The animals went in two by two… puddle paddling again this week as the rain continues to disrupt the sports programme. Saturday proved surprisingly calm, however, with a mostly full raft of fixtures. The U15 South Schools Lacrosse tournament sadly fell victim to torrential overnight rain into Tuesday morning.

Team of the Week

We are pleased to introduce a new feature, a welcome initiative from Megan T (Y12), who will liaise with the Editor in highlighting a ‘Team of the Week’ from across the senior school in every Sports Round Up. Here is Megan’s first write-up:

Team of the Week: 1sts Girls’ Lacrosse vs Berkhamsted School

The Girls’ Lacrosse 1st Team delivered an outstanding performance against a very strong Berkhamsted side, narrowly losing 6 to 7 in a highly competitive fixture. Facing one of the strongest opponents of the season, the team set the standard early, establishing a 6 to 2 lead through sharp attacking movement, intelligent cutting and fast, effective transitions. The attack combined crafty finishing with powerful, confident shooting to sustain pressure, while across the pitch the team showed exceptional defensive discipline and work rate. Berkhamsted were repeatedly denied space, with players winning crucial one on one battles, sliding quickly to shut down driving lanes and working collectively to make it extremely difficult for the opposition to break through. Even as fatigue set in during the second half, the girls maintained their intensity and organisation, competing until the final whistle and demonstrating a level of performance, resilience and teamwork that defined the fixture.

Football

U15A v CLFS

After such a wet week, the game was played on a surprisingly good pitch. Playing the formation of their choice and after a positive session in games, the boys started well. Almost immediately they forced a corner and Jack was able to score through a crowd of players. This soft start typified the first half. The boys were on top, but there was little structure, and they were not really under any great pressure. Individuals did individual things, but the team did not really flow. What was really positive was the defence. Lucas and Henry were extremely solid at the back.

The second half saw a much improved team performance, in particular the play of the right and left backs in moving both forward into space and back into formation for defence. Charlie M and Brodie then became pivotal in attack and allowed Harry, Blake and Theo to switch play much more effectively. This type of play created much more space for all players and the boys were able to enjoy much more control. Three more goals came in this half, with Ed and James scoring off well-worked moves and hitting a great strike from 18 yards out (and as the boys said continuously throughout the game, this ball was too hard and impossible to kick!). A well-deserved result and a much improved and positive team performance.

U15B v CLFS

U15B played really well and dictated play with many goal attempts. Goals scored by Buster W, Oscar I (2), Eden M and Ally J. POM was Oscar I.

U13A v CLFS

Match report written by Max, U13A striker:

The match started with both teams playing some superb football. After a communication error with Claremont’s back line, David pulled off a wonderful save, but Freemens pursued the rebound and scored a calmly taken header. Then, after a bad pass from the CLFS back line, it dropped to Jimmy, who smashed it first time, top left, on his left foot to equalise. The game started to become calmer after both teams created chance after chance. Then, out of nowhere, Alex hammered one from outside the box to put Claremont 2 to 1 up. The next few minutes were very tense, with Barend, Moritz and Ethan being strong in tackles and pushing Claremont up the pitch. Henry kept on making good link-up play with Jimmy and Max, before Henry shot and curled it in far left to make it 3 to 1. Claremont were composed until CLFS had a good chance and were clinical, and that ended the first half 3 to 2.

The second half was a brand new Claremont. We were calm on the ball and controlled the game. Henry and Albie were delivering wonderful balls into the box, but Claremont just could not get the ball in the back of the net. City of London were playing hungrily, with their left winger taking on multiple defenders and crossing dangerous balls into the box, waiting for someone to capitalise. All of a sudden, Albie delivered an incredible cross that dropped perfectly for Max to head it in to put Claremont 4 to 2 up. Claremont were dominating and winning all their 50 to 50s. City of London then scored with their centre mid winning and driving with it. Jimmy, with some magic from his feet, scored again to make it 5 to 3. Claremont thought the game was put to bed until City of London’s left winger pulled off a masterclass, driving with the ball, taking it past Claremont’s defence and smacking one top right, and then another in quick succession, the game tied at 5 to 5.

It is a brilliant scoreline, and Claremont stay undefeated in their proper season. There are a lot of positives to take from the match, such as our passing, communication, mindset and appetite for victory.

Man of the Match: Alex
Honourable mentions: Max, Jimmy and Barend for always helping to positively push the team

U13C v CLFS

A really strong display from the U13Cs against City of London Freemens, with Claremont coming out 3 to 0 winners. Throughout the first half, the defence maintained a solid shape and did not allow many goal-scoring opportunities. When shots did come, Aleks P showed great ability in goal to stop anything from going in. Eryk was a consistent threat running from deep, carrying the ball into the final third and getting a goal in the first half. In the second half, the U13Cs continued to dominate and create more goal-scoring opportunities, with Baxter and Oscar increasing the lead to 3 to 0. Overall, a great team performance which can be built on over the coming weeks. Player of the Match: Eryk.

