Congratulations to the U15s, Ella S and Holly F, who have just completed their Youth Lacrosse Umpiring Qualification. The course means they are now qualified to umpire lacrosse matches where pupils are younger than Ella and Holly’s age group. Their first outing, whistles in hand, was helping the PE staff umpire the U12, U13 and U14 house matches this weekend. Well done, girls.

Cricket

U15A Girls

The U15A girls played in the ECB indoor cricket tournament first round. In the first match they played Hinchley Wood, who scored 40/8 in 7.2 overs. CFC then chased down the score, making 42/2 in 3.4 overs, Holly R taking 3 wickets with Mia H scoring 20 along with Emily R scoring 14 with the bat. In the second match Claremont played Esher High, who managed 21/8 in 7.2 overs, and CFC controlled the game, winning with 24/2 in 4.1 overs. Holly R again took 3 wickets. MVP was Mia H with a fantastic performance in both matches with her solid batting and bowling.

U13A Girls

Claremont U13A girls played in the 1st round of the ECB indoor cricket tournament. In the first game against Cobham Free our girls scored 151/2 and then restricted Cobham to 62/7 in 8 overs. Genevieve H scoring 22 and Grace A making 15 including two fantastic sixes. The second game was against Esher High and in very tight competitive match Claremont scored 92/8 and restricted Esher to 81/3. A deserved win! Olivia F was MVP with bat and ball.

Lacrosse

House matches produced some fast and furious action on a blustery morning as our Juniors (Y7, 8 and 9) produced some excellent lacrosse. Seniors play house matches on Saturday to round up another excellent season for our Claremont squads.

Netball

1st VII

The 1st VII had a great run today with a promising 22–11 victory. The team looked at another combination of players and showed great progression. Poppy M had an unbelievable shooting day whilst Olivia B won interceptions through court. Well done to all before the Christmas break.

2nd VII

A fantastic match for the 2nds this week, taking a strong lead in the first quarter. Conditions were set on the match to challenge the squad, with players allowed to give versatility netball a go and play a position that is out of their comfort zone.

Defensively we were very strong and kept to structure. Using a reset option on the third line gave more balance to the court and accurate positioning. In attack we worked the ball to goal using space and accurate passing. Well done, seniors.

Rugby

1st XV v Royal Alexandra and Albert

The last home game of the season saw the senior side bounce back from a series of tough losses. A massively depleted squad due to injuries and unavailability meant that the team needed to get back to basics. A well-worked catch and drive saw Oscar dive over. As the game developed, it was clear that the visitors had some strong players, but the Claremont defensive line was not easily going to be broken. A brace of wonderful tries from Josh saw the home side open up a gap. A power try from the visitors into the second half kept the score close. A well-worked team try saw Daniel K dive into the corner to cap a well deserved win for the team ahead of the end of season finale against Dunottar on 12 December. With places up for grabs, those playing gave themselves every chance of starting.

U16 v Purley John Fisher

The final game of the season for the U16 squad saw a well contested, if scrappy, affair, the direct individual runners from PJF just sufficient to pull them clear of a game Claremont effort. The final 27–7 scoreline is not wholly reflective, Claremont defending well, led by the Claremont A-team – Ash, Alfie and Alex – but unable to capitalise on the possession they won. With the sun, slope and stiff breeze against them in the first half, Claremont were a match for the hosts, Seb W picking up from the base to saunter home unopposed. The visitors turned round at the break just ten points adrift, but an early second half concession broke the tie. The Claremont passing grew ragged but not the determination, Noah and Adam P forceful in midfield. With the elements and gradient with them, Claremont might have looked to push PJF back, but too often elected to run from deep, wayward passes increasing the pressure. Jack W went close in the dying moments, losing the ball in the act of scoring. Had that score been converted, the scoreline would possibly have been a more accurate picture of a well fought encounter. PoM Ash.

U15A v Royal Alexandra and Albert

A proud two-season unbeaten record finally fell to a spirited RAA side that refused to buckle in the face of relentless Claremont pressure. On a grey, claggy day, the attritional surface made for a scrappy game, but it was an inability to adapt to a referee eager to penalise the breakdown, alongside a lack of composure in the red zone, that cost Claremont the chance of a second successive unbeaten term.

