After the record melting heat of an extraordinary summer, with pitches still parched, it is perhaps tempting fate to offer you all the (globally?) warmest of welcomes back to the Winter programme and this weekly synopsis of Claremont sport. Clearly training and matches have been compromised by the lack of rain, with pitches struggling across the land. Rugby in particular, has postponed initial fixtures at the start of the season, in conjunction with RFU guidelines, but other sports have been able to continue with matches. We look forward to a controlled but energised return to full fixture lists as the grass grows ever greener.

 

Lacrosse

U18A v Queen Anne’s School

Claremont opened their 2026/27 campaign with an impressive 8–4 victory over Queen Anne’s, the National champions of two years ago. The match was far from perfect, but it offered plenty of encouragement for a young Claremont side. This season, the fixture also has added significance, with a new league introduced for 2026/27. Conditions were bright and sunny, with a light breeze. The ground, however, was hard and produced unpredictable bounces, making the opening stages scrappy. Both teams made forced errors, while Claremont sometimes chose to force attempts on goal instead of recycling possession. Queen Anne’s scored first and second, but Claremont gradually found their rhythm. Several players making their debuts impressed, and the home side became increasingly dangerous as the first half progressed.

Claremont led 5–2 at half-time. The message at the break was straightforward: the game was there to be won, but it needed to be managed with maturity. Claremont extended their lead to 6–2, before a spell of less composed play allowed Queen Anne’s back into the game. Defensive organisation dropped, rushed decisions in attack gave possession away, and the midfield was forced to work hard at both ends. At 6–2, Claremont needed to slow the game down, retain possession and close it out. Instead, the match became frantic. Queen Anne’s created further opportunities, as defensive lapses brought them back to 7–4. The team also needed to manage the clock more effectively. With the final minutes approaching, there was no need for anything complicated. Safer transitions from defence through midfield and better decision-making would have helped Claremont see the game out more comfortably.

Thankfully, Claremont’s goalie was wide awake. She made at least three or four important saves, including several that could have changed the momentum. With possession being turned over too cheaply at times, her willingness to make the big saves was invaluable. Claremont then produced one of the moments of the match. After being repeatedly pushed and bumped, the striker responded by smashing the ball into the top corner from an almost impossible angle. The shot came from virtually zero degrees and flew in so quickly that it was difficult to see where it had come from. Claremont held their nerve from there and secured an 8–4 victory. There was also good news elsewhere, with the U18B side picking up a win. That result highlighted the potential importance of strength in depth this season. Claremont were not at full strength, with several regulars missing, so competition for places could become significant once the squad is back together.

There is plenty for Claremont to focus on, particularly in the draw, attack decision-making and transitions out of defence. At times, the team chose difficult options instead of simple ones. Those are areas that should improve as the players settle and gain experience. That is what makes this result so encouraging. Claremont have new faces, new energy and plenty of potential, while still having room to improve.

U18 C v Queen Anne’s School

A great start to the season from the 3s with lots of debuts from our new Year 11s. Some great draw work from the midfield meant plenty of time on the ball in attack. Players player for the game were Lola-Rose and Matilda SB. Coach’s player was Caro for excellent off ball work rate in offence.

U15 B v Queen Anne’s School

The U15Bs faced Queen Anne’s on Saturday, in a great first match of the season for the team. Claremont started off very well with Emma and Isla B scoring 4 before Queen Anne’s got their first goal to make it 4-1. Special mentions go to goalie Amy for some excellent saves and to Nancy for great persistence and off ball movement. Queen Anne’s then manged to get 3 more goals before Claremont scored again making it 5-4. The second half wasn’t as successful for Claremont with the match ending at 6-9. Players of the match went to Emma for attack and Amy for defence.

U14A v Queen Anne’s School

An excellent start to the season for the U14s. After a defensive focused week at practice, every player contributed positively with sliding, 1v1 defence and communication all over the field. Players players of the game were Pippa and Alyssa. Coach’s player was Kayla for some excellent first slides and 1v1 defence.

 

Netball

The 1st VII had a great start to the season in a pre season match v St Teresa’s. Lots of combinations were put out and the girls looked strong for the start of their season.

U13A v Downsend

The U13A netball team had a great performance in Round 1 of the SNS National Trophy. The team worked consistently to get to the end where they won on a golden goal. Despite the pressure of this, they succeeded and were thrilled! On to round 2 they go!

 

Rugby

The delayed start to the season only permitted three conditioned fixtures last Saturday, our new Y7 boys enjoying Touch matches away at Dunottar.

U12A

With the long summer and hard grounds making the start of the season tough, a large group of year 7s headed over to Reigate to play some touch fixtures vs Dunottar. This promising side played well and went into the break up. However, the hosts turned the score around to take the win. With more focus on unity and simple skills, this side will get revenge later in the season.

U12B

Strong running from Tommy and Max saw this side dominate. A couple of strong tries from Tommy gave this side the win. Both Charlies also proved their worth for the team in this strong team performance.

U12C

The U12C played a touch game against Dunottar, and it was certainly a game of two halves! For much of the first half, we found ourselves under pressure and spent around 90% of the time in our own half. At the interval, we were 4–1 down and needed to find a way to turn things around.

A few changes during the break sparked an amazing transformation. The second half was a completely different story. Suddenly, we were competing, attacking with confidence and putting Dunottar under real pressure. The team scored five tries in the second half to complete a fantastic comeback and secure a deserved 6–4 victory! Oliver W was outstanding, scoring two amazing tries, while Taran U also crossed the line twice. Luchie K and George T added further tries to complete the comeback. Our MVP was Lenora P, who played on the wing and made some fantastic runs throughout the game.

 

Rugby 7s

Over the summer, three Y10 Claremont boys, Rupert W, Jay V and Jack D had a fantastic opportunity to attend the Ultimate Rugby 7’s Academy. Following the UR7s trial, all three were successfully selected to take part in the academy programme. Over the summer they attended an intensive four-day residential camp combining on-field tactics and team play. Training is directly led by former and active GB and International rugby sevens players. This was a fantastic achievement and a great opportunity for them to further develop their rugby skills, confidence and understanding of rugby sevens. More on the academy can be found here: https://ultimaterugbysevens.com/

 

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