Rugby v Ashdown House
U13A Won 20-5
The last Wednesday rugby fixture for the boys at Vinehall proved to be a physical, tough encounter. The conditions were very slippery underfoot, meaning both teams struggled to hold on to any possession. Gryff W used his boot very well throughout the game to get the team on the front foot and get us playing in the opposition’s half. Vinehall took the lead mid-way through the first half when Thomas S beat a number of defenders during his 50m break to score. The lead was short-lived as we coughed the ball up from the resulting kick off, 5-5 the half time score.
The second half proved to be just as close, with both teams working hard in defence. The game turned when Zuriel N used his speed and footwork to outpace the defence to score. Gryff W then produced a fantastic piece of individual skill, chipping over the defence, kicking ahead twice to score. Play became a little scrappy as Ashdown tried to get back in the game, only for Zuriel N to put the game to bed with a fantastic 80m sprint to score. Mention must go to George S and Freddie L for their work in attack and defence throughout the game and Lucas M for his work around the break down.
Well done to the entire squad for their efforts for what has been a very tricky, weather disturbed season. Squad: Sam H, James W, Noah G, George S, Dexter B, Freddie L, Lucas M, Gryff W, Thomas S, Basil S, Freddy P, Oliver B, Zuriel N and Billy M.
Matt McKinnon
U13B Won 11 tries to 8
The opposition had some big units! Fast too! However, the Vinehall team overcame the physical advantages of the opposition to win by 11 tries to 8 in a high scoring game. Both sides used their ‘weapons’ to good effect but Vinehall had the edge in the passing game and found the gaps to allow Daniel N to score four tries. Other scorers were Norman B, Alex K, Nono W and Milo M.
Nick Butcher
U11 Won 50-5
The U11 team played a really good match against Ashdown House and all our boys played their part in the victory. The pitch held up well and both sides played some passing rugby. Guy F skippered the side well again and led by example. Henry P and Faris A scored some lovely tries but I was more impressed with the tackling and technique shown by all the boys.
It was great to see the boys so happy with their performances and the match was played in a fair and competitive spirit. Lots of muddy faces at match tea! Well done boys.
Zac Attwood
U10 Lost 35-25
After a long journey, the U10s disembarked at Ashdown House to warm-up. They started the match full of fire and passion and played an energetic game of rugby. League, as it appeared! Despite some courageous ball-carrying in this ‘wrong’ code, an obsession with gaining territory and taking the ball into contact meant that they often lost possession at the break-down, rather than using the support which was often out there on either side.
After half-time, the U10s decided to make things a bit easier on themselves by drawing the defender and then off-loading, to create more chances for the attack. The players were clearly trying to support each other and this dynamic improved as the game progressed. This was just as well because they faced a stalwart and determined opposition. I was certainly impressed with how the players conducted themselves on the pitch and the qualities they showed.
Ed Gilsenan
Rugby v Skippers Hill
U12
This Wednesday the U12s played a very valiant game against Skippers Hill; unfortunately they were unable to get the victory but they were brave in defeat and gave a fantastic performance, not giving up till the final whistle. Tries were scored by Henry I, Milo R and Gustave D but Vinehall could not match Skippers Hills’ nine tries. It was a great game way to end the season and now the U12 boys are ready to enter the hockey season.
Nathan Brimson
Rugby v Bricklehurst Manor
U9 Won 55-15
The U9s played a very competitive match against Bricklehurst Manor. Vinehall scored plenty of tries during the match and played some really good rugby at times. The boys still needed to move the ball a bit quicker and try to pass it before going into contact, in order to open the space up a little more. Both sides played the game in the correct way and it was lovely to see so many smiling faces at tea talking about the match. Well done boys.
Zac Attwood
Netball v Claremont
1st Won 20-8 POM: Izzie S
This was a different start to last week’s match. The team were not prepared and it was scrappy netball. It was a close first quarter, with Vinehall leading 4-3. However, after a direct team talk and clear instructions, the girls focused and played with conviction. Milly D and Freda H tightened up the defence circle; Izzie S and Sofiia R shot with confidence and the mid court transitioned the ball better. Overall, I am pleased they settled and saw the game out, but they made it hard for themselves. Well battled.
Laura Percy-White
2nd Won 23-0 POM: Rosa AK
The 2nds had a fantastic match. The girls exemplified great sportsmanship and resilience throughout the game. Rosa AK was awarded player of the match after her wonderful effort as GS and GK in the final quarter. Francesca F displayed great effort in her positions of GD and GA, particularly in her ability to intercept many passes from the opposition. Olivia S and Clemmie D played well together in C and WA, demonstrating awesome teamwork in the centre-court. The 2nds showed off their defensive skills consistently throughout the match, highlighting persistence and skill. Overall, a brilliant match for the 2nds!
Bella Cooper
3rd Won 11-4
The 3rds played a great match against Claremont. Although the first quarter was slow, the girls picked up their game in the rest of the match, scoring 10 more goals, and held a great defence. Jimena S and Chaya L worked well together as GD and GK, managing to intercept many of Claremont’s passes. Sophia E and Isabelle H had lovely technique whilst in the circle and were constantly making space with the help of Marina MRR and Honor F on the outside. The girls’ practice and great teamwork was highlighted in this game, allowing them to take home a well-deserved win.
Kate Melluish
U11A Won 18-4 POM May A
Wow! A fabulous match. The score would have been much higher but after the second quarter (score 14-1) I swapped the girls around to make them play out of position. They still played very well and I was impressed with their cohesive play. They were great Billy Bees, being collaborative and supportive of each other. Individually they have a few little things to work on, but overall all played well.
Louise Barrett
U11B Won 11-10
Year 6 girls played exceptionally well on Wednesday against the Claremont 2nd team. Between Clara F and Polly S they managed to score a whopping 11 nets, beating their opposing team by 1 score! It was only in the last quarter that the girls made up the score as they were playing behind for the first three. But their encouragement of each other and hard work on the courts paid off in the end. They all deserve a pat on the back.
Alice Roberts
Netball at Bede’s
U10 Netball Tournament
The Year 5 girls enjoyed a lovely afternoon of netball, with four very competitive matches in their group. Everyone performed well and, although Vinehall didn’t win any of their games, the shooters (Lucy P and Elizabeth H) managed to score in all but one.
Matilda S and Elizabeth OS deserve special mention for some very good play and Harriet W, Rosie D, India A, Hannah Q and Connie M all played their part. The girls improved throughout the afternoon and gained from the experience.
Aileen Cheevers
Hockey v Marlborough House
U9 Multi matches
After losing a few girls to illness and absence, Alara K from Year 3 stepped up to help the Year 4 team to play six-a-side. Vinehall played three matches against Marlborough. The girls were slow to get started and tentative in their play, conceding three goals in the first match. However, in the second match they started to attack the game more and were unlucky not to score, with that game ending in a draw. In the final match Vinehall were finally rewarded with a goal from Lexi F. Then Alessandra K and Felicity M scored a goal each to win 3-0. Grace B worked tirelessly in defence to keep the ball away. Isobel F and Alara K worked hard to win back possession for the team. Great effort girls.
Laura Percy-White
U8 Lost 3 – 6
The Year 3 girls played four quarters against two different teams and really improved throughout the afternoon. Goals were scored by Frankie F x 2 and Daniella L, aided by Mia G. Matilda B, Riley F, Cecily G, Zara SW and Hannah W all played with much more conviction and confidence, which made the afternoon all the more enjoyable. Well done everyone!
Aileen Cheevers
