Senior Sports

Our girls’ resilience, determination and belief were exceptional.

Mrs McGinley

Superball Success

In March, King’s Senior School netballers celebrated two victorious wins in the return of the Superball netball game against the old enemy, The Royal Grammar School, Worcester at Worcester Arena, after a two-year hiatus during COVID.

Saturday 19th March saw Worcester Arena filled with a crowd of over 1,350 excited spectators and another 1800 people watching online.

The afternoon began with the second VII winning their game 36-22. They put on a confident performance and led throughout. Their coach, Mrs Longley said after the game, “All their hard work came to fruition in their spectacular display this afternoon, I couldn’t be prouder.”

This set the scene for the 1st VII, who were keen to finish their season on a high, having won all their previous matches. During the break, Year 6 pupils from our Prep

Schools enjoyed a workshop run by The Giants Men Mixed

Netball Squad. They then cheered on the 1st VII and were some of the most excited spectators in the arena.

The game was close throughout; at halftime, King’s were trailing 13-16 but they fought back and, with one minute left before the final whistle, Tamara M took the game level. Spurred on by the crowd, the girls took the ball straight back from the centre pass and, with only 17 seconds left, Goal Shooter Maddie W (later named Player of the Match) won the rebound and passed to Goal Attack Tamara M, who kept her cool and put the ball through the net. King’s Worcester had taken the lead for the first time.

The King’s crowd were all on their feet. One member of the squad later said, “When we scored that final goal, the floor shook.” RGS took one final centre pass, but this was quickly put out by Goal Keeper Maggie M and King’s reclaimed the Superball Cup.

Director of Netball Mrs McGinley said,

“We knew it would be close, having lost to RGS in extra time at the County Tournament earlier this season, but over 60 minutes we knew the girls had the fitness to come through. There was an impressive display of athleticism from both the 1st and 2nd teams and so much talent on display from both schools.”

Pupils Excel in County Sports Academies

We are delighted to have many of our Senior School pupils training in county sports squads and beyond.

Five members of our 1st XV play for the Worcester Warriors U18 Academy Squad, along with Ben W playing for Gloucester Rugby U18s. Last season also saw Alex T invited to train with the Scotland U18s, Sam H selected for the South of England Academy and Jack L for the England Counties U18s. We have also had 17 younger pupils in the Worcester Warriors Junior Academies this season.

The strength of netball at King’s is obvious from the 13 players involved in the county programme and 12 players involved in NOVA Academies. Jaz F has had an incredibly successful season for U19 Severn Stars. Football at King’s is going from strength to strength, with Noah D playing for West Bromwich Albion Academy at U14 level and Oliver P playing for Cheltenham Town Academy at U15.

Jonny Mason, Foundation Director of Sport, comments, “The sheer number of King’s pupils playing a major role in development programmes outside school is testament to the strength in depth of sport at King’s. They also put so much back into the Foundation with their excellence and expertise serving as an inspiration for younger pupils.”

We also have 10 boys playing for Worcestershire County Cricket Club, along with five girls. Bryony G and Grace JVV are also involved in the Women’s England Performance Programme. Seth E has been selected to the U15 Bunbury trials a year early, where boys are selected for Super League of four teams.

Twenty pupils qualified for the Worcester County Swimming Championships this year with 11 year old Harry C winning 12 gold medals in the U14 age-group, along with five Junior Championship Titles. Also swimming with great success was Hannah W, who achieved eight golds and four silvers in the 17 yearsand-over category and six Open titles. Nine other King’s pupils also finished in podium positions.

Twenty-one King’s pupils have been selected for the Worcestershire Academy as part of the England Hockey Player Pathway, with Monty H and George S being selected for the U15 boys. It has been fantastic to see Bryony G selected for England Hockey U16s at the age of 14, and Amy H selected for Wales U18s.

After successfully trialling, 21 of King’s pupils have been selected for the Worcestershire Academy as part of the England Hockey Player Pathway, with Monty H and George S being selected for the U15 boys. There are also five athletes competing in Performance Centres across the Midlands. It has been fantastic to see Bryony G selected for England Hockey U16s at the age of 14, and Amy H (Lower Sixth) selected for Wales U18s.