Spring has officially arrived! The campus is resplendent, smiling daffodils brightening the landscape as County Lacrosse, Surrey Sevens rugby and a range of football fixtures revel in the scent of freshly cut lawns and early blossom. The click of shutters as team photos take place in the lea of Claremont’s spectacular mansion is welcome confirmation that the worst rainfall in an age finally appears to have dissipated, just in time to celebrate Shield success for the U12C girls at the Surrey County Tournament. Wander lonely as a cloud, dear reader, as we reflect on this past sporting week.

Team of the Week:

U15A boys football team 2–0 win against Ewell Castle

Reporter: Megan T.

This week’s Team of the Week is the U15A Boys’ Football Team after an impressive 2–0 victory over Ewell Castle. Having narrowly lost the previous fixture, the team showed outstanding determination and composure to turn the result around. From the first whistle, they were sharper in every challenge and calm in possession, with a superbly worked team move finished confidently by Ollie to give them the lead.

Defensively, Lucas, Brodie and Henry were exceptional, reading the game brilliantly and providing real security at the back. Charlie’s tireless energy in midfield, alongside the relentless attacking pressure from Elliot, Ed and James, kept Ewell on the back foot. A composed finish from Robbie sealed a deserved win in a competitive match played in great spirit — a performance that fully merits Team of the Week recognition.

Football

4th XI v CLFS

Claremont played in a competitive match but were unable to score in the 1st half. In the 2nd half they created many more chances and eventually won 4-0, with a great performance by Adam K, who had been fasting all day without food or fluid. Goals by Adam K x2 and Josh S x2. MVP Adam K.

U15A v Ewell Castle

The last time these two teams played, it was a close result but one that Ewell deserved to win. This time, the tables were turned and in every area of the pitch the boys showed they wanted the win more. From the off, Claremont simply were more determined to win. In every 50:50 challenge or any chase for the ball, the boys were just more desperate to get there. This is a side that can never be questioned on their endeavour, but the difference today was greater composure.

Ewell are a big side, but the boys’ warm-up gave them belief in playing two- and three-touch football. In translating this into the game, Ewell simply didn’t get near us and within 5 minutes three simple passes, switching play from right back to left wing, allowed Ollie to take on the right back, reach the byline, cut inside and score with an excellent finish across the keeper into the far corner. If there is one criticism of this team, it’s that they play too straight, but this well-worked goal hopefully showed them the value of switching play and using angled passes. The rest of the half was a battle to repeat the same opportunity. Chances came and went, and the boys were never really challenged in this first half.

The second half was more even and, playing against the wind, there was definitely more to do in defence. With three at the back it could leave a team exposed. However, the three boys in this role are truly excellent. Lucas, Brodie and Henry are a formidable force. They all read the game very well, making countless interceptions and snuffing out attacks before they really happen. Equally impressive is their pace. All of them seem to have another gear so that even balls in behind them never seem to be a problem. The confidence that these boys give the rest of the team is immense.

Attacking in this half was much more about counter-attacks or winning challenges and releasing our wingers. In both ways, Charlie became pivotal, be it in winning back possession or making the runs to really put Ewell under pressure. His tireless work and determined play produced a number of opportunities and, along with Elliot, Ed and James, the Ewell defence never got a break. As it was, the key again to getting the second goal was the outstanding pace and finishing of the twins. This time it was Robbie who got to finish the move by being in the right place to place the ball into the corner from a parried save.

A really competitive game, expertly refereed and played in excellent spirit. The boys were deserved winners.

U15B v Ewell Castle

U15B had some key players missing against Ewell Castle so many of the boys played out of position. A difficult 1st half but, with a few midfield changes, the boys created opportunities, ending the game in a 3-3 draw. MVP was A. Justice. Goals by J. Carter and two by A. Justice.

U14A v Ewell Castle

A combative yet disappointing result for the U14A team. A strong first-half display showed that when they moved the ball quickly and communicated well, the team were at their best. Despite not scoring, chances were created, and it was clear that with continued pressure a goal was coming.

With small tweaks at half time, the team picked up where they left off. A quick break down the wing allowed the ball to be cut back to Elijah, who from close range found the back of the net. It was from this point that Claremont had control wrestled away from them. Ewell started to play well and make use of their fast-footed wingers, creating chances deserving of a goal. After continued pressure from Ewell, an unfortunate challenge in the box by Claremont resulted in an Ewell penalty. This was calmly converted, agonisingly close to being saved by Finn.

