When will it stop? The incessant rain has meant yet more cancellations this past week, with the entire lacrosse schedule and virtually all of the football washed away at the weekend. With the majority of both school and club sport wiped out, the Six Nations captured the imagination, gripping as always, though for the Celtic nations, something of a rain check. If you thought it looked aquatic in Rome as the Scots lost to a vibrant Italian side, spare a thought for Taunton Rugby Club (pictured), who can justifiably claim that rain has most definitely stopped play…

Team of the Week:

U14A Girls’ Netball Team

This week’s Team of the Week is the U14A girls’ netball team after an outstanding performance against Riddlesown Collegiate on Monday 2 February, securing a dramatic 26–24 win and a place in the National Sisters ‘n Sport Netball Trophy semi-final. With the pressure of a national semi-final spot on the line, the team delivered a confident and composed display from the opening whistle. Strong communication and slick passing through the court allowed the attackers to build momentum early on, while a disciplined defensive unit applied constant pressure to force vital turnovers. Captain Jess A led brilliantly throughout the match, setting the tone with calm leadership and determination during key moments. The midcourt worked tirelessly to link defence and attack, creating numerous scoring opportunities, which were finished confidently in the shooting circle. As the game intensified in the second half and the opposition mounted a strong challenge, the U14A team showed impressive resilience. Crucial interceptions, rebounds, and controlled attacking play ensured they maintained their narrow lead until the final whistle. A hard-fought and well-earned victory that highlights the squad’s commitment, teamwork, and quality on the national stage.

Gymnastics

Claremont’s first ever Gymnastics and Dance showcase went off with a bang. The gymnasts and dancers wowed spectators with their spectacular group routines, polished competition pieces, and elegant solos. The routines were flawless and the skills were impressive. The sports hall was transformed into a stage worthy of the magnificent routines on display; the space has never looked so good. This promises to be the first of many gymnastics and dance showcases highlighting the fantastic talents of Claremont pupils.

Netball

U14A v Torquay Academy Sisters ‘n Sport Trophy National Semi-Final

An epic journey, an epic fightback, ultimate heartbreak, an arduous U14A adventure to the West Country wetlands… this semi-final had it all. Claremont travelled to deepest Devon in search of a place in a national final, the nine-hour round trip less than ideal preparation. The girls, perhaps understandably, started a little stiffly, fresh off the bus, reaching half-time eight points down. Stirred into life, the team responded brilliantly, battling back to 19–19 parity as the match reached a dramatic final quarter. Self-belief flooded through the resurgent squad, Torquay rattled at this point. The hosts, however, showed resilience in weathering the storm, eventually breaking Claremont hearts 26–23 in the narrowest of victories. Impact player Abbie W stood out as a calming influence in the tumult, Molly L returned in triumph from injury, the whole team outstanding in all but snatching victory in the dying stages. The return home might have been a subdued retreat, instead the girls sang heartily, glowsticks ablaze, this fabulous foray to the English Riviera illuminated by multiple mellifluous choruses as the girls looked on the Mr Brightside of life.

U12/U13 Surrey Schools County Tournament

U13s – Group Winners and Qualifiers Bound

A huge congratulations to our U13 team, who topped their group to secure their place in the qualifiers, a fantastic achievement and well deserved. From the first whistle, the girls played slick, structured netball, demonstrating excellent spacing, disciplined centre-pass routines, and intelligent movement through the thirds. Their attacking play was composed and clinical, with strong connections between midcourt and circle, while defensively they applied consistent pressure and forced key turnovers at crucial moments.

U12s First County Tournament Experience

For our U12s, this marked their first county-level tournament, an important milestone in their netball journey.

The girls embraced the challenge wholeheartedly and gave their all in every match. Competing at county standard is a significant step up, and the experience provided valuable lessons in game tempo, physicality, and decision-making under pressure.

There were some excellent passages of play, with growing confidence in ball movement and defensive positioning as the day progressed. Most importantly, the squad showed resilience, positivity, and a willingness to learn, key foundations for long-term development.

Some fun house matches lifted the glowering clouds as the Under 12 girls got a chance to play some competitive matches, despite the gloom. A great event, full of fun and fast-paced action.

Rugby Sevens

The Mole Valley Series sees Sevens squads from each age group compete in a league across the week before half term to determine the overall Cup winner. Four schools, CFC, Dunottar, CLFS and RGS Surrey Hills (formerly Box Hill), make up the tournament participants. Y9 played some decent, structured Sevens but came unstuck against RGS Surrey Hills, winning against both CLFS and Dunottar. The U15 boys were too strong for both Dunottar and RGS Surrey Hills, CLFS absent on this day. Particular thanks to Y11 Ben M, who expertly refereed all matches on the day, hosted by Claremont at Old Cranleighans RFC, further increasing his standing as one of the best YMOs (Young Match Officials) on the London Society programme.

The Seniors beat RGS comfortably but lost tougher games against a well-drilled Freemens and physically imposing Dunottar. The Y8 boys played superbly in winning two games, only losing to Dunottar in a quite brilliant match, the winning score snatched in the dying play to seize the day 4–3. At the time of writing, going into the final day, Claremont lead the standings, three league points clear of Dunottar across the week. All to play for, then, as the Y7 boys wind up a terrific, entertaining and hard-fought but ultimately friendly week of Sevens rugby. This has been a great initiative, the fact that everything rests on final day results testament to the even nature of the majority of the matches each day.

Strength and Conditioning

Strength and Conditioning continues to build, both in numbers participating as well as strength and conditioning for our athletes. A new “Claremont Challenge” testing four core abilities, press-up endurance (how many in a minute), standing jump (distance), vertical jump (height) and single-leg calf raise (endurance), has ignited a competitive instinct amongst boys and girls from all year groups, not to mention the staff, the leaderboard in the gym constantly updating and providing fresh incentive.

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