15 September 2022
Though only the end of the first full week of term, students have been on a hockey tour to Nottingham, taken part in a netball cup match, a district swimming gala, and enjoyed netball and hockey masterclasses.
Pre-season hockey competition – Mr Ben Allberry, Head of Hockey
Our Senior 1st XI hockey squad played in a pre-season competition in Nottingham the weekend before term began.
They performed fantastically in their first fixture, winning a great battle against a strong Shrewsbury School side. Their second game was even tougher and the team came off second best to a well-drilled Kingston Grammar side. Unlike many of the teams, Woldingham had a third game on the same day and, unfortunately, despite playing well and working hard, the team ran out of legs against a strong Trent College team, going down 2-0. Player of the day was Onome A, Year 11, on her senior squad debut in goal.
The next morning the team headed to the pitch for a game against Loughborough High. We played some wonderful hockey but narrowly missed out on the win, losing 2-1. The last game of the tour pitched us against a strong Oakham side. Despite working hard and running on fumes the team performed superbly and was unlucky not to win the game, ultimately losing 2-0.
It was fantastic weekend and a great way to kick off the season.
Masterclasses – Saturday 10 September
Ellie E, Year 10
Our hockey masterclass was an excellent way to get back into the sport after the summer holidays and it was amazing to play with my teammates again. We were incredibly lucky to have Nikki Lloyd lead our masterclass. Nikki has competed for Scotland in European Championships and Commonwealth Games and I felt honoured to have the opportunity to learn from her. The session was inspiring, covering many aspects of the game such as shooting, attacking and finishing off with match play. The main drill focused on maximising the potential of an overload and using the space to avoid dribbling into contact. It also helped us to make sure that we put pressure on defenders to choose who to mark and got us used to making quick decisions on and off the ball. All of Nikki’s advice can be applied to match situations and the masterclass was great preparation for the busy season ahead.
Milly H-C, Lower Sixth
The netball sports masterclass, led by Paige Reed who has just signed for Leeds Rhinos, was a fun way to start the sporting year. We took part in a range of drills and activities that encouraged us to use teamwork and coordination skills. Paige believes that enthusiasm is the key to success in sport as it keeps motivation flowing during a game and encourages others to perform to the best of their ability. Although the session was intense after a long and lazy summer, it motivated me to get active again and enjoy sport not only for the physical benefits but for the social benefits too. We were very lucky to have Paige coach us for the second year running. I know her masterclass will be highly beneficial for our performance as the netball season begins.
Senior sports team building - Poppy W, Year 11
On Saturday 10 September, after the masterclasses, members of the senior sports teams took part in a variety of land and water-based activities. We worked in groups comprising students from all three year groups. As well as a climbing challenge involving tall wooden poles, which required lots of communication to succeed, we did kayaking and paddle boarding, which was my favourite activity. This was a really nice way to get to know the Sixth Formers who we will be playing with as teammates during the season.
First fixtures
Miss Jessica Fullalove, Head of Swimming
Our Intermediate and Senior teams travelled to Caterham for the first round of the district gala this week. Woldingham finished either 1st and 2nd in every event, with standout swims from Year 9s Alice H and Lara S, who both swam PBs, and Nara S, Year 9, who stepped up to swim in the Senior team. An excellent start to the season.
Mrs Rachael Wratten, Assistant Director of Sport
Woldingham U15s were unlucky to play against a very strong Channing School team in the first round of the U15 Netball Independent School Cup. Our students played really well. Molly F’s shooting was brilliant, with a success rate close to 100%, but the final result of 44-34 was not in our favour. The match was a good building block for the season and there were lots of positives to take from the game.
Summer successes
The summer holidays saw some great sporting achievements for Woldingham students and staff. Olivia R, Lower Sixth, was part of the G18 England touch rugby team that won the 2022 Junior Touch Championship in Vichy, France; Year 9 swimmer Lara S competed in the Irish Nationals, coming 5th in the 50m free; Oyin D, Year 8, was selected for the Surrey Netball Academy; and Head of Hockey Mr Allberry captained the England over-35s team to victory in the Masters Hockey World Cup.
