The sporting round-up by Mr Smith and Miss Lane.
Winning is definitely a good thing, as it boosts confidence and self-esteem. It also boosts testosterone in both girls and boys, which in turn increases the chemical messenger dopamine. The dopamine (the happy hormone) hits the reward network in the brain and is responsible for that buzz we feel after we win.
Many of our top teams have just completed unbeaten seasons. The U12A girls won their netball tournament. The U11A and B girls were also undefeated. The U13, U12, U11 boys’ rugby teams have won all their matches. We are impressed with their skill level, competitive spirit and excellent team play.
However, as I am sure you know, whilst every child and adult enjoys winning, fulfilling individual potential and trying your best is the real definition of success. Winning can simply be a bi-product of this focus.
Not winning games can also be helpful for children because it teaches them to show empathy and cope with the experience of losing. Hormones cortisol (stress) and norepinephrine (anger and sadness) are released in anticipation of loss, so it is no surprise losing well is tricky, but something to be mastered with encouragement. When children improve their skills and win the next time, they do not only get better at the sport or game, but they also learn something new. In a school environment, these successful children become great role models for the younger students just starting out on their sporting journey.
Boys
Rugby
The U13As capped their unbeaten season with an impressive win over a very useful Aldro side. They played with determination under pressure and let their naturally expressive style of attack do the talking. Every member of the squad should be congratulated on their contribution to what has been a triumphant final term of rugby at Westbourne for them all. Louie L, Max A and Jacob B were all awarded their rugby colours.
Due to illness and injuries, the U13B team only played one match this term out of the six fixtures arranged. However, this was an entertaining game of sevens against Highfield which the Westbourne team won convincingly 80-25. The two wingers Olly and Ollie stood out in matches and practice sessions. The squad also seemed to enjoy the introduction of contested scrums.
A feature of our U12s successful season has been how we have played attacking, flowing rugby. All the boys in both the As and Bs have really worked hard throughout and we have seen lots of improvement. Johnny K, Rafferty M, Hugh F, Felix B and Walter dL have been the stand out performers.
The U11A team completed an unbeaten season, with a convincing victory away at Aldro. Another highlight was the victory over the previously unbeaten Highfield team. Over the course of the season the team have made great improvements in technique, awareness and most importantly have learnt to play for each other.
The U11Bs have demonstrated a range of improved skills, and confidence. Credit must be given to all the boys for their enthusiasm and enjoyment of the game. Highlights included improved tackling and determined offensive play from Xander B and Ewen M, some risk taking and creativity from Caspar C and rhinoceros like strength moving forward from Hugo H. The season ended on a real high with a stunning victory over Oakwood.
The U10As have had a really good balance of fixtures this season, winning 50% of our matches. We have certainly made plenty of progress which has been particularly tricky for this age group with the midseason rule changes and the introduction of rucking and mauling post Christmas. The boys have worked really hard from day one and have grasped the rules and techniques well.
Our plan was always to try and play exciting and creative rugby where possible and these boys have shown the capability to do this. Rocco M and Freddie W have been particularly impressive.
The U9s are a highly talented bunch of boys and there is huge promise and depth in the squad. We played in the Hurst U9 festival tournament at the back end of 2021 and the boys did brilliantly winning all but one of their matches. We have great hopes for these boys and anticipate great things in the future. Alistair K and Rory O’C have really excelled in training.
Girls
So far this term the girls have been unfortunate with many cancelled fixtures but this has not impacted their enthusiasm for netball and hockey. Some wonderful achievements in all sports for the girls including tournament wins, qualifying for the IAPS national finals and undefeated seasons so far. With the season as it stands, there is an exciting second half to come.
Netball
The U13 girls have gone from strength to strength throughout the season. They work exceptionally hard in their training sessions and put this into practice in their matches. Their hard work paid off when they came 4th overall in the IAPS Regional Qualifiers at Cranleigh School at the end of January thus securing themselves a place in the finals next month. They are continuing to work hard and always with a smile on their faces. Special mention to Isabel M who has picked up a new sport exceptionally quickly and worked her way into the A team having never played netball before the start of the academic year. Biggest improvers however have been Jessica H and Elizabeth L.
