceedings effectively thereafter, only for Blundell’s to seemingly snatch a last gasp equaliser with less than 90 seconds remaining following an overload. With both teams thinking about the imminent penalty shootout, Canford still sensed a winner. Leo V quickly took the restart and won a free hit. Ed SB then took another quick self-take and won another free hit just inside the 23. Sam W did the same, winning a short corner with only moments left. The resulting corner hit a defender’s shin and the re-award also saw the final whistle blown. The final play of the game was set up for a moment of magic to win the tie. Captain Dill H duly obliged, sending a darg flick like a rocket into the bottom right hand corner to win the contest. Cue unbelievable scenes as the boys and coaching staff celebrated a nail-biting 4-3 victory to send us through to the last 8. (MDC)

Saturday 2 March v Millfield

Saturday saw all teams playing against Millfield. Reggie Keates (Director of Hockey at Millfield) and I have been talking for a while about introducing the Adby/Mantell Cup, whereby the cumulative results for the boys’ block are tallied (3 pts for a win, 1pt for a draw, 0 pts for a loss, +/- GD) and the overall victors receive the Cup for the boys’ block. This is then recontested between the schools in the Christmas term in the girls’ block, and re-awarded, and so on. Given the rich and competitive hockey history between Canford and Millfield, and the significant contribution made by both Terry Adby (Director of Hockey at Canford for 12 years) and Chris Mantell (Director of Hockey at Millfield for 25 years and a Law and History teacher for 36 years), we felt it a worthy addition to the block fixtures and an appropriate tribute to the successes of both ‘legendary’ men during their careers at Canford and Millfield, respectively.

In its inauguration, the Adby/Mantell Cup was closely contested, with Millfield taking the honours 11pts to 8pts. A dubious penalty stroke awarded to the Millfield 2s late in their game swung it their way!

1sts

Canford 2 – 3 Millfield

Following a very impressive and enjoyable 2-1 away win at Millfield in the U19 ISHC competition earlier in the term, the boys knew that it would be another hard match against quality opposition. Despite a clear plan in terms of shape and tactics, we were unusually out of sorts and started the game dreadfully, conceding a 3-0 lead in the first 12 minutes of the game. Fronting up and finally starting to compete, we pulled a goal back through another well converted Dill H corner. The break allowed for a ‘hairdryer’ team talk from Coach Colly, who wanted a reaction to such an insipid first half showing. To the boys’ credit, the structure in the second half was excellent and we denied Millfield any penalty corners whilst creating good chances of our own. Sam W and Ed SB were in fine form in midfield, and with a minute left a well worked corner led to a Millfield foot on the goal line, with the resultant penalty stroke being dispatched by Dill H for his 15th goal in 14 games. So for 40 minutes we were the better team, on balance, and won that period of the game 2-0. Even though we lost 3-2, it was a good lesson for the boys, demonstrating that we can compete with anyone, but if we give a good side a 3-0 head start, it is always going to be a long way back and difficult to win… but an encouraging fightback, nonetheless. (MDC)

2nds

Canford 2 – 2 Millfield

This was a good score against another classy team, but it was a match that we should have won. We had the grit, the athleticism and competitiveness, Millfield played a tactically astute passing game. We scored two in the first ten minutes, they stuck to their game plan and gradually their passing built momentum and created opportunities. Isaac made several key saves to keep us in the game, Arthur's finely timed tackles cut short several drives onto our goal, meanwhile Xan and Sam peppered the goalkeeper with shots. Plenty of passion but perhaps not the tactically most astute performance from us. There will be plenty of passing practice in training this week! (NRB)

U16A v 3rds

Canford 3 – 0 Millfield

Both sides came into the fixture with impressive playing records. Millfield were unbeaten and had only conceded one goal. Therefore, there was no surprise that the game was a humdinger. Both sides played some lovely expansive hockey. However, it was the first time this season that the Canford team passed the ball much more often that trying to beat an opponent with skill, and when they did beat one they passed it. The change in pace of the game from what we had seen over the last few weeks was extraordinary. The match was 0-0 at half-time mainly due to excellent performances from both keepers, with Charlie Allen making a quite incredible save low to his left from an unmarked player at the back post.