With 10 minutes to go, the game became more resemblant of a basketball match than football, end to end and full of counters. Claremont could easily have scored two or more, but couldn’t quite show a clinical edge. A gutting last-second counter from Ewell resulted in a goal and a bitter defeat. Claremont showed great spirit and continued improvement in their communication. On another day, they win the game by four. Elijah was the standout performer on the day, alongside great shows of midfield tenacity from Will and Archie.

U13A v Ewell Castle

Match report written by the U13A’s captain Barend.

Claremont started the game slowly, Ewell applying pressure and attacking constantly. However, Will put his body on the line. For the first 10 minutes we were not playing our best; however, we defended incredibly until Ewell’s midfielder played it into their right winger, who was blazing fast, dribbling past our left-back and finishing near post. We were disappointed; however, we were determined to get back into it.

After that, Henry made a great run into space, then he played it back into Moritz, who drove into the box and was fouled… PENALTY. Max calmly stepped up and placed it in the bottom-right corner. 1–1. During the first half, Claremont were dominating, working so hard to get into the lead, and a lofted pass found Max once again. He toe-poked it near post past the keeper, giving us the advantage. 2–1. We kept striving for another to keep us out of harm’s way. Although we were dominating, our defence stayed strong, with Moritz using his strength in every challenge. Another opportunity came with Max once again down the right side of the box. He shot, and it flew into the top corner. 3–1, a great way to end the first half.

At the start of the second half we felt confident; however, right from kick-off we all felt a bit out of place. We lost our tempo and couldn’t hold possession of the ball. However, for 20 minutes we defended for our lives. Then we conceded a corner and they found a free player, who headed the ball into the far corner. It was cleared off the line by Moritz, but it fell again to Ewell’s defender and he shot. It was once again cleared by Moritz, and then they shot again, deflecting off David, with Moritz clearing the ball off the line. Moritz gave us the triple escape we needed!

In the last 10 minutes, the ball bounced to their striker, who hit it off his chest and volleyed it top left. Nothing David could do about it. 3–2. We were under loads of pressure as they kept piling it on, with every shot, every attack and every cross edging closer to our goal. However, David kept us in the game.

In the last 5 minutes of the game, their incredibly fast right winger sprinted down the flank with the ball, going past both our left centre-back and left-back. All he had to beat was the goalkeeper and he smashed it top left. We were gutted, but we pushed for one more. It was too late and the referee blew the full-time whistle.

Final score: Claremont 3 Ewell 3.
MOTM: Moritz kept us in the game and won his individual battles.
Honourable mention: Max (hat-trick hero).

U12B v CLFS

The U12B team started brightly and competed well for the opening ten minutes. However, despite the positive start, Freemens scored a good goal from a fast breakaway. Not allowing their heads to drop, the response was excellent and almost immediate with Brodie tucking away Claremont’s equaliser. Just as it looked like we were settling into the game, a difficult spell before half time proved costly. Three quick goals were conceded in the closing minutes of the half, leaving the team with a mountain to climb going into the break.

The second half, however, was a huge improvement. The boys showed real character, working harder, defending better and linking up well in midfield. Callum put in a particularly strong performance, covering ground tirelessly and helping drive the team forward. We came close to narrowing the gap on several occasions, with Jude heading a corner just wide and Brodie coming close to adding to his goal tally with a couple of near misses. Despite the much-improved second half, we couldn’t quite find the breakthrough again.

Final score: Claremont 1–4 City of London Freemens
POM: Callum

U12C v CLFS

The game started with Claremont absorbing lots of pressure. Salvie, Huck and Dylan K defended well. James in midfield had endless energy, appearing everywhere on the pitch. Rory in goal made some great saves. The team then found their tempo, finding good passes forward. Olly and Thomas up front provided plenty of outlets. Rocco hoovered up the scraps in midfield. After a great move down the right, Dylan S slotted it in the far post, followed by a great Ronaldo celebration. It then went a little downhill as Claremont lost a little bit of their intensity. The game ended in a 3–1 loss. The boys should be proud of the effort that they put in.

