Sport is a fundamental part of life at Manor House School, with a sports syllabus consisting of netball, hockey, cross-country running, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, dance, athletics and rounders.
Our hockey teams have had some excellent results this season, with some outstanding goals scored. Our Senior hockey squads have remained loyal to the cause despite practicing in inclement weather conditions and limited weekly long break practice sessions. They have developed their skills and worked on their game plans and tactics.
Their grass skills are intricate and refined but most senior opposition will only play us now if we venture to play on their AstroTurf pitches. This really does challenge and test our speed and stamina on a far smoother and faster surface, which then demands a very different set of hockey skills.
Our U12s have adapted their positional play from 7 a-side games to 11 a-side full pitch play over the season. They managed to beat Rosebery on our grass 2-0. In their tournament they played with an avid determination and achieved third place for their efforts. Our U13s scored the highest seasonal win of all teams with a 5-0 win at home against The Howard.
They also won all of their other matches, except one which they drew 1-1. Special mention goes to Maya P A for her total adaptation of positional play to stand in as the U15s goalkeeper. In these matches she saved many an amazing shot on goal with agility, skill and precision.
The Junior Teams had an overall positive scorecard, with both U11 and U10A teams beating the CLFS B teams. Additionally, the Manor House U11A team beat Greenacre and Milbourne Lodge’s A teams respectively.
The Year 4 girls played their first ever competitive match against Milbourne Lodge. Although they didn’t win, they learnt a huge amount from the experience and this has now given them the motivation to get practicing for September.
Our U14s had to cope with a number of injuries to key players throughout the season. The older teams have all had their fair share of wins, draws and losses played mostly on AstroTurf. In the District Tournaments, the U16s came joint third on points, the U14s fourth and the U13s fifth.
In the inter-house hockey tournament on the last day of the Spring term, three age groups played each other. The overall triumphant winning house for the cup this year was Victory. Certificates were given to the winning players of each team in each age group.
Well done to all of the players for their enduring efforts and enthusiasm in playing and, so often, for the pure pleasure of doing so.
