Our final Sports Round Up of the Spring Term, reflects on the resilience of our players, and pitches, in coping with the relentless precipitation of the early weeks of term and producing some excellent results across a multitude of sports. Our sports coaches deserve huge credit, marshalling the teams into competitive units, refereeing, driving, managing their flock. As our Egyptian geese watch diligently over their young, so our sports staff deserve praise for the passion, care and opportunity they provide across such a wide range of activities. Enjoy your Easter break all, Sports Reports for the summer term take flight all too soon!

Football

U15A v Fidelis

It’s always and interesting game against this school. Their boys are always competitive and often skilful, but struggle to put this together as a team. After a season of playing and developing, this final match was the boys’ chance to prove they could play a disciplined, high tempo accurate method, otherwise, it would allow the opposition to get into the game.

The first half as expected was competitive. As individuals, their boys were every bit as good as us, but the interplay as a team was very definitely the difference. And early first goal from a very simple but well executed corner routine saw Blake crisp unchallenged header hit the net. This should have been the start of a succession of goals, but for one reason and another, chances came and went and gradually Fidelis got more of a foothold in the game. As we held onto the ball longer, they were able to get closer to us and their very definite tactic of being physical began to cause problems. However, a penalty gave us a chance to relieve the pressure and extend the lead. With Henry T playing up front (rather than his usual centre back role), he was the obvious choice to take it. Pressure had no effect and he stroked the ball accurately into the bottom corner leaving the keeper no chance.

From here the physicality stepped up, and our boys stood up to it with no great issues and in fact, just before the half time whistle produced the goal of the season in my view as the ball was played in and out from defence to midfield, switched from left to right with Robbie W played into space on the right wing, crossing the ball to the back post with Elliot G arriving unmarked to volley home from 8 yards.

Unsurprisingly, the second half began with much greater intent from Fidelis and probably too much emotion. This meant that after one flash point too many and the ref being asked to deal with too many deliberate and physical indiscretions, the game was brought to a premature close. Possibly not the ideal way to end the season, but at least a safe one.

The boys have been outstanding in their attitude and effort all term and my thanks for them for making this such an enjoyable season. Blake A has taken on the role of captain in most games and he deserves to have this opportunity again as he moves into senior football next year. In today’s game, he led the team in both his play and his behaviour. Therefore, for scoring, playing the linchpin role in midfield and for leading the team in some very difficult moments, Blake was also player of the game.

U12C v CLFS

Claremont’s U12C side took on CLFS, eventually losing 4–0 in a match that was much closer than the final score suggested. The first half was evenly contested, with CLFS taking the lead through a well-taken strike across goal that clipped the post on its way into the bottom corner. Claremont were unfortunate not to be level — or even lead — at the break, creating several promising chances but just lacking the final pass or clean finish. In the second half, the game began to slip away as CLFS’ fitness and physical presence took control. An early goal after the restart made things more difficult, before two late goals followed in quick succession. Player of the Match goes to Olly Mc, who showed resilience throughout, working tirelessly to find space, create opportunities and trying to keep Claremont on the front foot.

Netball

What a competitive afternoon of house matches for the pupils. With lots of goals score, the team that came out on top was Norwood not losing a game all afternoon. Well done to all involved!

Rugby Sevens

The annual Rosslyn Park Sevens can justifiably lay claim to being the biggest inter-school’s competition in the world. Teams from across the UK and increasingly invitees from abroad gather across a packed week. The 2026 event features 1,247 teams with 4,296 fixtures across the five days. 240 schools entered the U14 tournament alone.

The Claremont squad had a dramatic day at this renowned tournament. To progress to the final 32 and a second day, teams battled to win one of the sixty, four team pools, with just pool winners and four best runners up living to fight another day.

Claremont started a little tentatively, but grew into the opening match, recovering to defeat Devenport High School 19-12. The second game was more straightforward, the pool collectively scoring 147 points against Bournemouth Collegiate, Claremont running out 40-0 winners. Two wins from two set up a climactic final game against Canford, the pool still wide open for three of the four participants. Two early reverses stung the boys into action, the breeze and resolve stiffening as Claremont fought back. Despite the defeat, the narrow 19-12 margin looked to be sufficient to take Claremont through on points difference, before news arrived of a massive 57-7 victory for our first-round opponents Devenport, who therefore progressed as pool winners on points difference.

The boys played with great intensity, the weeks of training evident in an age group that stands head and shoulders above in their diligent attendance at both Sevens practice as well as S&C. Tries came from a variety of players, Will C prominent, with Roshi finishing a couple well, Harry buzzing around at the base of the scrum, and Archie poaching two excellent tries down the blind side of scrums. This exciting, if ultimately frustrating adventure will ultimately be regarded as further indication of the strides this cadre are making as rugby players. One try short of progressing beyond a competitive group at the world’s most prestigious school’s rugby event. Victory over the pool winners, a great set of boys, who are a pleasure to be with. Be proud gentlemen.

Tennis

Senior Girls Tennis – Surrey League vs Ewell Castle

The tennis season began on Wednesday 18 March, with the Senior Girls facing Ewell Castle School. It was a challenging afternoon, with the team narrowly losing 3–1. Despite the result, the girls performed well and showed great determination throughout.

Well done to Anais P, Sophie W, Linea P, Isabella L and Sofia C for their effort and commitment.

U14 Schools Sports Magazine – Tennis

For the first time, we entered our U14 Girls into the Schools Sports Magazine tennis competition, where they were drawn against Sir William Perkins’s School. What an afternoon it turned out to be! Despite being a young team, the girls delivered an outstanding performance in the first round, securing an impressive 6–0 victory. Congratulations to Greta, Genevieve, Elsa, and Lilly for their fantastic effort, and best of luck in your next match against St Catherine’s School.

U14 Girls v St Catherines

The U14 Girls delivered an outstanding performance to progress to the next round of the Schools Sports Magazine Nationals with a 4–2 victory against St Catherine’s.

The standard of play was excellent throughout, with the girl’s demonstrating determination, resilience, and a real fighting spirit. It was a pleasure to watch, with long rallies and intelligent point construction consistently working their opponents around the court before finishing points with confidence. Well, done to Greta B, Genevieve H, Elsa O-B and Lilly E-S for their superb teamwork and performance. We wish them the very best of luck as they move on to the next round!

U16 Boys v Merchant Taylors

The U16 boys delivered a truly memorable performance in their Schools Sports Magazine fixture against Merchant Taylors’ School. What a match it was, full of incredible tennis and intensity throughout. Each player competed in both singles and doubles, making for a long afternoon filled with extended rallies and closely fought points. The contest finished level at 3–3, with everything coming down to the total number of games won.

In a dramatic finish, Claremont edged ahead 23–22 to secure victory and progress to the next round. A fantastic achievement. Well done to Ben C, Charlie S, Leo B, and Dylan P. We are very proud of your efforts and wish you the best of luck in your next match against Emanuel School.

 

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