Report given at the end of term assembly by Mr Nick Platt, Director of Sport and our Sport Captains.
Netball
With 130 fixtures played and 170 pupils representing RHS in competitive matches, the 2024 netball term has been a real success. Through dedication to training and intensity on court, the seniors secured winning results over the likes of Felsted School, St Joseph’s College and Finborough School. A particular highlight is the 1st team’s victory over Gresham’s School, where exceptional turnovers from Rosie C and Martha H, alongside clinical shooting from Nikaiyah F, secured the win. The 4th VII also had a year to remember, narrowly missing out on an unbeaten season in the final fixture.
The U15A’s worked hard to find their form this year, facing tough opposition on a weekly basis. The team were able finish the term on a high, with a fantastic 16-10 win over a formidable Gresham’s School side. A special mention to Michele R who made defensive play look effortless and provided countless goal-scoring opportunities for her team.
The U14’s faced tough opposition but demonstrated resilience throughout. Hermione L and Sophea N brought energy through the court whilst Aimee A secured high shooting stats through pinpoint accuracy. With notable wins against Framlingham College, King’s Ely School and Ipswich High School - the girls should feel proud of their play this season.
The junior teams have also seen success this year, particularly the 13A’s. They are once again our most successful team in the School, and we are very excited to see them progress over the coming years.
Well done to all pupils involved and thank you to staff for their continued support.
Hockey
As the Lent term drew to a close, it’s time to reflect on what has been a positive boys’ hockey season. It has been a privilege to have captained the 1st team this term, in what has been an enjoyable and successful season overall.
Despite being a new team, we have made great progress, qualifying and playing at the East Finals after the county round. Although the results didn't go the way we wanted. The team has really started to gel. I have no doubt that this squad will continue to work well together and see positive outcomes next year.
As a school, we have played in over 100 fixtures since the beginning of term, and against some very strong opposition. It has been fantastic to see some of the positive results from these fixtures, especially the under 14A 8-3 win against Ipswich High School.
Equally commendable is the participation across age groups. It is amazing to see so many of you pushing each other and striving to play in the highest teams. Your hard work definitely does not go unnoticed.
As we reflect on this great boys' hockey season, we celebrate not only the victories alongside the thrilling moments and memories, but also the camaraderie, sportsmanship and sheer love for the game that has become synonymous with hockey at RHS.
Congratulations to all our players and thank you to all of the staff, who coached and umpired, for your time, effort and dedication.
Basketball
This year has seen another convincing basketball campaign. Moving on from a great season last year, we lost many key players, which gave new ones the chance to step up. Louis H, who in his one term at School, led us to consecutive wins against Culford School, the Perse School and an 83-point victory over Finborough School.
In late November we were closely defeated when playing away at Eton College. Then, after the Christmas break, came our biggest challenge yet as we took part in our first ever Independent Schools’ Tournament. It was a great experience and, with fantastic defensive efforts from Tobi D, we were able to hold the tournament champions, Charterhouse School, to a mere 8 points in the opening match. The next challenge came as we played against a tall Harrow team. They managed to win by two points, as our buzzer shot failed to drop successfully.
We went on achieve back-to-back wins against Felsted School and King’s Ely School, with Heston W-S stepping up to fill the hole left by Louis H. Following this, we were put through our paces by TASIS and Christ’s College Finchley at home. Rounding up this year’s campaign, we achieved a decisive win against Culford School, in a mixed U16 and U18 game, where Borja S was the star, disrupting Culford’s defence with flair and style.
Thank you to all who have supported and helped us throughout another captivating season.
Cross-Country
The cross country team has had a very successful season in the local East Anglian League against Norwich, Ipswich and Gresham’s. Theo G and Sean E won every senior boys’ race they competed in - when they weren't away competing for Suffolk! Along with Henry S, Jack H and Mike L, the team won the Senior Boys’ trophy. Henry S's consistently strong performances, across all fixtures, led to him being awarded the Senior Boys’ individual trophy.
Rugby 7’s
With 6 teams taking part in competitive rugby 7’s, including the senior girls’ side, it has been encouraging to see so many pupils involved. The girls also enjoyed a 10-a-side fixture against Farlingaye School, before beating Oakham at the Saints 7’s tournament. The boys’ sides competed well at Rosslyn Park, up against some of the biggest names in school rugby.
Climbing
Climbing at RHS remains as bustling as ever. In Year 7, we have Harry B, whose enthusiasm for climbing is so intense that he often climbs in his school uniform! Remarkably, he's the only Year 7 pupil to advance to NICAS level 2 since Christmas. Moving to Year 8, Logan B and Tommy L’s passion for climbing is evident as they often join other year groups, including Year 9 and the seniors, for climbing sessions. Both have progressed to become Lead Climbers.
In Year 9, Arthur C has distinguished himself as an exceptional climber, excelling in high-quality leading this term. The senior years have brought forth a wealth of talent with accomplished lead climbers like Harry L, Ted W, Hugo R, and the newcomer to the leading scene, James Wadham.
However, the most significant impact this year comes from Jess E, a Year 10 pupil from Raleigh House. Not only has Jess made waves within RHS's climbing circles, but she has also reached out to groups and walls outside our school. As part of her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, she has undertaken a fundraising initiative for Cancer Research, setting herself the ambitious goal of climbing the equivalent height of Mount Everest on the school's climbing wall. This project, aptly named "Climbing to Cure," has seen Jess rally every climber who visits the wall to contribute to her cause. To date, she has raised an impressive £860 for Climbers Against Cancer. Her dedication and effort are truly commendable, and I suspect she is far from done. Jess's drive and commitment exemplify the spirit of our climbing community and the impact one individual can have on a cause greater than themselves.
In terms of individual success:
Audrey F’s sailing exploits deserve special mention – she was featured in Sailing World magazine and named as one of the ‘Jobson Junior All Stars’ which is the Top 10 rising stars of sailing in the United States; alongside her performance in the Olympic trials and her success getting into Yale University and joining the Bulldogs sailing team.
Sean E and Theo G have been outstanding on the cross-country front for Suffolk, with Sean going on to represent Suffolk at the English Schools’ Championships in Pontefract this month, where he ran exceptionally well against the best runners in the UK.
Charlie C has been selected for the ‘Lambs’ National Squad for rugby and will tour Namibia and South Africa in the summer.
Daniella O claimed the silver medal in the Shot Put in the U20 competition at the Eastern and Essex Indoor Athletics Championships earlier this month, with a PB of 10.48m. Sean Eales won silver in the 800m.
Sophie B has also been selected by London Pulse netball.
Two of the biggest contests so far this year were the Nelson v staff matches – which have taken place in football and netball. The staff have won both!
Find out more about Sports at RHS here: RHS Sport