The Beechwood School Rugby Festival: a report by Alfie S.
The U11 As went into a rugby festival on Friday afternoon with high hopes after a 1 hour and 30-minute bus ride to Beechwood School. Mr Bendelow, Mr Salt, and Mr Ford had agreed to coach the (so far) unbeaten A team. As team captain, I did my best to hype everyone up (even the coaches) before the first game.
The team did very well, winning all their group games against tough opposition and finishing top. Then, we went into the harder matches against two other sides who had also topped their groups. The first game was a solid win, so all we needed to do was beat the last team; they were a good side.
Half-time: 2-2. Tensions were high. A quick water break, a substitution, and then back on. Last play: 3-3. Hampton was on the attack. Going through the phases, pushing higher and higher. Lovely hands down the line, looking to get it to the wing. Then, Thomas F pulled off one of his famous dummy passes, it was three on two. Thomas passed to me, I drew the man, and then passed to Bertie, who went in at the corner. We won! Hampton Prep won the tournament! Well done, boys! Player of the tournament was awarded to Thomas F.
While this was happening, the Bs and Cs played great games against Beechwood’s teams. Beechwood couldn’t have been better hosts and made us feel most welcome. From there, it was onto the youth hostel in the National Forest for a well-earned dinner and sleep.
Hampton Prep vs. Fairfield Prep: a report by Fin M.
Game 1
We started off slowly but increased in intensity quickly, eventually leading to the first goal with a lovely pass through to Lenny, who put it past the keeper in a one-on-one. In the second half, we played with great intensity and speed, leading to another goal. From there, we rapidly improved and ended up winning 8-1, but we had to work hard for it.
Shoutout: Thomas Fulford scored a lovely half-volley from a great cross.
Game 2
Fairfield were kind enough to give us a second game, and even though it was against their Year 5s, it was tough. At half-time, the score was 3-1 to Hampton. We played well in the second half and managed to score a few more goals, ending up with a similar score to the first game.
Shoutout: Thomas D was put up as striker and, despite being our goalkeeper, scored a beautiful one-on-one.
The Bs, Cs, and Ds all won their first-round games as well. Henry was strong for the Bs, Rishaan worked hard on the wing for the Cs, and Kabir produced an outstanding volley goal for the Ds.
After the game, there was some time to relax back at the hostel and eat some lunch. Then, it was off to watch some sport.
Derby County vs. Blackburn Rovers: a report by Jack M.
On Saturday afternoon, we had one of the most exciting times of our lives. Our brilliant teachers, who organised the trip, made it possible for us, as a whole year group, to watch a live football match. We watched a Championship tie between Derby County and Blackburn Rovers. We sat in the home end with the Derby County supporters. On the way to the match, we made up some Derby County chants that we hoped we could sing at the ground and get everyone to join in.
In our seats, we took in the huge stadium and the thousands of people. As the match started, everyone was excited.
In just the second minute, Derby scored right in front of us! It was a brilliant start to a memorable afternoon. Just five minutes later, Derby scored again right in front of us. The stadium was rocking, and we were all out of our seats celebrating. Derby nearly scored again but narrowly missed. Just before half-time, Blackburn pulled one back, making the atmosphere a bit tenser.
After half-time, Derby focused on defence, keeping Blackburn from scoring again. The match ended 2-1 to Derby, and it was a truly magnificent afternoon.
After dinner back at the youth hostel, we watched the Six Nations decider – Ireland vs. France – on TV. It was really nice to finally have a rest, though that didn’t stop us from cheering for both sides in what was a great game. Ireland built early pressure but failed to capitalise, while France took the lead against the run of play. Ireland then scored to take the lead, but it was downhill from there. France ended the match with five tries to Ireland’s three. Near the end, just as Ireland were about to score, France intercepted and ran 95 yards to score another try. The final score was Ireland 27-42 France. And that was the end of a fun day of sport on the rugby tour. It was a great weekend, enjoyed by both teachers and boys alike!
In Other Sporting News
The U9 A and B teams played in the Caldicott Festival on Tuesday. The B team had a particularly strong afternoon, winning every one of their games against other B teams. The As had a fantastic first half to the festival, displaying outstanding defence and dominating some of their matches. The halfway hot chocolate break seemed to disrupt their rhythm a little, but they regained their form for the last two games. Both teams are to be congratulated for their great performances against big schools such as Caldicott, Beechwood, and Summerfield.
Next week brings with it an U10 and U11 seven-a-side rugby festival on Monday at Trinity School. The U11s will play their final rugby match for Hampton Prep on Wednesday against Caldicott, and there is a swimming gala at The Mall School on Wednesday—so lots to look forward to! A reminder that House Rugby will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday, 26th March.