Co-Curricular

It was great to get started again with our Rugby and Hockey co-curricular programme on the first couple of days back after the summer holidays along with Netball on Saturday morning. Many more clubs will start this coming week with the full timetable in operation from week beginning 4th September.

 

Rugby

The 1st XV started the season well in very warm, but excellent conditions away at Stewart’s Melville in Edinburgh. We have not had long together but we kept our width in attack and defence, tackled low and worked hard against a good quality opposition. We have some things to improve on and the game was very useful to highlight these and give us additional focus for the coming weeks. Our fitness, attack options & decisions and individual rucking are areas for us to develop. Our MOM was Angus C with honourable mentions to Finn M, Jack E and all of the S5s playing their first senior game: Finn, Lewys, Harry and Callum. A positive start. 

The 2XV made a committed start to the season and in patches we achieved our aim of getting into our game shape and creating multiple points of attack. We struggled in defence sometimes against a highly skilled and well drilled Stewart's Melville team and we agreed in our post match reflections that we need to improve our individual contributions - 1 one 1 tackles and fitness - as well as ensuring we work hard and communicate effectively as a team. Lucas W. scored a fine try and looked threatening in attack throughout. Many of the S5 debutants also put in excellent shifts and showed that they can compete at this level. Our man of the match was Henry B (S5) for his consistent ability to beat the first man when given the opportunity out wide.

S3A started the season against a well drilled Stewart’s Melville side. Despite the scoreline the boys can take heart from some encouraging spells both in attack and defence. Our MOM was Fin Mc who’s tackling was outstanding. Our structure in attack was encouraging. Our areas to develop are to stay connected in defence and our game understanding whilst on our try line.

S3B were in good spirits throughout their match vs Stewart’s Melville. The boys took the first half to adapt to the pace and intensity of the game and managed to produce a strong second half performance scoring two tries.

The S2s travelled to Stew Mel and played against a quality side. We unfortunately started slow and they quickly started totting up points making it difficult to claw our way back into the match. We showed good resilience and never gave up, scoring a few tries late on in the game. We struggled to match the home side's pace of play and ability to move the ball from touchline to touchline. Being exposed to such high quality so early on in the season is only a positive and the boys were keen to meet the standards Stew Mel brought to the table upon reflection at full time.

After their matches, the teams then travelled on to Murrayfield to watch Scotland vs Georgia in their final warm up match before this year’s Rugby World Cup. What an exciting match it was, with Scotland coming from behind at half time to then score 5 tries in the 2nd half and secure a comfortable win.

 

Girls Hockey

Claire J in S6 has provided us with the 1st XI Girls Hockey report as follows:

‘On Saturday the 1st XI hockey girls travelled down to play their first game of the season against Edinburgh Academy. It was a tough match but the girls powered through by showing determination and perseverance. We worked together as a team and were able to defend ourselves against the opposition's attack which was very hard at some points of the game. Our Player of the Match was our Goalie Morven B for her excellent deflections and perseverance in goal. All the girls are excited for a great season to come and to play more matches.’

Up early with the first Sparrow saw a big 2nd XI squad head to the nation’s capital to play Edinburgh Academy. On a warm morning our intrepid travellers were immediately up against a crack outfit who may prove to the best 2nd XI in the country. Our first game back showed a degree of rustiness and this is something that can be easily overcome with some hard work. Our Player of the Match was Sophie in goals, showing a great deal of composure while under siege for large parts of the game.

S3A played against a mixed S3-6 Gordonstoun team at home on Saturday and played with energy and great competitive spirit. In the first half the team worked the ball around the pitch and had numerous shots at goal which were impressively saved by the Gordonstoun GK. With the half time score at  0-0 there was a discussion of how to beat the impressive GK by passing around her. Two quick goals in the second half were well taken. One slip of concentration at the back allowed a 1v1 against our GK and a composed goal meant the final score was 2-1. This squad has huge potential and a great work rate, it’s going to be an exciting season ahead!

 

Netball

It was fantastic to see such a large number of netballers from P5 through to S6 for our first training session at Countesswells on Saturday. All the netball courts on the sand based pitch were full and all the girls and boys worked on their skills and match play. All players and coaches are now looking forward to the season starting with all after school year group sessions beginning this week. 

 

Team of the Week

The first TOTW of this new school year is 1st XI Girls Hockey following their match against Edinburgh Academy on Saturday.

 

Sports Achievements from Outside School

Congratulations to Ava B in S5 who gained her first U15 Netball Scotland caps and position of vice-captain at the weekend in the U15s National Academies tournament at the University of Wolverhampton.