U12B v CLFS

After last week’s defeat, the team took to the pitch at London Freemens with renewed purpose. Clement was nominated as captain for the week. Leading by example, he scored in the first few minutes of the game, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Claremont controlled the game in all aspects to stamp authority on a 5 to 0 lead at half time. The talk at half time was all about the clean sheet and shutting down their players when they had the ball. Goals from Clement (3), Brodie (2), Callum (1), Finn (1) and Will E (1) secured a great win on the road. The team worked hard for each other and played with a strong positive spirit, but there are harder games to come. Training is on Monday lunchtimes and Tuesday after school.

Lacrosse

1st v Berkhamsted

It was meant to be a feel-good homecoming. Bright, crisp, warm sunshine, a first home fixture for a while, a full(ish) squad back together at last. Even the soggy week of rain couldn’t dampen spirits, though it did push the girls over to the second pitch. For a long while, Claremont looked every inch the boss, flying out of the blocks with a positive, confident start that had the home fans purring. By half time, a deserved 4 to 1 lead was built on sharp defensive graft, a couple of tidy interceptions and two or three top-drawer saves that kept Berko at arm’s length.

Then there were the goals. Oh, the goals. They were absolute reel-it-back-and-watch-again jobs. One, a flowing move finished with ice-cold class, was tragically missed by a proud mum in the crowd (still kicking herself). Anyone else? On their feet. Sublime. Another was pure thunder: hands dropped, ball lifted from low, straight into the roof of the net. Bang. Like a lightning strike. The Berko keeper didn’t even flinch, she had no chance.

Half time arrived at 4 to 1. No oranges (apparently demand has dipped). No motivational message on the orange box either. Make of that what you will. The second half started smoothly enough. Claremont pushed on to 6 to 3 and the home faithful began to relax. Too early, as it turned out. Because then… the wheels came off. Suddenly the team were at sixes and sevens, and that’s not just a phrase, it was a full-blown description. Confusion. Disorder. Disarray. Defenders being subbed whilst defending. Promising attacking phases involving everyone from back to front, only to cough up possession several times on the spin. Cohesion vanished.

At 6 to 3, with this level of experience, closing the game out has to be the expectation of this team. Short format? Maybe a win. But this was a game there to be won and instead, Berko sniffed blood, four unanswered goals seizing the initiative. Momentum swung. Confidence drained. Some home fans muttered that the final Berko goal looked offside, but you make your own luck, and Claremont hadn’t.

Were they watching the scoreboard clock? Hard to say. Should they have slowed the game down, kept the ball, killed the game with calm possession? Only the girls will know. Full time. Berko smiling for the team photo in front of the mansion. Claremont trudging off, wondering how it slipped away. Bright day. Big moments. One hell of a lesson and yes… maybe the half-time oranges are needed after all.

U15A v Berkhamsted

This Saturday, we didn’t play to the standard we would have wished, but the team still showed good effort throughout the match. We tried to use some set plays, including ‘Cereal’, although they weren’t as successful as when we had practised. Despite this, the defence worked really hard and fought under pressure, helping to limit scoring opportunities for the opposition. Lola also had an excellent performance in goal, making some great saves while battling throughout to prevent shots. Players of the Match were Olivia and Lola.

U15B v Berkhamsted

The match was very even in possession and showed some great passing of the ball. We completed some great and fast drives which led to four impressive goals. The progression of one-on-one defence was clear and pressure increased well throughout the game. This led to a strong second half and a great overall match.

U13B v Berkhamsted

Report from Eleanor S:

This is my report on the match on Saturday, which we won 11 to 6. We started off losing the ball in the attacking third to the defenders quite a lot, but in the second half we were better at winning the draw and keeping it. Our defence was very tight, and we were good at marking our players around the fan without leeching. I think we need to work on keeping the ball in the fan when we are attacking and not letting the other team intercept the ball.

Netball

U15A v Tormead

The U15A team played some excellent netball today, showing great persistence and strong communication across the court. The defenders worked tirelessly, constantly talking and supporting each other. It was a very well-matched game, but the team stayed composed, using the reset option effectively when needed. The shooters showed great movement in the D, creating strong scoring opportunities.

An amazing win for us, very impressed with the whole team. A big thank you to Jess for playing with us today.

Players of the Match: Thea H and Emily R

U15B v Tormead

The team put in a strong and determined performance from the start, showing great teamwork and effort across all areas of the court. We moved the ball well through the midcourt using set-ups we have been working on in training, applied consistent defensive pressure, and created solid attacking opportunities. As the match progressed, we lifted the intensity and team spirit, with improved communication and support allowing us to challenge the opposition and maintain focus until the final whistle. Overall, it was a positive display of skill, commitment and sportsmanship from the entire team despite a narrow loss.

Thank you to Alice B and Alice C for stepping up and playing for us, they were a major asset to the team overall. Well done to Nush and Sophie K for receiving Player of the Match.

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