South Coast Sports Tour A Success

The 17th Annual South Coast Sports Tour included training and matches interspersed with plenty of off-pitch activities and fun. It was a great chance for all to hone their skills and practise technique against friendly but competitive teams.

The Year 9 boys faced Portsmouth RFC first where a strong performance delivered a 46-0 victory. Their second match involved a trip across the water to the Isle of Wight where they faced Ryde School with Upper Chine. The team played well and comfortably won the game 31-14. They finished their tour facing Clifton College claiming a third victory 36-14.

Head of Boys’ Games and Tour Leader, Joe Jackson, commented, “The boys were competitive across each of their three fixtures. They came up against solid competition but played confidently and scored plenty of fantastic tries. They were unbeaten on tour which bodes well for the remaining games of the season.”

The Year 8 Netball girls had some good results too. Their games included good ball handling and individual play and what was most pleasing was their determination throughout the tour. Fielding two teams, the girls first played Ryde School. The U13As played with grit and decisiveness and secured an excellent 30-8 win. The U13Bs did just as well and their consistency throughout their fixture earned them an excellent 22-5 victory.

In their second match, the girls faced Clifton College where they came up against fierce competition and teams that were very well practised. Despite displaying tenacity and remaining resilient in very competitive games both teams lost out but they took plenty of learning away from their games.

On tour, off the pitch, is always a great chance to build team spirit through lots of different activities. Pupils enjoyed Splashdown, the all-action, flume filled waterpark in Poole, had time for shopping at Gunwharf Quays, went ten pin bowling and, of course, enjoyed a competitive morning of games on the beach.

Joe Jackson, continued, “We had a great tour group this year. Pupils were impeccably behaved, mixed well with their opponents and with each other, but what pleased us most was how enthusiastic our pupils all were. It made for a very successful tour.”

Huge thanks to the dedicated sports staff who accompanied the tour: Ellie Callan, Tom Gleghorn, Joe Jackson and Carly Walton. A big thank you, of course, to the schools and sports clubs that hosted us; their hospitality was outstanding, and we look forward to continuing the relationship with them for future tours.