4 Sport Round-Up

Sports Report

Another stellar term of Sport has been enjoyed by all the boys here at Shrewsbury House School. Opportunities for pupils over the past few weeks have included the chance to participate and compete in rugby, hockey, swimming, tennis, rowing, football, cricket and cross-country running. The post-rugby, mini ‘multi-sport’ season has been so rewarding, and of great benefit to the boys. In every regard all those involved can be super proud of their efforts, achievements and successes. Across the board it was easy to recognise positive behaviours and fine examples of actions that extol our school values of respect, integrity, compassion, perseverance and aspiration. Sport, both of the individual and team nature, provides an excellent foundation for the development of these key pillars for the positive growth of these fine young men.

it has been – uncompromising performances delivered in an environment of fun and respect. One special note of congratulations – to the senior Year 8 rugby VIIs team who saved the best until last to not only come equal top at the SHS tournament, but also to secure fine victories in the RP7 national event.

It is hard to remember a rugby season that was so looked forward to by the pupil cohort. Across all the year groups there was a palpable and overt enthusiasm for this core sport. Even when this term’s planned programme was heavily disrupted by the adverse weather, the boys maintained their hunger and forward-looking approach to the sport. This meant that when the opportunities to play did come around, they certainly made the most of them! All the way from the Year 3 boys trying to evade opposition ‘taggers’, up to the elite Year 8 teams performing at a very high level, all can be happy with the superb performances across all competitions. Progress is key; and it has been marvellous to witness this in the form of skill acquisition, performance level and material success when it comes to rugby. The House rugby events (results below) epitomised what a fantastic season

The House Results

House Rugby Cup

Year 3: Grenville Combined A and B Events

Year 4: Nelson Combined A and B Events

Year 5: Grenville Combined A and B Events

Year 6: Raleigh Combined A and B Events

Year 7: Grenville

Year 8: Raleigh

SHS House Rugby 2023 Position Nelson:

Although the boys are swimming, and competing, all year round, it is in this term that the highest number of competition galas take place. With increased in-curriculum swimming within our new programme, higher numbers choosing to swim outside of lesson provision and an accelerated competition menu, swimming is certainly heading in the right direction here at SHS. With five events scheduled in this term alone there was plenty for the swimmers of all year groups to get stuck into. From friendly small-team events with one school, to all-year/multi-team events, to senior elite galas and regional rounds for national competition it has been a busy one! We await news to see if any of our top swimmers and relay teams have qualified for the national finals next term, and a note of special congratulations for those top proponents who dedicate so much of their time to making such impressive progress in the water. One event to highlight must be the all-year gala at Parkside School. For those lucky enough to attend, this will live long in the memory. Every race was tightly contested, every performance inspirational, competition balanced throughout the evening and after an incredible hour-long event covering hundreds of points, just one point separated the teams!

Hockey has been a revelation this term. Time and effort was dedicated to the sport and a short but meaningful season built for all the boys. This centred around access to worldclass playing surfaces for practice at Surbiton Hockey Club, and by offering some competition for teams with local school opposition. It is safe to say that hockey will remain in the programme.

The boys have really taken to the opportunity and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of developing skills, and playing in friendly matches, in a sport that many will have the chance to pursue at their senior schools. Opposition came in the form of Danes Hill, Cranmore and Feltonfleet, and despite the relative lack of competition experience, the boys acquitted themselves superbly. More to come!

It takes talent, yes, but also courage to perform well in crosscountry events. Arguably sport in its purest form – inclusive, simple, open and a core activity accessible to all. Three events this term formed the basis of what is hoped to be a growing programme. The benefits of steady and consistent running over modest distances cannot be underestimated and an increased provision for the sport is planned. Every boy at SHS ran in both the House Cross-Country (results below) event and the SHS Sponsored Run. The strongest among them were selected for the (very tough and elite) Danes Hill event – safe to say that the young talent at SHS, properly supported, have every chance of competing at a very high level in the future! A nod must go to every boy for their efforts in the House crosscountry event run at the Shrewsbury House Sports Ground (SHSG) over a varied and challenging course of multi-terrain and mixed surfaces – superb!

House X – Country Cup

YEAR 8

1st: Raleigh 22.67

2nd: Grenville 23.00

3rd: Nelson 23.58

4th: Drake 29.75

Overall House X-Country RESULT

1st: Nelson 131.17

2nd: Grenville 138.80

3rd: Raleigh 150.70

4th: Drake 170.32

Football would not always feature in a Spring term report but the delayed ISFA regional competition for the elite Year 6 U11A team fell on the 1st March and what a day it proved to be! With super tough opposition throughout, the boys knew that only a place in the final would suffice if they were to achieve their dream of qualifying for the national finals. The team showed aspiration and perseverance in spades to find a way past all-comers to achieve just that – well done indeed! The boys will make the long journey in May to St George’s Park (national home of football) for the ISFA national finals. All the very best to the U11A football team, we are so proud of you.

Come next term and some boys will be lucky enough to compete for their respective SHS tennis teams in friendly competition. This term the opportunity has been open to all to brush up on their skills, and to try out for their age-group teams. It is patently evident that the sport is very popular and we were very happy to extend the opportunity to as many as possible – roll on the summer tennis season! This term has seen the senior rowing activity continue at Kingston Rowing Club – a brilliant opportunity for the older boys to try-out, and develop skills in, this brilliant sport. Also to look forward to will be our eagerly awaited cricket season. Preparation for the boys’ cricket matches and events has been in full swing this term. From indoor after-school ‘nets’, to dedicated sessions within their curriculum lessons, SHS pupils should be well-ready for next term.

Supporting the SHS sport programme as ever has been the SHS co-curricular clubs menu this term. The combination of in-house provision and expert offerings delivered by external coaches and organisations has been marvellous, and of great benefit for the boys. Among the broader schedule of a varied and enriching programme, the sports’ offering included swimming, cricket, karate, table tennis, shooting and fencing.

Ski Trip

Wow! What an extraordinary trip we had! SHS boys from Years' 5-8 made the very early start on the Saturday of half-term for the journey, via Milan, to the sunny slopes of Prato Nevoso. With a ski-in/ski-out hotel located on the main slope of the resort the boys were best-placed to enjoy a wonderful week's skiing. The Italian Ski School instructors were wonderful and with five hours of lessons each day the SHS pupils made stunning progress. The evenings were spent caving, tubing (sledging) and playing fun games at our wonderful hotel. Blue skies, white mountains, bright sunshine and non-stop smiles – happy days!