The U12 girls have been training hard throughout the season and are truly one of the most dedicated teams we have, with most girls constantly seeking ways to improve and working hard for it. All teams are demonstrating good interceptions and defending technique. They are a great group who all work for each other as a team – no squabbles or politics. The U12A team had a fantastic triumph in our own U12 tournament, where all the girls showed determination and resilience against some strong teams, particularly Highfield. It was a well-deserved win. The talent in this year group is strong and we look forward to seeing their achievements in the second half of the season. Issy A-D has really impressed with her outstanding attitude.
The U11 girls have worked extremely hard this season on both their 5-a-side and 7-a-side netball. Their determination and resilience to continue training was brilliant, even when lots of their teammates were absent. They had a good result against Ryde where the girls were agile and adapted to new positions well and we were so impressed with the sportsmanship showed during this match. The IAPS qualifiers provided the girls with a valuable and fun experience which will help them with future fixtures. While they narrowly missed out on reaching the national finals, they did well and we can expect to see some exciting things next season. Safia P has shown exemplary attitude and commitment in both training and matches
Hockey
An unfortunate season with no opportunity for any U10 team to play fixtures against other schools has not put a dampener on the spirits of these girls. A number of girls have been brave and had their first experience of kitting up and being a goal keeper! They have used their fixture time wisely and have trained hard and are ready for the second half of the season. We are sure they will do well in their up-coming fixtures. Bea C is notable for her tackling, Hettie B for controlling games from midfield and Emma G for her strong defending.
The U9 girls have been working hard on how to use space in game play. The teams have managed to play two games each this season with the U9Bs winning their first fixture. Some great progress and promise for the second half of the season.
The U8s have had also had a couple of fixtures each in the first half of their season. A strong effort from them all for what is a new sport for almost all of the girls. An impressive win in both games from the U8 Red team. Good sportsmanship is a common term used to describe these teams and we hope they take that effort, energy and kindness with them throughout their sporting journey at Westbourne House.
Mixed
Swimming and Cross-country
The swimming gala against Highfield was the first in a very long time and was an exciting opportunity for our students to compete against a strong team. For many it was their first swimming gala but they certainly didn’t let their nerves get in the way of their performance. Despite competing in a difficult pool with no diving blocks, thinner lanes and a shorter length the students all performed to their best on the day. Some impressive victories from:
- U11A medley relay team
- Lula T (U10A Backcrawl)
- Willow L (U11A Breaststroke)
- Emily S (U13 Butterfly)
- Max T (U13A Freestyle)
- U9A Freestyle relay team
- U11A Freestyle relay team
- U12A Freestyle relay team
- U13A Freestyle relay team
Special mention also needs to go to:
- Willow L for winning one individual race and two relays.
- Freddie F for stepping in on the day
- Xander B for competing in the U11 Butterfly race at late notice
We were very impressed with the effort and commitment shown by all our runners in this prestigious cross-country event involving 16 Schools. We took 50 children who were excellent ambassadors for the School.
There we over 60 competitors in each event so a top three finish and medal were incredibly well earned. Fleur B and Willow L actually won their events while Tali P was a credible third. The boys had three individual medal winners: Oliver Anderson Y6, Walter dL Y7 and Louie L Y8.
Just as important were the team events with the top four runners in each school counting. We excelled in this with the Y6 Boys, Y5 Girls and Y7 Girls all coming out on top.
Well done to all on an excellent afternoon’s cross-country.
Other sporting news
Oliver A continues to impress at Brighton and Hove Albion. His U11 team have defeated Crystal Palace, Oxford and the mighty Chelsea in their latest matches. Jake T and Tommy O are working hard for Sussex Lions as they work towards playing in the Junior World Cup (Gothia Cup) held in Sweden. Louie L is part of the EPP (Emerging Player Programme) sponsored by the ECB. There are only eight boys in the county at U13 level.
