Senior School Swimming Gala

It was fantastic to see the long awaited return of the Senior School Swimming Gala this week at Aberdeen Aquatic Centre after its enforced break due to the pandemic. The afternoon was full of the usual excitement and competitive races with individual records being broken and lots of fun in the relays and House events. Well done to everyone who took part and to all of our year group podium winners.

Netball

On Tuesday our two teams still standing in the Scottish Cup, S1 and S3, made their way down to Fettes College in Edinburgh for their semi final matches. S1 faced a tough Fettes side, with a slowish start seeing them behind from the first whistle. However the girls never once let their belief drop and Miss Duddy was proud to see the fight they continued to show in a tough game, as they continued to battle for and with each other until the final whistle. Really mature and honest team talks from captain Bea ensured composure, despite some difficult calls going against our girls. A very physical Fettes team came out on top in the end. Miss Duddy commented, ‘I’ve asked a lot of the girls at times and continued to push them. I’ve had to make difficult team selections which have provoked tough and honest conversations, but I genuinely couldn’t have asked for any more from them today or be more proud of them. There were inevitably some very disappointed faces at the end of the match, but the journey they’ve been on is something special and they can absolutely take pride in that; top 4 team in Scotland is some effort! The girls have been a dream to coach this season.’ Emma D was Player of the Match for her energy, calmness on the ball and fighting for everything. A mention also goes to Saso, Ria, Tammy and Emma who were unable to be with the team on Tuesday, but have played a part in them reaching the semi final. 

The S3 team gave their absolute all in their semi final and fought hard for the whole game. There were some great elements of play, but Fettes were very strong and physical. All 8 girls took to the court and defended well where they really thought about their body position and putting pressure on their opponents. RGC’s shooting was on point today but so was Fettes’.   Miss Stephen said how proud she was of the girls getting to this stage. Even though to them it doesn’t quite feel like it now, they have done so well to get to the semis. Like S1 they are currently one of the top 4 teams in Scotland which is really fantastic. Player of the Match went to Victoria M for fighting hard and excellent passing. Miss Stephen also gave a mention to Chia who couldn’t play, but has been a fantastic team member. She said, ‘It has been a great season and an absolute pleasure to coach this S3 team.’

Despite the Fettes’ wins signalling the end of the RGC S1 and S3 Scottish Cup runs, each of the girls can hold their heads up high and be proud of what they have achieved.. 

Football

There was more success for the Senior Football team who travelled down to Edinburgh on Thursday to play against George Heriot's School at the home of Spartans FC, Ainsley Park. With a place in the semi-final of the SISFA Cup at stake, the boys were keen to get off to a good start, going 2-0 up within the first 5 minutes. It was a well contested game, but Gordon's came out deserved winners, clinching a third goal, a clean sheet and a place in the semi-finals against Stewart's Melville. 

Leavers Matches

Saturday morning saw the much anticipated return of our Leavers Matches, last played in 2019. Countesswells was bathed in sunshine as current and former pupils came together for a very special and memorable morning of sport.

Netball

First up was Netball with the tropical conditions at Countesswells providing the perfect platform for exciting netball played by both sides with lots of laughs and catch-ups. The game was all square at half time with the RGC team taking the eventual win 28-22. RGC Player of the Match was Adeloa O who displayed excellent movement and shooting. The Leavers Players of the Match were Hannah L and Josie S for their brilliant centre court connection (both currently play for St Andrews University). Thank you to Donny R for lining us a super pitch on the water-based turf. It was a fitting end to our current S6 leavers who will be back playing this match next year. What an excellent season you have all had and we are going to miss you all very much.

Girls Hockey

Saturday was the first time that the boys and girls hockey matches were played on the same day. The Ladies Leavers team was a smorgasbord of RGC Greats and was one of the strongest Leavers teams in years to grace the beautiful Countesswells Turf. Played under wonderful blue skies and bright sunshine the standard of hockey was exceptional from the first push back. The girls took the chance to honour those injured throughout the season and Anna F, who suffered a serious knee injury against Glenalmond earlier in the season, pushed the ball back to start the game before being carried off the pitch by team mate Carrie M to rapturous applause. The RGC 1st XI soaked up early pressure from the Leavers and slowly started to come into the game showing the clear development and improvement they have made throughout the season. Penalty corners and chances at both ends went begging before the opening goal came for the Leavers, just a few minutes before the half time break from a lovely pass to the baseline before a fierce shot went in at the near post. However it was the school team that were the happier at half-time having produced one of the best performances of the season against a team littered with National League Hockey players.

The Second half started brightly for the 1st XI Girls as they showed great spirit and energy and took the game to the Leavers, having periods of real pressure and control over the game. However the quality of the Leavers showed again with a good counter attack move resulting in a penalty corner which they scored off the rebound to go 2-0 up. The 1st XI pushed on and created chances towards the end but the Leavers stayed strong and the match finished 2-0. It was a wonderful day of hockey with a large and noisy crowd watching from the sidelines. The 1st XI did themselves proud and it was a privilege and pleasure to see our Leavers back at Countesswells.

Boys Hockey

It was great to welcome back all our Leavers to play the current Boys 1st XI, with an intriguing contest looming. The current crop of players took control of the contest early on, with some good link up play and composure, keeping the Leavers’ defence on their toes. The 1st XI went into half time in the lead, a testament to their defensive work that our goalkeeper didn't have to touch the ball. The second half was a similar affair, with more goals added by the 1st XI. The Leavers did have their chances, but two penalty strokes were easily saved to maintain the clean sheet by the final whistle. It was a great way to end the season and already excitement is building for next year’s fixture.

Rugby

Leavers Rugby started in style with members of the RGC Pipe Band piping both teams onto the pitch. There was a large crowd in the Grandstand, eagerly awaiting the match to begin. The game was a physical exchange of direct rugby with very little wide expansive play, despite the near perfect conditions. With the 1st XV team taking a 2 try lead it felt like the floodgates may open, however the Leavers were well prepared and they weathered the storm to get back in touch. Following two well worked tries the Leavers led 22-21 with only minutes left on the clock. A last minute infringement by the Leavers left the door open for the 1st XV to steal victory, but the kick was wide and just out of range. A jubilant Leavers team took victory by the smallest of margins.

This match did not disappoint and with the hard fought victory for the Leavers team, this year's S5's have already said they're excited to prepare for next year's fixture... and to retake the George Watson’s Cup.

The Leavers & RGC Senior Rugby wish to thank everyone who had a hand in organising and participating in what was a very memorable day.

Team of the Week

TOTW this week is the Senior Football team after a brilliant 3-0 win over Heriots in the SISFA quarter final. 

Click here for a full breakdown of the week’s results.

Sporting Achievements Out With School

Congratulations to S5 pupil Vincent C who recently took part in the Scottish Powerlifting Association Northern District competition. In the U59kg category Vincent matched then broke 3 Scottish records in squat, deadlift and total weight. Well done to Vincent on this great achievement considering he only started powerlifting 4 weeks prior to the event.

Well done to S3 pupil Charlotte H who was part of the Stirling County U16 Girls Rugby team who claimed the Scottish Rugby U16 National Club Cup on Sunday at BT Murrayfield Stadium. Congratulations on scoring a brilliant try during the match too.

Congratulations to 5 of our Senior School Ski Racers who competed in Andorra at the BSA Inter-Schools Championships. The pupils involved were Michael M, Louisa M, Blair M, Daisy C & Autumn T. Team RGC were 4th overall with individual podium places going to Michael M taking bronze in the U16 boys category, Louisa M silver in the U14 category and Daisy C silver in the U16 girls category. Great results, well done to everyone.