Lacrosse

U15B v St Catherines

This was a challenging match with many strong shots from the opposition team. However, Lola, our goalie, always did consistently well, making some outstanding saves. Lastly, dedication to getting the ball always showed, with many wins of ground balls and good quality passes when trying to keep possession.

U14A v St Catherines

This Saturday, the U14As had a friendly match against St Catherines in preparation for Nationals. With lots of players off sick, Poppy W and Emilie M stood in to help. In defence, there were some amazing intercepts all round, but especially from Molly F and Lexi P. The mids played well, with lots of threat in our attacking area, especially from Alice B. The attackers played well also, moving the ball quickly and taking all their chances at a drive. Overall, the team played well, but the reorganisation in defence could be quicker as the mids come down. We struggled on the clears also, as the defence were tight markers, so we should have stuck with short, sharp passes through the transition to attack. All in all, the team played well with our lack of players and are pumped and ready for Nationals.

U12B @ Surrey County Tournament

Facing a tough pool in the group stages, Claremont U12Bs battled hard to draw one and lose two games against ‘A’ stream opposition, including eventual County champions Caterham. The Plate semi-final was a tense affair, with Claremont leading towards the end of the first half, and they fought hard to maintain the margin. The Plate final against Putney ‘A’ proved a cradle too far, but the girls should be very proud of their placement as the best ‘B’ team in the county.

U12C @ Surrey County Tournament

Claremont U12C team are celebrating as winners of the County Shield competition after a fantastic day, winning all their pool matches other than a hard-fought draw with Caterham in the final round. They then sailed through the semi-final against old rivals Putney before triumphing over GHS in an epic final. Claremont stole a thrilling match after two periods of extra time, the ‘golden goal’ sparking triumphant scenes as the Shield was presented.

U12D @ Surrey County Tournament

A great learning experience for the girls, who improved steadily across the day, despite some early setbacks, to win their last two play-off games against Putney High.

Rugby Sevens

U14 @ Surrey Sevens

The weather promised a fun day of sevens, sunshine finally emerging late on the scene to herald the start of March. Claremont U14s regrettably took too long to arrive in this tournament, however, losing the opening fixture in the pool to a limited Glynn side 22–7, before running KCS close in a 14–5 defeat. Jay carried the squad to a storming second-half 26–10 victory over St Johns, but with optimism rising the tiring team then faced the top dogs in the pool, losing comprehensively to Epsom College 31–7 before battling hard but succumbing to pool winners John Fisher 27–0. Despite beating St Johns, Claremont lost out to their Leatherhead rivals on points difference (2 points) to conclude an ultimately frustrating morning in sixth position. Too many handling errors, too little offensive dynamism, and too few players challenging sufficiently physically for possession. This group has some skill but need to be more positive in ambition, less passive in defence, and swifter of foot and mind. Will C scored most of Claremont’s tries, Rupert fought hard all morning, and Jay was direct and powerful in the tackle. In attack the team was found wanting, simply too slow in thought and deed to challenge the athleticism of a couple of their pool rivals.

U12 @ Shrewsbury House

The U12 squad battled hard in a tough initial pool, with matches against Dulwich Prep, John Fisher and Broomwood, banana skins all, as the boys shipped plenty of points. Placing fourth in the group left Claremont competing for the Medals in the resultant secondary stage, as higher placed teams contested the Cup and Plate. Here, Claremont found their feet and level in an extremely tight pool, with several matches drawn. The boys drew two games and won the last to exit the tournament in second place in the latter pool with a smile, but were narrowly eclipsed on points difference by Danes Hill, who took the Medals.

U13 @ Surrey Sevens

Warm sunshine greeted the host of schools contesting the Surrey U13 Sevens at Trinity School. Claremont faced Harrodian, Ibstock Place, CLFS and Caterham in a challenging pool. Four games in two hours tested resilience, recovery and clarity of thought when under pressure, with Claremont swiftly discovering the reality of sevens tournament play. Too individual, too tentative defensively, lacking intensity, and yet the team played some decent rugby in bursts, sporadically revealing glimpses of quality. Sevens is tough and requires physicality, stamina and speed, so whilst the boys offered promise with some decent passing, all too often they were forced to play catch-up, chasing a game through defensive lapses. Will G scored one excellent runaway try, while Jimmy W danced and stepped to mixed effect. Collectively, however, the team lacked cohesion and all too frequently rushed into error.

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