Over the half term holidays Princethorpe Sport took 38 pupils, two Year 8 netball teams and a Year 9 rugby team, on a four-day tour along the south coast. Now a regular feature in the sporting calendar, the tour included three matches interspersed with plenty of off-pitch activities and fun. It was a great chance for all to hone skills and practise technique against friendly but competitive teams.
The Year 9 boys comfortably won their first two games, with some super score lines: 55-15 against Portsmouth Junior Rugby Club and 74-5 against Gillingham and Ringworth Rugby Football Club. Their hard work in training prior to the tour, and two sound victories under their belts, paid off in a very well-matched fixture against Dauntsey’s School. The team 'weathered the storm' well in the first half, having to be disciplined in their defence for the majority of the game. Their commitment in defence resulted in a penalty kick to the corner, where they set up a maul from their line out - patient play resulted in a "well organised and professional try" said, PE Teacher, Mike Turns. Who was thoroughly delighted with the overall performance of the squad finishing with an 8-0 win.
Men of the matches were awarded to: Robbie Minshull, Jack Tripp-Smith and Wilf Sansum.
The Year 8 netball girls also had some great results in their games, and what was most pleasing was their progression throughout the tour. Fielding two teams, the girls first played Portsmouth High School, in the 13th year of this fixture. The A team won 41-20, but the B team lost a well matched game 24-37. Next came New Forest Netball Club, the A team won 18-11 in an end to end game where they had to really focus on their team tactics, but the B team lost 22-9. In their final matches against North Dorset Netball Club, the girls fought hard and both games were incredibly close, the A team finished with a 26-26 draw but the B team’s determination finally delivered and they were delighted with a 15-14 win. Head of Academic PE, Louise Harrison commented, "It was a well-deserved final victory for the B team who had learnt a lot since their first game and did tremendously well to pull out the win against a strong team."
Girls of the matches were awarded to: Darcey Heritage and Mary-Ellen Boyle, Sophie Gray and Grace Isaacs, Maddie Burgess and Freya O'Mahony.
Most improved players of the tour went to Oscar Page, Abi Hewson and Emma Sarkies for their progression throughout the tour.
Girl/Boy of the tour was awarded to Sophie Gray and Harry King - for their manner both on and off the field throughout the tour.
On tour, off the pitch is always a great chance to build team spirit through lots of different activities. The pupils visited Splashdown, the all-action, flume filled waterpark in Poole, went ten pin bowling, had time for shopping at Gunwharf Quays and of course enjoyed a competitive sunshine-y morning of games on the beach.
Huge thanks go to the dedicated sports staff who accompanied the tour - Hannah Carminati, Stuart Friswell, Louise Harrison and Mike Turns.
A big thank you of course to the schools and sports clubs that hosted us; their hospitality was outstanding and we look forward to continuing the relationship with them for future tours.
For all involved, both boys and girls, the tour was a great success.