End of Term Message from Mr Harper, Head of Sport

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to each and every pupil, parent and supporter for all of your efforts during Sport since we returned to school in August. In our first COVID-free, uninterrupted term of Sport I've been delighted to see so many pupils back in the pool and out on our pitches and courts representing the school in so many different activities and competitions, at various age groups.

I've been lucky to see most groups in some form over the course of the term, either on Saturdays or during some of the midweek fixtures and as always I am astounded by the commitment of each and every pupil who takes part. Speaking of commitment, I can't ignore the staff in my thank yous. Without the group of passionate and committed staff who run activities week in, week out, in all kinds of weather conditions, our playing opportunities wouldn't be what they are, and for that, as always I am extremely grateful. I hope they all get the chance to take a well-deserved rest over the festive period!!

I hope you've enjoyed reading this term's weekly Sports Reports, it's a great way to get a quick overview of all the amazing things that are happening in Sport at RGC. You will find all the reports in the ‘Sports News’ section of our SOCS Sport Website.

Netball

Last week’s fixtures started with a great game for our S3B Junior League Netball team against Harlaw Academy. For some girls it was their first time playing for the College and they did so well! Despite being up against a strong and physical Harlaw team, we managed to put up a good fight for the first 3 quarters and then they just pulled away in the last one with Harlaw winning the match. Miss Stephen was keen to point out that it wasn’t about scores though, it was about coming and playing, and giving your best. Every girl played at least 2 quarters and they showed great team morale when they weren’t on court, with lots of positive cheering and feedback from the sideline. Player of the Match went to Chinenye as her interceptions and timing were outstanding!

The 3rd VII were playing the Harlaw Academy 1st VII on Monday which ended in a draw. Chi was their Player of the Match with brilliant interceptions and tight marking in the circle.

On Tuesday it was the turn of the S1s to get on the court with both the A and B teams playing Albyn School. It was a tough match for S1A who were up against a very strong Albyn side. We struggled in the shooting circle and in attack with Amy, Joanna and Elsa working very hard in defence. Player of the Match went to Amy S. The B team won their match which was a great boost for their confidence. Players of the Match went to Temi and Faridah.

On Friday S2A played their next Scottish Cup game against Albyn. The girls were keen to get going quickly after a slow start in other matches, and they certainly did that! They were just one goal down at the end of the 1st quarter time then a lapse of concentration in the 2nd quarter saw them go 11 goals down and the girls were rightly disappointed at half time. Some honesty from Miss Duddy and from themselves saw them really pick it up in the second half, with a resulting competitive 3rd and 4th quarter. With just one substitute and without their captain, the girls did incredibly well and kept fighting, even when they got tired. Albyn won the match and afterwards Miss Duddy was quick to praise the girls’ efforts and was very proud of them. Emma C was Player of the Match for her defensive pressure and showing great discipline with contact and instruction. She made life really difficult for the Albyn WA!

The 1st VII team played their last match of the year on Monday where they were up against Cults Academy. Vice Captain, Naomi E, provided us with her report of the fixture.

‘The match on the 19th of December was a brilliant end to the Christmas term for the RGC first team! From the first quarter to the last, our Tuesday morning practices were showing; through our slick passes, accurate shooting and endurance. Although Cults put up a fight, the final score was 53-19 and the girls were ecstatic. POM went to our captain, Kirsty D, who was outstanding as Centre. Team spirits were high and everyone is looking forward to the next round of the Scottish Cup!’

Football

With the worst of the snow all but gone, the RGC seniors set out to enjoy their last game together of 2022 on Monday. They certainly saved the best for last, playing excellent football throughout against High School of Dundee in the SISFA League - North Division. The boys were keen to avoid a nightmare before Christmas, and put in a spirited performance from the start, snowballing their way to another win. Time for a well deserved break over the festive period!

Angela M-K secures Scholarship to Princeton University, USA

Congratulations to S6 pupil, Angela M-K whose dream of studying in the United States has become a reality with an academic scholarship offer for Princeton University, starting in August 2023, which she is able to combine with her love of Athletics. Miss Stephen, Assistant Head of PE, gave her reaction to this fantastic achievement. 

‘Angela has had an extremely impressive Athletics career throughout her time at the College. Year after year, she has won and medalled in many Indoor and Outdoor National Scottish Schools titles in a number of athletics events. She has captained the College's Athletics team for the past 2 years where she has been a superb role model for the younger athletes. She has very willingly taken on a coaching role assisting many pupils at national competitions. The pupils have benefited hugely from Angela's staggering technical knowledge in a variety of athletic events. I look forward to seeing her compete once again for the College early next year in the Scottish Schools Indoor Championships.’

Co-curricular Sport

Sadly much of our co-curricular sport was cancelled during the period of snow and freezing temperatures but we are glad to see all Senior School clubs back up and running during this last week of term.

Team of the Week

Well done to this week’s TOTW who are 1st VII Netball after their performance and result in the last ASSNA Fixture of 2022. A great result against an as-always strong Cults Academy team, finishing off the first half of the season with a brilliant performance. They will be invited up to the Governor’s Room to meet Mr Macpherson after the Christmas holidays.