Mr Salmon’s inspirational half-time talk asking the front players to play high, lead to Canford dominating more and more as the game progressed. After a controversially disallowed goal, Canford then scored. The Millfield keeper was not going to be beaten by direct shots, so we worked on hitting the ball in with real power and looking for deflections. Another goal shortly after, scored in a similar manner, made it a more comfortable 2-0 scoreline. And with Millfield tiring, they had no subs, Canford wrapped up the match with another stunning goal with 2minutes to go. Final score Canford 3-0 winners.

U15A

Millfield 4 – 3 Canford

A much better showing from the Canford lads. If there were an extra 5 mins left at the end of the game we could have easily levelled up and even won the fixture. We were far stronger than the opposition in the second half and played with passion and energy and purpose and definitely filled the Millfield team. Ultimately a dodgy 10 minute spell in the first half (where we shopped 3 easy goals by turning over cheap possession which cost us dearly) saw us 4-1 at half time which meant we had a lot to do in the second half but boy were the lads up for the challenge! A high press and tireless running meant that we won the possession and territory battles in the second half and we made it pay with two well worked goals. Alas, despite hitting the post in the final minutes we couldn't quite get the equaliser we deserved. Very encouraging though. Well done! (Scorers: Jacob, Kit and Freddie)

U15B

Millfield 5 – 3 Canford

The Canford v Millfield match for the U15Bs did not disappoint this year! It was a very open game with opportunities coming at both ends of the pitch. Millfield started the stronger utilising their left winger to full effect. At half time Canford were 2-0 down, but were first to score after half time. Millfield responded well and were able to maintain a 2 goal lead despite some fantastic moments of brilliance from Canford. Goals were scored by Gil S, Hector C and Seb C. (CHJ)

U14A

Millfield 0 – 0 Canford

The U14A boys headed back to Millfield this time to play our block fixture and were in very good spirits, looking to change the result from our last match against them. The match started with both teams looking to press high and find an early lead. Some great saves by Isaac V in the Canford goals kept Millfield at bay and gave his team some much needed hope and confidence. The boys put some really good passes together and were a completely different team to last week’s side and even when we last played Millfield. For those watching it was a very entertaining match as both teams moved the ball well but were just not able to get in a good final touch to score a goal. With time running out both teams pushed hard for a goal and if the match started well, it ended even better with both sides giving it their all, but the Goalkeepers were up to the task and kept every shot out. It was a superb effort by the Canford boys and by far their best performance of the season. Isaac V, Max H and Tommy G were the standout players on the day. (GJD)

U14B

Millfield 0 – 2 Canford

Canford travelled to Millfield on Saturday 2nd March and produced their best performance of the season to come away with a 2 - 0 win.

A tight first half resulted in a score of 0 - 0 at halftime. Canford midfield of Fergus, Joe, Freddie and Otto had all played well in containing the attacking options of Millfield. Otis in the Canford goal produced an outstanding save near the end of the half keep the score level.

After the break Canford began to take more control with Tom P causing the Millfield defence lots of problems being ably supported by Elliott and Hamish up front. Midway through the half a fantastic through pass from Sam, making a fine debut for the Bs, was coolly finished into the corner of the goal by Tom. Tom scored his and Canford’s second shortly before the end of the game following fine setup play by Hamish. Special mention should go to the defensive line up of Otis, Rory, Felix, Mason and Luca who defended superbly throughout to keep a clean sheet. Player of the match was Fergus who worked incredibly hard and diligently in his defensive midfield role. A fantastic performance from all the squad. (HD)

This week sees the U16As playing Sherborne in the last 16 of the Tier 2 National Plate, before a much needed exeat for all.

Rugby

Sherborne U14 7s

After their exploits in the 15s season the Canford boys would make their debut in the shorter format of the game on a glorious sunny early spring day at Sherborne. With eight quality teams involved it would be a good warm up test for the group ahead of the National Schools 7s in the last week of term.

Perennial powerhouse Millfield were first up for the boys with them having recently finished runners up at the Dean Close 7s. Unsurprisingly it took the boys a little while to get used to the nuances of 7s and too many times we ended up tight in both attack and defence which was exploited by a well drilled Millfield side. The final result was 28-14 to a Millfield side who went on to win the tournament and was the toughest game they would face all day, showing the potential of this Canford team. A particular highlight of the game was Harry R’s 70m effort showing real pace.

