Young stars gain national honours
A talented hockey star has been rewarded for a fine season with a pair of awards.
Alejandra Ortuno Guilera, a Year 11 pupil at the school, turned in a number of excellent performances throughout the campaign, and was awarded with the Girls’ Hockey Player of the Season award at the end of term Prize Giving Assembly, which was held on Thursday, December 15.
The gifted 15-year-old was also presented with her half colours by Head of Girls’ Games Nicky Head before returning to her native Spain.
Mr Boyd, said: “This is a well-deserved recognition for Alejandra, who quickly established herself as one of the most gifted hockey players at the school, which is a testament to her attitude.
Josh Thomas, a Year 11 pupil at the school, turned out for Wales U16s for the first time at the Cardiff Met Invitational Pre-season Tournament.
The 16-year-old turned in a number of fine performances against the likes of Cardiff Met University Hockey Club, Kings School, Bruton, Dauntseys School, Stamford School and Colstons School.
The talented goalkeeper received the Bill Beattie award for Young Player of the Season at Colwyn Bay Hockey Club’s end of season presentation evening, which took place on Saturday, April 17.
He is no stranger to big events, having been part of both Gemau Cymru and the England Hockey Futures Cup in recent months, while also playing an instrumental role in our national championship win at U16 level.
Mr Boyd, said: “Josh has worked extremely hard to make it to the national setup, and the recognition is richly deserved.
“He is a very talented individual in a number of sports and has enjoyed a fine year, and the sky is the limit in terms of just how much he can develop in the future.
“Everyone at Rydal Penrhos would like to congratulate Josh on his award and hope that this is just the first of many more accolades to come.”
Jack and Will Sissons, Upper Sixth and Year 11 pupils at the school, are widely regarded as two of the best young prospects in the region and will begin playing for their respective clubs once their school commitments have concluded.
Talented youngster Will, who co-captained Wales U15 last season and narrowly missed out on the South and West squad for the Bunbury Festival, will once again play for North Wales Premier Division champions Llandudno after contributing to their title win in the closing stages of the campaign.
The 16-year-old averaged an impressive 53.50 in his four innings, which included a superb 62 not out against rivals Bangor which all-but sealed the title for Jack Rimmington’s side.
Brother Jack, who is the school’s first XI captain, will look to gain further senior experience with Liverpool and District Premier Division outfit Colwyn Bay after making 13 appearances for the club in all competitions in 2016.
Mr Leach, said: “Both Jack and Will have demonstrated an incredible amount of potential so far, and I am confident that they are going to have a big part to play for both Colwyn Bay and Llandudno this season.
“For them to achieve what they have despite their young age is a testament to not only their ability, but their willingness to listen and get better, two traits which will stand them in good stead as they look to make their mark on the game in the future.”
The school's netball stars were invited to be mascots for the Celtic Dragons’ clash with league leaders Manchester Thunder, which was held on Saturday, January 14 at Deeside Leisure Centre.
The girls accompanied the team on to the court before the contest, and posed for pictures with the players following the game.
Celtic Dragons also feature Welsh Netball captain Suzy Drane, who is a former pupil who was part of the school’s recent Netball tour to Greece, where she was a special guest coach.
Mrs Head, said: “It was a fantastic experience for the girls, to meet top flight netball players, including our very own Suzy Drane.
“It was a great opportunity for the girls to see how the game is played at a higher level and what they should be aspiring to achieve.
“After the match the girls were able to chat with the players and get autographs. Both the Celtic Dragons and Manchester Thunder teams were kind enough to sign two of our netballs which will go on display.”
A swimming sensation has been speaking of her excitement at the news she has been given a national call-up.
Martyna Ruszkowska, a Year 11 pupil at the school, will be part of the Swim Wales team for the upcoming Golden Tour, which will be held in Marseille, France from March 2-5.
The 15-year-old made it to the tour after producing qualifying times for three events, the 200 metre backstroke, 200m freestyle and 400m individual medley.
She said: “I'm really excited! Being given the opportunity of travelling internationally to compete and represent the country gives you a sense of pride and acknowledgement that you're improving.
“Training is difficult to get into after the Christmas break but with so many ambitious goals to aim for you have to keep going because everything you do matters.”
This is the latest in a long line of successes for the Swim Gwynedd athlete, who has set her sights on a possible Commonwealth Games spot in the near future.
In addition to her French adventure, Martyna will be competing at the Burns Meet in Sheffield on January 28-29, in addition to the regional championships over a two-week period at the start of next month.
Following the tour the number ranked swimmer in the country will look for further honours at the Welsh and British Championships, which will take place in Swansea and Edinburgh.
A talented table tennis star turned out for a regional side in a prestigious competition.
Abhishek Bathula, a Year 10 pupil at the school, was part of the North Wales side that competed at the TT County Championships, which were held in Draycott.
This is the latest in a long line of successes for the 14-year-old, who recently made his Wales debut in a national tournament, reaching the semi-finals in the U15 category.
He was also part of the Conwy county team that gained a bronze medal at Gemau Cymru, and is the youngest player currently performing in the Llandudno and District Table Tennis League.
Mr Boyd, said: “Abhishek has worked very hard to improve all facets of his game in recent months, something that has brought with it great reward.
“He receives specialist one-to-one coaching here at Rydal Penrhos, which ensures that his potential is maximised as he looks to pursue further regional and national honours in the future.
“We wish him well as part of the North Wales side this weekend and hope he can make a huge contribution.”