Host of successes from stars
Our U11 girls' side emerged from a Junior Hockey Festival unbeaten after a fine series of efforts, with the competition taking place at The Ryleys School on Wednesday, February 8.
Their first clash was a comfortable 4-0 win over Wilmslow Prep, which saw Eleanor Tunstall hit a hat-trick in the triumph and Martha Hind rounding off the scoring.
The in-form Eleanor helped herself to two more strikes in Rydal Penrhos’ 3-0 success over the hosts, with Caitriona Searl also providing an eye-catching display in goal.
Significant contributions from Ella James and Phoebe Pritchett gave the girls a 3-0 win over St Mary’s Hall in their third contest, with Eleanor continuing her impressive form in-front of goal with another hat-trick to take her tally to eight goals in her opening three games.
She continued her relentless form with another treble in their 3-0 victory over Pownall Hall, and the same player was on hand to lead her team to a 100 per cent record with a brace in their final contest, a 2-0 win over Wilmslow Prep – making it an astonishing 14 goals in five games throughout the tournament.
Showjumping star Hattie Maddocks came away with the overall winner in her category at a weekend show that took place at Rodbaston College in Staffordshire.
Competing in the Working Hunter Pony class, the 10-year-old produced another exceptional display to claim two firsts and four second prizes during the competition, which was enough to see her crowned champion.
The gifted rider, who was aboard her pony Stockham Count Quicksilver, has now achieved qualification for the British Show Pony Winter Championships, which will take place in Lincoln later this year.
This is the latest in a long line of success for the pupil, who has already achieved national recognition with a call-up to the Wales squad.
She has also performed well in a number of high-profile events including the British Championships, where she finished seventh in August.
Mr McDuff, said: “This is yet another exceptional achievement from Hattie, as she continues to make a name for herself in the showjumping game.
“She is incredibly passionate and driven and shows a willingness to learn and be the best she can be, something that is paying off with significant success."
The school hosted an IAPS Gala on Monday, February 6, which saw teams descend on the pool for what was a highly competitive afternoon of action.
After all the results were issued, the hosts emerged as comfortable winners with 352 points, with Terra Nova finishing in second with 238.
Third place went to Kingsmead School on 134 points, and Altrincham Prep School rounded off the placings with 66.
The U10 Boys’ team consisting of Ethan Akroyd, James Gilman, Liam Farrell and Cieran Milligan got the ball rolling with a victory, with Grace Tavernor, Pippa Roberts and Isabella Peevor also emerging victorious in the Girls’ section.
Not to be outdone, the U11 Boys’ team of Zac Roberts, Laurence Richardson and Matthew Stubbins triumphed in fine style, as did the girls’ team of Ruby Merrick, Ella James and Arianna Milligan.
Mr Ruszkowski, said: “It was a very pleasing performance from all members of squad, which was highlighted by the wide margin of victory achieved on the day.
“We were delighted to host the IAPS Gala here at Rydal Penrhos, and I would like to thank the schools who came down for what was a fantastic event.”
Congratulations to Zac Roberts, who has been appointed rugby captain for the forthcoming season.
The 11-year-old has produced a number of impressive performances throughout the age grade teams at the Prep School, and played a starring role in the school retaining the Cooper Cup last year.
He is also a senior figure in the football side, and is also an extremely gifted sailor, having won selection to the North Wales regional development squad recently.
Zac’s first fixture as skipper was at home to Abbeygate College on Tuesday, January 17.
Mr McLeod, said: “Congratulations to James on being selected as the rugby team captain, and I am confident that he is going to thrive in the role.
“Zac has a long list of sporting accolades already despite his young age and this should stand him in good stead as he embarks on a leadership role.”
Track and Field star Jonathan Osbourne continued his remarkable form with a three-medal effort at the North Wales Indoor Athletics Championships, which were held in Deeside on Saturday, January 7.
The talented 10-year-old improved his long jump personal best by half a metre to gain a silver medal, and he added to his collection with silver in the high jump, an event he was competing in for the first time.
He rounded off his success in the U13 60 metre sprint, and despite competing against older and more experienced athletes Jonathan gained a bronze medal with a time of 9.47 seconds.
The budding athlete recently began working on his strength and conditioning at our senior school as he looks to gain further accolades in the future.
Mr McLeod said: “Jonathan has taken to athletics phenomenally well, and has an enormous amount of natural ability which is reflected in his early successes.
“He is also showing a great willingness to get better and improve, something which our dedicated strength and conditioning staff are aiding with, which will no doubt ensure that his goals will be achieved in the future.”
The U11 Rugby 7s side comprising of Zac Roberts, Jonathan Osbourne, Matthew Stubbins, Will Tavernor, Oliver Davies, Laurence Richardson and Liam Farrell, came away unbeaten in their first competitive set of fixtures of the campaign at St Mary’s Hall on Wednesday, February 10.
They began the competition with a 4-2 triumph over Sedburgh, before securing a double over the home side’s A and B teams by scores of 3-1 and 2-1 respectively.
The group saved their best performance until last by overcoming a strong Giggleswick School side 4-1, with standout performances from Farrell and Osbourne contributing significantly to their success.
Their achievements are even more remarkable as they had only been introduced to the rugby sevens discipline just days before the tournament.
Mr McLeod, said: “This was a fantastic effort from everyone involved, and to come away unbeaten against some of the top schools in the country is an outstanding achievement.
“Their success bodes very well for the season ahead and I am looking forward to seeing them build on this in future matches.”
Our swimming squad descended on South Wales for the Urdd National Gala, which took place on Saturday, January 21 at the Wales National Swimming Pool, Cardiff.
The boys’ relay team consisting of Zac Roberts, James Gilman, Matthew Stubbins and Laurence Richardson turned in a gold medal winning performance in the Freestyle event, touching the finish line first in a time of 1:07.71.
They went on to add to their collection with a silver in the boys’ medley relay, narrowly missing out on a double gold.
Not to be outdone, the girls’ relay team of Grace Tavernor, Sophie Edwards, Pippa Roberts and Ellie Knight performed well in the medley relay, only to finish fourth and narrowly miss out on a medal.
The standout individual performances came from Zac Roberts, who finished fifth in the 50 metre backstroke, while Grace Tavernor finished ninth in the 25m backstroke after reaching the final by winning her heat.
Mr Ruszkowski, said: “To come away with a gold medal from such a competitive relay category was a magnificent effort and Zac, Matthew, Laurence and James deserve all the credit in the world.
“Every member of the squad performed to a very high standard against some of the best young talents in the country, and if they continue to develop at the rate they have been then they all have a bright future.”