Achievements aplenty for pupils
Max Todd, Kevin and Eddie Farrell
Brothers Eddie and Kevin Farrell, in Years 9 and 10 respectively, continued their sensational form by taking home the Feva Class title at the Welsh Zones Championship Regatta, which was held at Cardiff Yacht Club from September 24-25.
The pair, who are both Welsh internationals, have further enhanced their growing reputation as two of the most gifted sailors in the country throughout what has been a trophy laden season for the duo.
There were a number of other positive performances from our sailors, with Hannah Gasem, Emily Madden, Artyom Goode, Dylan Craddock, Oliver Helstern, Josh Manning and Felix Corson all gaining valuable experience at the prestigious event.
Mr Boyd, said: “This is yet further proof of just how talented Eddie and Kevin are, and to be crowned national champions in their class is an outstanding feat.
“The sailing programme we offer here has brought with it a superb amount of success in recent years, which is a testament to Max Todd and the rest of his staff.
“It has been another fantastic season in terms of both development and achievement for our young sailors, and we are confident that this can continue as attendances and interest swell.”
Reuben Bather in Welsh colours
Reuben Bather, a Year 9 pupil at the school, was part of the Wales U15 golf side that tested their skills against Surrey at Windlesham Golf Club on Sunday, September 11.
The talented 13-year-old was in tremendous form throughout the contest and played a significant role in Wales’ 9-3 victory.
Andy Humphreys, Golf Union of Wales Academy Coach, said: “It was a very good win for team Wales and they all played some fantastic golf, along with showing some real team spirit and fight when it needed to be applied.
“Everybody really enjoyed the experience of representing their country and more importantly all scoring winning points for team Wales.”
The sports scholar joined the school’s golf academy this month alongside Charley Simpson, who has also claimed national and international competition success in his young career to date.
Bather will be looking to add to the academy’s success in recent months, with the likes of Louisa Weber and Wilson Reyhan picking up national ISGA honours at the Scottish Open.
Mr Richardson, said: “This was a fantastic experience for Reuben and he is going to be a huge asset to us."
Josh Thomas
Josh Thomas, a Year 11 pupil at the school, will be part of the Celtic Dragons side at the England Hockey Futures Cup, which will take place at Oaklands College, St Albans from October 26-29.
The 15-year-old goalkeeper was part of our U16 team that were crowned national champions earlier this year, while the gifted stopper has also turned in a number of eye-catching performances as part of the Colwyn Bay men’s side.
He earned the title Young Player of the Year award with his club last season, and also took plaudits for his efforts during the nationally recognised Gemau Cymru showcase.
Mr Mather, said: “Josh has worked immensely hard to improve his game in recent months, something that has brought with it a huge amount of success.
“He is an extremely talented individual who has shown a tremendous work ethic, and these traits will stand him in good stead as he looks to make his mark on the national stage.”
The Futures Cup, which features more than 300 of the most talented players in the UK, is designed to replicate the professional environment of an international hockey tournament.
Melissa Bennett, the EHB’s National Manager for the Single System, added: “The Futures Cup provides a fantastic opportunity for young players and officials from across the country to come together following the culmination of the Junior Regional Performance Centre (JRPC) programme over the last few months.
“The participants will experience a hockey tournament in a performance environment with the focus on implementing the core skills developed over their training sessions.”
Caitlin Teece at her successful grading
Caitlin Teece, a Year 11 pupil at the school, was awarded her Black Belt 2nd Dan in the discipline of Karate after a successful grading on Saturday, September 24.
The pupil has been studying karate since the age of eight and was awarded her 1st Dan two years ago.
She has already begun preparations in the pursuit of further honours, and has now begun her 3rd Dan training, which is expected to take three years to complete.
As part of her grading Caitlin demonstrated multiple techniques including self-defence blindfolded against four attackers, sparring and demonstrating her fitness by completing 100 press-ups and sit-up at the end of her exam.
She also had to submit an essay describing the personal benefits and positive effects of karate.
The talented martial artist trains at John Lynn’s Black Belt Academy in Colwyn Bay, where she also volunteers with the Little Dragons in the hope of inspiring the next generation.
Mr McDuff, said: “This is an incredible achievement for someone so young, and everyone at the school is extremely proud of Caitlin.
“Not only does is it take an enormous amount of discipline to reach the heights of Black Belt, she is also setting a fine example to others during her volunteering at the academy, which is simply fantastic.”
Cricket star Anthony Bowe
Anthony Bowe, a Year 8 pupil at the school, produced a number of fine performances by claiming the bowler of the year award at Prestatyn Cricket Club.
This success came just weeks after the 12 year-old was presented with the Cricketer of the Year award after a memorable year at the school.
In addition to these achievements, the young hopeful was also put forward for North Wales trials by his club last November.
Mr Leach, said: “This is a wonderful achievement for Anthony and one that is thoroughly deserved for the season he has had.
“His game has come on leaps and bounds in the last few months, which is a testament to how hard he has worked to improve his game and the results are evident when he steps to the crease.
“Hopefully this will be the start of his success as he continues to improve into the future.”
Anthony is a member of Prestatyn Cricket Club, who have a number of youth sides, with the senior team plying their trade in Liverpool and District Division One after achieving promotion in a memorable season in 2014.
Lia-Britt Zenker
Hockey stars at continued their fine start to the season with a strong showing at a recent tournament.
The first XI travelled to Wrekin College on Wednesday, September 28 for a 7s competition, and performed well throughout to reach the semi-final stage.
They opened the competition with a creditable 0-0 draw with a strong Denstone College side, before their second contest with Shrewsbury High School also finished goalless.
Ellesmere College were next up for the girls, who came back from a goal behind to secure a 1-1 draw.
Their final group clash brought with it their first win as Lia-Britt Zenker fired home from a short corner to give us a 1-0 triumph over Newcastle-under-Lyme to remain unbeaten and reach the knockout stages.
The pupils faced a tough test against hosts Wrekin in the final-four, and they fell a goal behind despite excellent defensive work from Beth Klazinga.
Sammy Sherrington caught the eye in goal with a number of fine saves, and despite an impressive performance from Elinor Davies they fell to a 2-0 defeat.
Mrs Head, said: “Overall, the girls should be pleased with their play and played consistently well throughout the tournament to finish as semi-finalists.”