Lucas opened the scoring, surging through unopposed, adding a second in similar vein to extend the lead. RAA looked ragged at this point but fought back with a try of their own to claw back the deficit. The second period saw the home team revitalised, two tries levelling up the match, as Claremont were repeatedly penalised for offences around the ruck. Robbie scurried into the right corner to extend the visitors’ lead, Eden nailing a superb conversion from wide to add to two earlier kicks. Still RAA refused to lie down, finally breaking clear to score, the conversion taking them three points clear. Claremont hammered at the home line but were too individual, the defence just about tenacious enough to withstand the final onslaught.

At the whistle there was an eerie stillness, a recognition that an outstanding school record was at an end. For this fine group, this may be the last time they play together, this three point loss however certainly not defining the excellence they have shown across the past two years. It has been a privilege to coach these boys, to see them develop, to tour with many of them, to laugh, to train, to watch them flourish. I look forward to what they become in senior squads, to further tour opportunities, to the future. PoM Lucas.

U14B v Royal Alexandra and Albert

After last week, when the boys showed great heart but lost their structure and in the end the match, this week needed a strong response. A previous positive meeting gave the team confidence, but a new day and different personnel meant a new challenge.

The game started very evenly. Good positive running from Claremont in the form of George B, Freddie FO and Charlie S gave some impetus, but this pressure was initially soaked up for no reward. What was impressive was the gradual dominance at the breakdown as Claremont contested rucks and maintained possession. RAA had some exceptional runners who, when given space, could run in tries from anywhere, but thankfully the tackling initially held firm. Claremont were able to break the deadlock and then ran in three quick tries from Charlie and George. However, RAA responded well with a try of their own. What was impressive was the structure of play shown by Claremont. Time and again the ball was shifted from one side of the field to the other, stretching the opposition defence and making constant ground. The only thing stopping consistent scoring was a sense of greed as the line beckoned. These missed opportunities could have cost Claremont but thankfully the defence held out when RAA threatened, including a twenty-nine man maul on Claremont’s line, something I must confess I never thought I would see.

The second half was a more end to end affair. With the boys getting tired and spaces opening up, Claremont and RAA ran in tries from distance. However, it was again the unsung heroes in the forwards who shone. Tom GS, Baeden and Arjun were to the fore in this, and Magnus won every hook, for and against the head. The backs looked menacing with ball in hand, moving the ball well down the line with strong runs coming from everywhere. Dylan Pe was particularly valuable with his decision making and forward running, a performance that showed his growth in confidence as his effectiveness as a running fly half.

Despite RAA scoring another two tries from impressive breakaway runs, Claremont’s structure and determination were the difference. From line breaks all over the field and excellent handling, to solid defence and determined rucking, the team demonstrated the progress it has made. I could not have hoped for a more all round performance in their last game and I am extremely proud to have coached this team this year.

U13A v Royal Alexandra and Albert

Another performance with so much to enjoy. When in possession this team play an enjoyable, aggressive brand of rugby, the pick and go used as a hugely effective weapon, breaking the line over and over again, with runners like Eddie H, Charlie B, Will L and James P, it is no surprise that they constantly break through the defence. The backs need to be patient, but when they get the ball it moves through the hands quickly and effectively, Charlie S to Jimmy W to Jeffrey W, then there are always options, Will G for the width, Tiaam for the directness, Alex A for the trickery. With the back three running such great lines there are always options on the outside for Max C, Fergus M, Henry S or Casper U. The structure and movement are so strong it is only surprising they do not score more. This was an excellent performance and such a huge improvement from their first match. Well done on a hugely enjoyable season and some really impressive rugby.

U12B v Royal Alexandra and Albert

In their final fixture of the season, the U12B team produced a positive and encouraging performance away to Royal Alexandra and Albert, despite challenging conditions on an extremely muddy pitch. After conceding a couple of early tries, the squad took some time to find their rhythm and defensive shape. However, once settled, the boys showed impressive resilience, working their way up the field with increased control and intensity. Their tackling improved markedly as the match progressed, and the quality of their rucking was consistently excellent throughout. The team demonstrated outstanding determination and perseverance, refusing to give up at any stage and competing hard until the final whistle. There were standout performances from Will G, Theo W, Jude D and the PoM Charlie B, each contributing significantly to a much improved second half. A strong finish to the season and a display the whole squad can be proud of.

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