After a quick turnaround the hosts Sherborne were our next opposition and they soon raced into a 12-0 lead as Canford put in a very average 6 minute spell. Just before half time Ivo R managed to pull the score back to 12-7 which in reality was more than the boys deserved. After hearing some fairly stern words about hard work and effort from Mr Jess and Mr Diprose the change was remarkable. Canford ran in four unanswered tries in the second half and also had another disallowed in a fantastic exhibition of power, pace and work rate which Sherborne couldn’t cope with. A good lesson for the boys on how important their effort is and how it underpins everything that we do.

The boys took those lessons into game 3 which saw a comfortable 40-0 win over local rivals Bryanston. In a similar vein to the Sherborne game second half the boys played at a level above the opposition and started to look more and more like a 7s team. That win put the boys into the Cup semi finals against Group 2 winners Marlborough, one of the only 2 sides to beat this group of U14s in their 15 a side season. What followed was an excellent semi-final game that was nip and tuck throughout but fell to Marlborough 3 tries to 2 despite a huge effort with Josh S in particular leading from the front. In truth Marlborough probably played the better 7s in the game on the day, but as a learning exercise the boys had gathered so much information to build on from the tournament.

A great first effort and the U14s will go to Rosslyn Park eyeing a group win, and an opportunity to challenge the very best on Day 2, which is certainly within their capabilities.

Rowing

Exeter University Head - 2nd March

With so many swollen rivers nationwide and many head races cancelled it was refreshing that Canfordians were invited by Exeter University to take part in a head race. OC George Farthing studying at Exeter organised a time trial held over 3.5k on the Exeter Ship canal.

Canford boated six crews all in eights while Exeter boated a mixture of eights and fours and singles, doubles sculls.

In preparation for the Schools’ Head on the 20th March, Canford, a little rusty with no races since the Hampton Head in February, made great gains in bringing together three boys and three girls eights.

Dan Coupe has been invited to the GB Junior Spring Assessment at the end of March. Successful athletes from the assessment will be invited to the Munich Junior regatta in May.

Football

Oaks 2-4 Sherborne

Goals: Thomas S, Max W

The Oaks hosted Sherborne last Thursday in some tough conditions. Canford started in control and dominated the ball in the early exchanges. However, Sherborne were the ones to take the lead. Canford fired back straight away, scoring two in quick succession. The first goal was a lovely move down the right hand side, before the ball was cut back to Thomas S who fired into the net. Some more nice play down the right led to Thomas S whipping the ball in and Max W poking the ball in. Dominating the game but couldn’t get the third, Sherborne hit the Oaks on the counter and won a free kick on the edge. Ciaran A made a great save but the ball fell back to Sherborne who fired into the roof of the net.

The second half was tough for the Oaks, with Sherborne’s direct play causing us problems. The first 15 minutes of the second half had Sherborne camped in the Oaks half. Set piece after set piece came in and eventually they scored their third, and fourth in quick succession.

Player of the Match: Ciaran A

Canford 5-4 Corinthian Casuals

Goals: Tele O, Thomas S, Jago H (2), Max W

The Upper Sixth, with a couple of lowers, played in one of the best fixtures of the year, hosting Corinthian Casual’s Dorset Schools Chapter. With a range of abilities on show, with players from the Oaks, Acorns and Gents all appearing in the game. Canford opened the scoring with a lovely goal from the edge of the box from Tele O. Corinthian’s quickly got on the scoresheet and then got another to go 2-1 up. With the opposition in the ascendancy, the Oaks managed to score a lovely chipped goal from Thomas S, levelling the scores. Soon after, Jago H ran through the opposition defence and smashed the ball into the back of the net, giving the team a 3-2 lead.

In the second half, the lads started quickly. Max W took his man on down the right and finished emphatically passed the keeper, giving the boys a 4-2 lead. This was the trigger for Corinthians to start attacking. They managed to get one back. And after that piled on the pressure, demonstrating their physical advantage in the penalty area, especially from set pieces. With this, they managed to grab an equaliser, leaving the game finely poised heading into the latter stages. A low cross was flashed across the box and from a yard out, the Casuals managed to hit the ball over the bar. With 5 minutes to go, Holden burst through into the final third, rolled the ball round the keeper and then finished to give the boys the win, 5-4.

