Sports Teams Head to Europe
During half term, pupils on the rugby and netball teams had the opportunity to travel to France and Malta to play great competitive sport and learn new skills.
The U13 and U14 netball teams, led by Miss Clements and Ms Ryder, travelled to Malta for six days of matches, training sessions and learning about the country’s history.
The teams kicked off their tour by visiting Hal Kirlop to play NRG Juniors and NRG Alpine. Both the U13 and U14 teams won their matches very convincingly. The teams went on to play Mellieha Running and Mellieha Juniors squads and were again victorious. Their performances continued to be strong and the girls also won their last matches.
The six fantastic matches were supplemented with two externally led training sessions with professional netball coaches, some of whom had previously represented Malta internationally.
But it wasn’t all about the sport. The teams also had time off to experience Maltese culture. The teams took a trip to Malta’s capital, Valetta, and visited a number of local markets, as well as enjoying a guided tour around the city to learn more about Malta’s history. There were team-building activities, as well, including bowling and also a few dips in the hotel’s swimming pool to relax after their busy week.
The two-four pupils who took part in the Malta tour were a credit to the School. The external tour representative who accompanied the group said that it was the best group she had ever been away with. If that wasn’t praise enough, two guests who stayed at the same hotel as the group were so impressed with their behaviour that they wrote to the School to comment on how well-behaved and lovely pupils were.
Miss Clements was rightly proud of the girls, saying “Each and every pupil brought so much fun and character to the trip. I am proud to share many great memories with this group of young ladies. They had sheer determination when playing; displayed great team work; and bonded together, forming new friendships during our tour.”
While the Netball team were playing in Malta, the rugby teams were in Biarritz, France honing their skills. The forty-one boys who took part on the tour were immersed in rugby for the week, playing two match days per squad.
In the first of the match days, the team experienced some exciting French style rugby at Union Sportive Tyrosse, which was preceded by a taste of France with a traditional breakfast.
On the second match day, the group visited Union Sportive Mouguerre, an amazing rugby club with talented players, where the School’s team won 3 games and drew 1.
As well as gaining experience on the pitch, the boys participated in three training sessions, two of which were with Philippe Bidabe, a French international player and Biarritz Olympique club star. The week was filled with intense training and fantastic games, and the boys picked up some French flair and new techniques to bring back home.
Outside of the rugby sessions, the group took time to have some fun. They spent an afternoon go-karting and bowling, as well as playing rugby on the beach. The boys also put their artistic skills to good use by taking part in a sand sculpture competition.
Mr Rob Woodward, one of the Biarritz tour leaders, said “I hope that this tour is something our pupils will never forget. It was great to see them represent the School so positively and have an amazing time with each other. Overall, we had an outstanding tour.”
07 November 2018
