Sport Update: Week ending 6 March

Skiing

Our Junior and Senior Ski Racing teams had a successful week on the slopes at Glenshee for the SSSA Alpine Series. On Wednesday both our Junior School teams finished on the podium in 1st and 3rd place. In the individual (P5-7) events, Carla F came 1st and Thomas F came 3rd. The following day our Senior School team faced some difficult conditions on the slopes but this didn’t seem to hinder them, ending with a great set of results. In the S1-3 Girls group Autumn T came and 1st Louisa M 3rd. In S1-3 Boys, Michael M was 1st and Bailey B 3rd. In the S4-6 group Daisy C was 1st and Grant M 2nd. In the Team events RGC was placed 1st and 3rd. 

Girls Hockey

On Saturday morning our S1 girls had a fantastic time at the Kilgraston Tournament. This was an excellent experience for them and Miss Howie said they worked their socks off all morning. Despite missing out on a spot in semi finals, they had a great morning of hockey.

Sadly the P7 girls on their way to Edinburgh for the George Watson’s Tournament were turned back on the road after the freezing overnight temperatures resulted in it being cancelled.

A mixed team of S1-3 played against Albyn where a robust first half saw few chances for either team. The second half was much the same but Albyn used the space better and made clearer connections resulting in one goal. This was the first 11 a-side experience for many so there is lots of practice to be done on structure and formation going forward. The girls enjoyed their time and agreed that player of the match was our goalie Olivia E.

S3 had a great result against Aberdeen Grammar despite being very quiet and timid on the ball at the start of the match. They soon grew in confidence and began linking passes more successfully and this resulted in a quick succession of goals. Players of the match were Beccy and Hannah who both played with determination and a high level of skill.

Mr Stuart reported that the 3rd XI game on Saturday was one of the highlights of his time at the school. The girls were playing against Albyn 2nd XI and sadly due to a number of unfortunate circumstances, ended up with only 10 players to Albyn’s squad of 15. However the 50 minutes that followed was something very special in terms of effort, intensity and desire and a lot of the girls gained some huge amounts of self confidence and belief. The match finished in a draw which the girls found frustrating as they felt they should have won for all the pressure they had. However they felt a lot of pride and satisfaction at the end and many of them got what team sport is all about! Amy S was the standout of a group of 10 standouts. Well done 3rd XI.

Our 2nd XI travelled to St.Leonards in St Andrews where the sun shone brightly. Our girls were slowly getting into their stride and were soon a goal down to a cracker from the opposite star player. Eventually things clicked and a beautifully crafted goal was more than deserved. The second half started poorly and yet again their spielmacher netted. Once again another thing of beauty was chiselled out of Aberdeen granite and parity was restored. However two fatal blows caught the Don's napping near the end. A disappointing loss for the girls.

The 1st XI had a successful morning against Albyn with a quick and strong start that brought three goals in a wonderful 7 minute period. Two good goals from Isabella J sandwiched an individual effort from Anna W to give a comfortable early lead. Mr Stuart then decided to experiment with changing some positions around. A moment of poor concentration from us resulted in the concession of a goal at the start of the second half but the girls regrouped and controlled throughout. We scored a fourth goal right at the end of the game to restore the three goal cushion. Player of the match was Anna W.

Boys Hockey

1st XI vs Glenalmond

The 1st XI produced a solid performance on Wednesday to reach the Scottish Plate final. The team started brightly, showing from the start an intention to take the game to Glenalmond and dictate the tempo of the game. A deserved opener was scored, but after some slack play, Glenalmond replied quickly to level the scores. As the half grew on, the nerves settled and the team got back to playing good hockey, rewarded with a couple of goals to go into half time at 3-1. The team turned it up a gear after the break, with a much more confident and relaxed approach, limiting the opposition to a handful of chances, whilst creating plenty of their own. Three more goals were scored, richly deserved for a commanding performance. Every player should be proud of their achievement and look forward to competing in a national final, a deserved reward for the effort and commitment they have put in all year.

