
Sports round-up
·14 February 2025
SURREY YOUTH FENCING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025
Seven County Medals for Claremont Fencers!
Well done to the Claremont team for outstanding results this weekend, it was a tough event again this year, with some very strong fencers from other clubs attending. Fifteen Claremont fencers competed, and nearly half of them came away with a medal!
In addition to their own results, the fencers with a ‘*’ by their name should also have credit for assistant coaching at the Prep School, where fencers won a further five medals at this competition (one silver and four bronze).
Jinny P deserves a special mention as she only picked up an Epee for the first time in September last year and has done brilliantly to win a medal after such a short time.
Medallists
U16; Ella GF SILVER *
U12; Miles M SILVER *
U14; Arabella F BRONZE
U18; Peter S BRONZE *
U16; Freddie G BRONZE
U16; Lucy H BRONZE *
U16; Jinny P BRONZE
U12; Emelia T 5th, Bertie W 6th
U14; William H 10th
U16; Amar S 5th, Ailsa M 6th*, Matilda S 7th*, Comet P 8th*, Beatrix M 9th*
After the freeze of the previous week, with only the U12 boys’ football possible, played on the Salesian Astro a full set of matches were enjoyed last Saturday and across this week.
U12B vs Salesian
In a spirited U12 football match, our team faced a tough opponent with a ability to score goals freely . Despite the scoreline, the players showed incredible energy and determination throughout the game. William L stood out with his relentless effort and non stop defending, earning the Man of the Match title. Though the result wasn’t in our favour, the team’s passion and commitment were commendable, and this experience will undoubtedly make them stronger for future matches.
3rd XI Won 4-2
The 3rd X1 played away at Halliford. After a shaky start and going one goal down the boys found their rhythm after a few tweaks with positions and then started moving the ball around. Goals were scored by Jude S/Adam K and Leo J who also was MVP. The final score was 4-2 to Claremont with two of opponents’ goals being penalties awarded for hand ball.
U15B v Wimbledon College Lost 1-5
A salutary lesson for the U15B team, who battled hard, but lacked sufficient composure and ability to control the game. Wimbledon College had a couple of decent players that bossed the fixture, a direct free kick that cleared the wall and left the keeper stranded, just too good to cope with. Claremont never lost heart, despite the lack of decent possession, and found attacking outlets in Fred W and Noah, but for much of the game were compelled to absorb the constant attacking threat. Claremont equalised to make the game 1-1, but conceded two late goals to give the score line a lopsided look, though perhaps a fair reflection on the way the game played out. Ben M made some decent saves,but will need to ask his defenders to be more assertive, and midfield to work harder at both ends of the field. We move on to CLFS next Saturday.
U13A v Wimbledon College Lost 1-3
This is a team with a lot of potential, so playing their first Spring term game against a good Wimbledon College side was an excellent yard stick to see what progress had been made since last year. Wimbledon had an outstanding player in midfield and we allowed him space and time in the first five minutes. As a result they dominated possession and put us under constant pressure until finally a through ball created space and they scored a simple goal. The boys rallied well from this point but in sticky conditions, found it hard to make good passes and struggled to maintain possession and therefore any control. However, they battled gamely in defence, EH chasing back numerous times to nick the ball away from Wimbledon players about to strike. With FH doing equally sterling work, the score at half time was only 2-0.
The second half started in a similar manner, but then a spark of inspiration saw GB break down the right wing. However with 10 minutes to go, Finn made an brave save diving at the feet of the opposition striker, but getting a bang on the head for his trouble. He undoubtedly saved a certain goal but it certainly hurt. The rest of the game was an even struggle, but Wimbledon managed to score in the final moments. A 1-3 scoreline was probably fair and the boys will want to improve their passing and possession play in their next game against City of London this weekend.
U13B Lost 1-9
The boys started well, holding out a strong opposition for 20 minutes. The opposition scored 3 quick goals, followed by a lovely bit of play by Claremont down the right wing and finished off by Jack. At half time spirits were high. This quickly changed in the second half. Skill lost the game against strength.
U13C Lost 0-4
The U13C’s faced a tough challenge against Wimbledon College, putting in a fantastic first-half performance. Zain and the defence were rock solid, shutting down attacks, forcing shots wide, and conceding just one goal. However, the relentless pressure from Wimbledon in the second half proved too much, pinning Claremont back and resulting in three more goals. Despite the final scoreline, the team displayed incredible determination. Player of the Match Tom G-S led by example with his tenacity and energy, inspiring his teammates to hold on as long as they could.
U12B Lost 0-3
In an excellent match between Claremont and Wimbledon, both teams delivered outstanding performances. Claremont’s Charlie S was named Man of the Match for his commanding presence in midfield, orchestrating plays and maintaining control throughout the game. William L and David D were exceptional in defence and goal, respectively, with William making crucial tackles and interceptions. Despite 0-2 down at half time, team fought back hard, dominating much of the second half. Wimbledon were able to score a third but Claremont looked the more likely to score again. A great match and a performance the boys should be proud of.
U12C V Wimbledon College Lost 2-12
The 12Cs had their third fixture of the season on Saturday against a very strong Wimbledon college side. The boys started slowly and found themselves down in the game quickly, however an amazing defensive performance from both Alex and POM Bertie W kept them in the game and a great strike from Laith brought one goal back at the end the first half. Unfortunately during the second half, Wimbledon College ran away with the match and despite another great goal from Angus the scoreline stayed one sided in Wimbledon’s favour. Unlucky boys, a tough morning!
1st v Walthamstow Hall Won 12-4
The first team had a slow start on Saturday after the long break. However, they then found their usual hustle and really picked up the play. With some dominant drives in attack and confident team defence, they finished the game 12-4. A convincing win and good start to the new year.
U14A v Walthamstow Hall
The 14A’s showed some of their best attacking play of the season. After a few fast break goals for the first quarter, we then ensured the ball had to go behind and we had to hold the ball for at least 30 seconds before they scored. The team saw this as a challenge, and they were fantastic. Some great composure and decision making by all creating some team goals.
U13A Won 15-0
A storming start carried Claremont to an emphatic victory, showcasing excellent stickwork and tactical ball retention. An outstanding effort girls, well done!
U12A
The U12A team travelled to bath this two weeks ago to play in the SNS quarter final. With a close first half, the team worked hard with incredible and accurate shooting from Gigi, Pippa and Hattie to some fluid mid court from Julia, Naomi and Helena and some outstanding interceptions and rebounds from Olivia, Ella, Isabelle and Milly, the team were determined to come away with the win and were successful with a 26-18 scoreline. Well done to all involved, next stop semifinals!
2nd VII
A great, competitive fixture against Gordons, we worked hard to transition the ball well down the court and had some fantastic centre passes. Claremont had a good start to the beginning of this term and a special mention to the shooter, Clara B!
The Claremont senior girls faced off against KCS in an intense LTA league battle for top spot in their LTA League group. Both teams had previously secured comfortable wins over St Teresa’s and Gordons School, making this match crucial for advancing to the next round. On Wednesday, the match was full of exciting rallies, with both teams giving their all to win each point. Despite their hard work and determination, KCS came out on top, securing the win.
The Claremont senior girls finished 2nd in their group, and we couldn’t be prouder of their effort. Well done to Sofia C, Ava P, Linea P, and Sophie W!