The Limelight LIMELIGHT 2018 | Page 18

Under 11 Netball Lent Term 2018 The netball season started in earnest with away matches at Ashville College. Both the A and B teams battled hard in each quarter and both teams registered goals. Defensive play was a real strength and the opposing teams were halted in their tracks a number of times on scoring opportunities. In the end, a lack of shooting accuracy for both teams cost the girls a win. With a clear focus on accurate shooting and passing, the girls travelled to St Olave’s which was a tough test. Both the A and B teams scored well but those goals were matched and surpassed by the opposition and, unfortunately, both teams ended their respective matches with a loss. Encouraging signs were coming from a number of players, especially Lucy Coles and Maddison Cox whose progress was exceptional during the season. The first signs of real success came for the A Team against Hill House who ended their match with a convincing win. The girls passed well and got to grips with attacking play for the first time. The B Team lost by a narrow margin but showed promising signs defensively. A home tournament saw the A Team finish runners up in a closely-fought contest. Excellent attacking play from Jessica Groombridge and Ella Smith helped the team to four victories, a draw and a loss. The girls worked incredibly hard and could have snatched the victory if another result had gone their way. The final matches of the season were held at Hull Collegiate School. Both the A and B Teams were in action and both teams impressed. The pace of both teams was superb and strings of wonderful passing moves resulted in impressive victories for the A and B girls. Praise must go to Hattie Cobb who discovered her talent for shooting (and scoring) in this final match of the season. Year 5 Girls A team Hockey 2017/18 The Year 5 girls A team had a really good hockey season, only losing three games at the beginning when they were just getting started but once they got going and positions and structure were sorted, they really started to gel together. At this age it's all about learning the basic skills, where to go and move on the pitch and understanding the principles of structure to help them in the game. The girls definitely improved and learnt a lot over the season and hopefully enjoyed their hockey. Well done girls! 16 Under 11 Rounders Report Summer Term 2018 The Under 11 girls’ final Rounders season at Pocklington Prep got off to a damp start with heavy downpours of April showers affecting practices and matches. This was soon replaced in May by glorious weather and an impressive season. The first match got underway in early May against Yarm School which resulted in a draw. The girls were impressive in their organisation and showed fantastic teamwork skills when fielding. Soon they travelled to Ashville where, on a windy afternoon, they won by a convincing victory. The girls showed their strengths in certain positions and ensured that the opposition were all out before their innings were over. The fiercest opponents of the season so far came in the shape of a St Olave’s team with some excellent fielders. The Pocklington Prep team was focused and organised on the field and, for the first time, showed strengths when batting. The girls lost by a narrow margin but were buoyed by the fact that, aside from a few fielding errors, were at least equal to the St Olave’s team. The day of reckoning came when the girls took part in the HMC Rounders tournament at home. 12 school competed in total with some excellent fielding and batting on display. The girls started slowly with a narrow loss to Hymers but then went on to win impressively against RGS Newcastle, Minster and Silcoates. The girls ended the day in a respectable fifth place with some outstanding individual performances on show. To wrap up the season, the girls played Minster and Silcoates at home, winning both matches. The girls must be praised for their hard work and wonderfully organised and focused approach to each match. Well done! Mrs Sweeting Under 10 Rugby What a season and what a group of players! It has been a real joy to coach these young men, in the "Stripes" and "Blues" teams. The students and coaches have really enjoyed our training and Games this season with quiet determination as well as a smile. The aim has been to play to the standard and requirements of rugby for 10 years’ time; ie. as these players leave school in the Upper Sixth. Therefore we have tried to play without rucks, off loading and attempting more passes than the opposition. The players have attended the extra training sessions where we set them a problem and we look for creative solutions, where they usually have to apply some mental resilience, work with their team mates and make good decisions based on the clues they get from the opposition. It has been a real joy at times, as we have been able to move the ball the length of the pitch at times without a single ruck, every player being involved and scoring some great tries. Equally, at times, they have found it hard against well organised and drilled teams, who have played a very physical style of rugby. We have really taken each game as a learning opportunity and I look forward to next season, when we can start proper scrummaging! Each pupil has been stars in their own rights at some stage, where it has been the missile like tackles, side stepping, great carries and leg drive through opposition tackles, a switch-miss pass or running onto a pass into space, even the emergence of some young match officials; everyone has contributed to the development of prep rugby this season by the afore mentioned and playing in at least two fixtures. I am very proud of each and every one of them. Mr. Wareham Under 11 Rugby 2017 Year 5 Girls B team Netball 2017/18 The Under 11 teams have had a mixed year in terms of results. Despite some strong performances, notably Yarm away, they struggled against stronger, more physical sides. However, what was pleasing to see was how the boys developed both individually and collectively. As a team they began to develop their own style of rugby and this was supported by all the players developing their skills and being creative on the pitch. This is an age group with bundles of potential and they will achieve the success their hard work deserves as their performances become more consistent. They worked hard and improved massively though over the season. In the beginning their marking/turnover was a big factor which they really struggled with but by the end they dealt with the situation well and became much more switched on, plus all members of the team improved with their shooting technique hence more goals achieved in the games they played. Well done girls! The under 9s have made an impressive start to their Pocklington rugby careers having moved on from Tag Rugby last year. They are physical and tenacious in defence and are creative in attack which has helped them play some exciting rugby this year. What has also been impressive is the depth of talent in this age group which has lead to all the boys being involved in fixtures. A fun and energetic group, I look forward to following their success in years to come. Y6 Girl Rounders Team for HMC 2018 The U10 girls B netball had mixed results over the winter months. Unfortunately the weather didn't help as quite a few matches were cancelled because of rain or frost. Under9 Rugby 2017