1st XI vs Gordonstoun

The 1st XI produced a spirited display to earn a well deserved victory away at Gordonstoun. The first half started brightly for the team, with plenty of possession and chances created, but nothing to show for it. Defensively strong, the team restricted the opposition to very few chances, with the score going in at half time at 0-0. Although the better team, Gordounston scored an early goal on the counter, surprising the team. Real courage was shown by the group, rallying back with a great team goal finished off by Captain Jack C (S6). In the closing minutes, our captain again scored, earning a deserved win for the 1sts in a very physical and challenging contest. 

2nd XI vs Gordonstoun

The 2nd XI produced their best performance of the season, with a 6-0 victory over Gordonstoun. The season so far has been a story of good play but a lack of goals, but everything clicked on Saturday with every goal being a great team effort, every player playing their part. Defensively the team were solid which played a crucial part in allowing the 2nds to constantly threaten the opposition goal. It was great to see a number of players get on the scoresheet, but more importantly, showing how much they have learned and improved across the course of the season, a real positive going forward. 

U15s vs Gordonstoun

The boys started well in their match against Gordonstoun on Saturday morning, creating overloads in the wide channels. A few early chances meant they held control of the game. Continued pressure meant the boys held their lead at half time and they continued to dominate in the second half while missing a few opportunities. Some composure was needed while under pressure from a few counter attacks. A great win for the U15s.

Rugby

A squad of 10 players travelled to Hutcheson’s Grammar on Wednesday to compete in their annual Rugby 7s tournament. After narrowly losing our first pool game 26-24 to Balfron High we made some attitude adjustments to beat Jordanhill School 64-0. Our last pool game vs St Columba’s School went well with a hard fought victory. Final score 26-19. We faced Hutcheson’s in the semi final and had the game tied at 17-17. In extra time Hutcheson’s scored from multiple phases when our defence narrowed slightly. A really good day, and all boys represented the College well. 

On Saturday morning P6 and P7 travelled down to Cupar to play against Howe of Fife RFC. P6 won in a match where they were able to attack with more accuracy and played some free flowing rugby. P7 also won after tackling well and staying square in attack. 

There was also a win for S1A at home to Howe of Fife  where strong RGC running and weak Howe tackling at times led to a feast of tries in the first 15 minutes. When we ran the ball wide, we achieved a lot of success. The S1 boys were defensively strong for the most part. It is great to see lots of potential here. S1B were away to Deeside RFC in Banchory but despite scoring the first try from an interception, our lack of tackling enabled Deeside to gain ground very easily. Rucking was also very one sided as we were constantly driven back. A disappointing loss for the team with lots of lessons learned. 

S2B were up against a mixed S3/S2 Howe team which was a good, tough test for our boys and they really enjoyed it. They played very well in attack where we moved the ball well. 

The 1st XV won a very physical and uncharacteristically spicy fixture against Howe of Fife in lovely conditions. 

Netball

Why do you play netball? is a question Mrs. Hardie asked a group of the RGC netballers at the start of the season. The most common answers were for friendship, for fun and to feel part of a team. 

Our aim this year, post-Covid restrictions, has been to get as many pupils back playing and enjoying the sport. Our participation numbers at training have been our main goal and have been high. We firmly believe if you get the process of learning right, the results will start to take care of themselves. We have had some very good results recently and some fantastic Scottish Cup runs…but ultimately, we want our pupils to have fun, continue to improve, and feel part of something special. RGC Netball is a great place to be and we would encourage anyone who hasn't given netball a go to get involved! There are still some sessions before the end of the season…why not give them a try?

S3 - Scottish Cup v The High School of Dundee

S3 started their week with a successful Scottish Cup match, comfortably winning 45-25. The first two quarters of the game was very close but the S3 team pulled away in the second half. Miss Stephen, their coach, said that she was incredibly impressed with how the team was implementing what they had done in training into the match. Both attack and defence played some beautiful netball with players of the match, Bella really stepping up in defence and Ava in the shooting circle.

