Sport

from OS Record - 124th Annual Record 2020

Music

- 15 -

up until march 2020, it was all going rather well.

the academic year 2019 – 2020 was certainly unique. in living memory, it is difficult to find such a contrast of activity and emotions, from the passion and energy on the upper in november to an empty school during may and June with tennis courts closed and cricket nets left idle.

Before COVID-19took over the country and forced school closures all over the UK, the boys of Sherborne had enjoyed another outstanding two terms of sport. The 1st XV had reached the National Cup semi final before a last-minute loss to Whitgift and the 1st XI hockey squad were on the brink of a place at the National Finals before the pandemic robbed them of the chance to fulfil their dreams.

The same story of mass participation and developing performance sports was a theme throughout the Michaelmas and Lent Terms. In the twenty odd sports, the boys worked hard and were as competitive as ever both against other schools and in the numerous Inter House competitions. Boys need the opportunities sport offers: to relieve stress, enjoy time with friends, challenge themselves and endure loss and failures but also to discover the huge benefits of a lifelong love of exercise, be that on the golf course or the squash court. Up until March 2020, it was all going rather well. From the end of March, everything changed and whilst the staff gave their all to support online learning, inevitably, the activity levels of many children (and adults!) suffered. Opportunities for the class of 2020 to play for the 1st XI on The Upper or take on opposition on the grass tennis courts were lost and it is a real shame that so many boys from schools across the country and world have missed out on their ‘golden moments’. Whilst many aspects of life will eventually return to some form of normality, the once in a lifetime chances have been lost forever. For some individuals, there have been positive outcomes. Hot on the heels of previous 1st XV scrum halves such as Aadel Kardooni (c 87), Will Homer (m 14), Tom James (c 12,) another talented and hardworking young man has departed to launch a professional career, as captain of rugby Tom Carr-Smith (m 20) takes up a contract with Bath Rugby whilst also starting his studies at Bath university. As a sports department we are totally committed to providing each and every boy with opportunities and support, but it is pleasing to see those who take everything we offer and fully commit to achieving their potential.

At the time of writing this we are doing everything possible to provide a sporting experience at School, within the guidelines of social distancing, hygiene and the complexities of working in a full boarding school in a sleepy North Dorset market town. With no external fixture programme and significant restrictions on what can or cannot be undertaken, it is a massive challenge for us all but we are determined to work through the problems and ensure that this generation of young men are given as many opportunities as we can provide.