Players of the Match: Kerry G + Zac O

Lacrosse

Canford Lacrosse 1s v St Swithun’s (A) 29/3

This was the last fixture for the 1’s before the National tournament on the upcoming exeat so everyone was keen to put the practice into gameplay.

The first half was a very cagey affair with both midfields having to track back and forth several times with the change of possession. Evie, Izzy and Katie were rotating the draws and tried to unsettle the home side by not allowing their draw taker to get into a rhythm. Both teams were winning the ball from each other due to some intense pressure and solid defence. The likes of Hester, Izzy and Evie found joy in running up field and beating the rough pressure put on them. We were unable to turn our opportunities into goals, but the home side were able to capitalise on some poor fouls to go into the half 5-2.

The half time talk focused a lot on our character as a team and the progress we’ve made, ensuring that heads don’t drop so we can try and claw back a result.

Our girls did exactly that, the midfield fought for each of the draws, working as a unit to win the ball back. Izzy and Laura found their groove and turned some well worked opportunities into goals. Grace at the other end made some exceptional saves, the best one being where she caught the ball between her legs, putting everyone, including the umpire in disbelief. As the clock wound down and with the game being tight, the girls were able to play a bit of keep ball and limit any chance of the home team levelling the game.

The girls finished 9-8 winners in what was the best game to watch this season.

This result shows to me how far the girls have come since coaching them from September, there were times in the game where their heads could have dropped and let the game run away, however they had belief and the right attitude to get the result they wanted and have finished the regular season with a 5-5 record which shows the improvement on paper. Watching this group week on week improve as lacrosse players but more so as people has been a joy to witness and hopefully the positivity will show at Nationals!

MVP’s: Grace M., Izzy R.

Goals: Evie J., Katie C., Laura E. (3), Izzy R. (4)

2nd X v St Swithun’s (A) 29/11

Ellie started the game off strong by winning the draw and getting a fast break to score our first goal of the game. Megan kept winning the draw circle ground balls and getting the ball up to the goal but unfortunately kept dropping the ball at the last seconds meaning there was a lot of turnover in midfield back and forth. Verity and Izzy worked brilliantly in defence making sure the ball carrier stayed out of the fan but unfortunately we lost a few shots to goal due to crease rolls and mid being too tired to drop back.

The girls continued to win the draws and get some more shots in the goal with Tilly aiding a lot of cuts into the fan made by Rose, Portia and Megan. The girls during the second half of the game lost the ball due to tiredness in defending and slightly barging when defending in midfield which caused a turnover. The spirits were still high on the pitch and the girls had such a great attitude on and off the pitch. The goalie Jess for the first half was incredible! She saved 4/5 shots on goal and was great when it came to watching the ball carrier. The defence were loud and stick to their bucket on the fan well.

Portia started to take the draw when Ellie came off feeling a bit ill and Portia did so well getting the ball over to Megan who was ready to receive the ball as mid attack. The girls did not get called up for empty stick checks or charging or three seconds which is such an improvement! It was a cracking game and the girls should be so proud of themselves. The girls just need to look at settling the ball in attack and cradling when a fast break is happening so the ball does not get dropped at the last second.

Real Tennis

Real Tennis v The Oratory – Thursday 29th Feb

A very competitive day of tennis over at The Oratory with all Fourth Form involved: Josh S, Jack G, Hector C and Gil S. Josh and Gil got their first outing for the school and quickly got into the swing of it, securing two big wins! We played doubles across the afternoon and the pairings were well matched, Canford got off to the stronger start with victories in their first two games, but Oratory came back strong to level things up. Hector and Jack have now become our experienced pair, representing the school on a number of occasions, their shot making and tactical awareness have come on considerably.

Player of the day goes to Josh, stepping in last minute and only having been on court a couple of times, he picked up the rules and technique quickly and played extremely well on the day. Overall the day was played in great spirits, well done boys!

Boys’ House Squash Finals

Junior and Senior Boys House Squash Champions are… School House!

Junior: School beat Court 4/1

Senior: School beat Salisbury 4/1

Amazing effort from both Court and Salisbury, a game here or there could have swung it in their favour. It is also the first time in many years that a day house has reached the final.

School continue their amazing house squash run, winning the junior competition for the last two years and the senior competition for three years straight!

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