S3 - Scottish Cup Quarter Final v Anderson High School

After winning their game on Monday the S3 team did not have long to wait for their Quarter Final game where they faced Anderson High School. The game was incredibly close, up until the last quarter when the RGC team stepped up a gear. The final score was 56 - 38 (the game had been all square at halftime). Anderson High School awarded Ava B player of the match. Ava was just superb in the shooting circle. This progresses the S3 team to the last four in the Cup, where they will face the winners of James Gillespie's/Fettes/ Strathallan or Berwickshire.

S2 - Scottish Cup Quarter Final v The High School of Dundee

A 14-20 defeat for S2 in the Scottish Cup QF. Showcasing real grit, determination and fighting for every ball until the final whistle. Close match throughout, with Dundee only pulling away in the final quarter. The improvement within their match play was clear to see. Miss Duddy couldn’t have asked for anymore from them! A hugely positive performance and what an exciting cup run! 

S1 - Scottish Cup Quarter Final v Monifieth High School

A 25-17 win for the S1 Scottish Cup. By far the most physical game they’ve had, against a strong Monifieth side with a GA who was sinking shots from all around the circle. A tough first quarter saw the RGC team down by two, but the players showed real calmness to battle for a one goal lead at halftime. A scrappy start to the final quarter, but a call for composure steadied the ship, and RGC ran out as well-deserved winners. Miss Duddy’s player of the match went to Megan M who was outstanding in defence, picking up lots of interceptions. This progresses S1 to the Semi-Final stages where they will play the winners of Mary Erskine's v Fettes. Well done, S1!

Cargilfield visiting Tour teams

We were delighted when Cargilfield chose to visit us as part of their tour up to Gordonstoun. The matches were a real opportunity for our S1 and S2 teams to get some brilliant match play practice against a strong opponent. All games were played in great spirit and both sides took so much from the day. Netball is a great sport for making friendships and this is exactly what tours do - introduce us to new schools and build that community spirit that netball is famous for. We can't wait to visit Cargilfield in the future. Thank you for visiting Aberdeen and for our lovely gift of a Cargilfield teddy bear!

S4-6 House Netball 

Senior House Netball will be played over the last few weeks of term. All welcome and the matches will be played in a full match style with four quarters. All information is on the Netball google classroom. The following pupils have stepped up to the captain, and please get in contact with them or Mrs. Hardie if you have any questions or would like to play, even if you have not been at training before, this is a fun event for all abilities. Blackfriars - Ellie R, Collyhill - Dani R and Kirsty D, Sillerton -Maya R and Straloch - Ailsa P and Freya Mc. It will be a brilliant few weeks! Who will be this year's champions?

Team of the Week

Our TOTW for this week is the S3 Netball girls who have successfully managed to negotiate their way through two cup fixtures in one week, putting them into the semi-final of the Scottish Cup competition. Congratulations on a fantastic week.

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

Sporting Achievements from Outwith School

Congratulations to Amy R (S3) who finished 6th overall in the recent  Artistic Gymnastics Championships. She also finished 5th on the Floor & 6th on the Bars. Well done Amy from everyone at RGC, a great achievement.

Congratulations to 1st XV Captain Andrew Mc who has been selected to play for Glasgow Warriors U18s. Andrew is travelling to Wales this weekend for the match. Injury kept him out of last weekend’s U18 Junior 1872 match against Edinburgh Rugby. Good luck! 

Several of our Senior School ski racers won medals in the Children’s Championships in the Cairngorms at the weekend along with Junior School pupil Renee L (P5) who took 2nd place in the U10 group. Overall U16 Scottish Girls Champion went to Daisy C in S3. Well done everyone!.  

Congratulations to our Equestrian pupils who competed at the recent Kilgraston Equestrian Championships. Niamh K in S4 came 3rd in her Dressage class and Carey Mc in S3 had two clear show jumping rounds. Well done to the girls and their horses!