The season is well underway this half term with our U16 & 18 boys and U16 girls all in action.
Up first were the U18 boys. After a slow start the boys gathered momentum, under the leadership of our senior players Ben, Reto, Joel and Cole. Games against St Peter’s and RGS Newcastle saw the boys play fast, decisive indoor hockey picking up two comfortable victories, setting up a semi final clash against Yarm. Two clinical corners saw Yarm take an early lead, however, the boys battled hard to get back into the game scoring two well crafted goals making the score 3-2. Unfortunately, with the aid of another corner, Yarm progressed to the final eventual winners 5-3. The boys represented the college superbly both on and off the pitch.
The U16 girls played an incredible style of indoor hockey, moving the ball at high speed and putting the opposition under pressure. This resulted in numerous quality team goals against QEGS Wakefield and Bradford Grammar School, setting up a semi final against GSAL. Scarborough dominated the semi final controlling possession creating multiple opportunities only to be thwarted by a superb performance by the GSAL goalkeeper, leaving the score tied at 1-1. After such a dominant performance it was tough to decide the game on shuffles and unfortunately for our girls the goalkeeper continued her performance, keeping them out. Well done to all the girls.
The U16 boys started with intent laying down a marker with a cool, calm, composed performance. They moved the ball confidently, controlling possession to score four quality goals. The boys topped their group with a comprehensive win over GSAL to set up a final against Yarm. The final was a high quality game of indoor hockey with Scarborough controlling the game for large parts taking the lead twice. As with the U16 girls’, there was last second drama as a dubious corner was given to Yarm which they converted on the final whistle to tie the score 2-2 and send it to penalty flicks. All the pressure was stacked on the shoulders of the College boys, however, they showed the resilience they have developed over the last few years and converted all their flicks to win 3-2. They now progress to the National finals at Whitgift school. A massive well done to all the squad on a superb result becoming the North East Champions.
The U18 girls play in the North East finals next Wednesday and we wish them the very best of luck.
Taking a break from Tier 1, our 1st XI turned their attention to the Independent Schools Hockey Cup with a convincing win over RGS Newcastle. The boys continue their preparations for the season ahead with wins for the U16 and 18’s side against QEGS Wakefield. The U13 girls hockey have made good progress this season with a win against Pocklington and a draw against Ampleforth U14’s. The U15’s have enjoyed similar success recently with a big win over Pocklington and Ampleforth’s 2nd XI
The 1st XV travelled to Edinburgh to compete in the Merchiston Castle Festival against some of the biggest rugby schools and academies in England and Scotland. The weekend proved a huge test for our small squad, however, the experience was invaluable and the resilience and determination was evident for all to live on Nextgen. The standout performances came against Wycliffe in the group stage with a strong 19-5 win, and against Finborough, where the boys led until the last seven minutes (when a couple of injuries tested our reserves). In the final game of the day, in the placing game, the boys faced Wycliffe in a rematch. The game swung back and forth with both teams showing creative attack and aggressive defence, and finished in a deserved draw. A physically challenging weekend for our boys, but an incredible experience showing how far they have progressed.
The U14 and 1st XV both faced Harrogate Grammar in the first week back after half term – the U14’s playing superbly away from home in a very competitive and close game, losing by a single score. The 1st XV, after losing to Harrogate earlier in the season, avenged this result by beating Harrogate away from home in one of the standout performances of the season.
We wish them the very best of luck in their last 16 plate fixture against Mount St Mary’s.
Congratulations the Equestrian team who came 7th in the 90cm class at Champs over half term. Harry R also competed in his first British eventing competition and Felicity claimed the 133cm working hunter point title at Horse of the Year show.
Well done to two very talented Y7 students for their recent competitions. Madeline placed 5th in the eventers challenge class and Felicity has been busy winning arena eventing and show jumping classes. Well done to all our equestrian team.
The Owls and Gibbons continue to perform well in the adult evening league. Congratulations to the U16 Netball team who has retained their district title.
Y11 student Joe won the Teesside Karting Junior Rotax Championship after nine rounds, during which he was on the podium five times. The championship went down to the wire of the final round, which took place in the last weekend of October. It was only decided on the last race of the season, when Joe finished nervously in 8th place in the final, after an incident filled three heats. Thankfully he secured enough points to win the Championship – congratulations to him!
This was the culmination of a tough season that included a few mechanical failures and having his chassis written off by a competitor in a practice session in Round 6. Joe has aspirations of competing in the Motorsport UK Kart Championship in 2025 where he will compete in six rounds at various tracks in Britain.
