Category: Sport
ESAA National Cup Champion – Ruby Vinton!
On Saturday 25 November, Amy Goddard, Anna Jackson, Willa Cole, Iris Morton, Ella Pitt and Ruby Vinton travelled down excitedly in the school minibus to Sevenoaks to compete in the ESAA National Cross Country Championships. This was the 2nd year in a row for Amy and Anna to compete at the Nationals (as last year we were in Formby, Liverpool), so they knew what to expect. This team of Junior Girls had worked hard in the previous rounds both at the County and Regional competitions, so to make it through to Nationals was a superb achievement. 27 schools throughout the UK made it through to the finals, out of 580 school entries.
After a gentle walk around the course, the girls were ready for the challenge. With the teams all lined up in their pens waiting patiently for the starting gun, shivering due to the frosty and cold conditions, the girls knew they had to have a good start – especially as 100metres into the course, there was a slight incline which narrowed so needed to ensure they were in a good position. The girls tried to fight their way through but found it tough, however, they continued to battle and fight as hard as they could. Throughout the race, the girls were each picking off other competitors, to try and ensure we had four good scores (as four out of the six runners placing counted towards the final position). In the last 400metres, what happened next was short of a miracle. Ruby Vinton (who was competing a year young – as well as being one of the smallest runners!) was in 7th place. The determination on her face and pure grit was phenomenal. In the last 200 metres, Ruby was on fire, overtaking 6th place, 5th place, 4th place, 3rd place and then 2nd place to ensure she was in a medal winning position. Millfield’s runner was approaching the finish line in 1st place, although had slowed down, thinking she had won…all of a sudden, Ruby sprinted straight past her to take 1st place…what an achievement! Not even out of breath! Tears were flowing as what had just happened was barely believable. Definitely one of the best finishes of the competition. This spurred the other team members to push hard for the last 400 metres and so they did. Amy finished in 67th position, Anna in 115th, Willa 146th, Ella 150 and Iris 152. An excellent team effort, girls, well done! The team finished 23rd overall out of 27. We look forward to next year as the National Finals will be at Woodbridge when we play host.
Thank you to all the parents who travelled down to Sevenoaks to support the team, and to Mark Goddard for geeing the girls up and preparing them so perfectly for the race.
On Wednesday 22 November some of the year 5 & 6 girls played a fun match against Woodbridge Primary School. We were mixed up with members of each school in each of the four teams. We rotated positions giving each one a try, using lots of the different passes and catches we had learnt about last year. It was a perfect way to refresh our skills and start thinking about the Netball season which starts in January. It was great fun and everyone played really well despite the cold weather.
The results were as follows:
4th Green Team
3rd Yellow Team
2nd Blue Team
1st Red Team
The members of the Red Team were: Millie Johnson, Zara Mansfield, Ruby Field, Tabby Cranfield and Amelia Moreton.
By Thea Langdon
U11 A Rugby v Moreton Hall
We played Moreton Hall and we scored some cracking tries. Moreton Hall were a good opposition, but The Abbey came through for us. The first try was held up by four people from Moreton Hall. The second try was right in the far corner almost pushed out of the line. The third try was passed a lot and then got to a very good runner who took it over the line.
The tries were made by William, Luca and Jonjo.
We had some excellent rucks by Jack P and good breaks from Lexie. And everyone else played their best which I thought was amazing. We play very well as a team and we did some good passing. We drew 3 – 3.
U11 B Rugby v Moreton Hall
We had a great first half of the match. Edward, Henry A and I, all scored two tries. We scored them quite easily because most of the opposition were up front so we could run the full length of the pitch. They managed to score two tries in that half so that by the end of the first half it was 30-10 (6-2) to us. The second half was just as successful if not more so becuase George played some great rugby and instead of scoring the try himself he passed a metre or so from the try line. Aidan scored but they both did well. A few minutes later Dominic scored, he did well to get that try because he had to dodge a lot of tackles. I scored one last try but then a few minutes later Justin scored his first try and ran very well. Later they scored two tries in about 5-10 minutes but then the whistle blew and the match ended. The Abbey won 12 – 6
The results have just landed on my desk from the gala on 28th September. Firstly I was extremely proud with all of the swimmers, as they performed extremely well and conducted themselves in a brilliant manner. Many swimmers competed in extra races and relay legs without complaint or fear regardless of the stroke, which was particularly pleasing. Results as follows (Lowest points win) U11 Abbey 25 – IHS 35, U10 Abbey 14- IHS 7, U9 Abbey 39- IHS 39.
On Monday 13 November the Under 9 Boys Hockey Teams travelled to Rushmere for the 2017 Hockey Festival.
We were due to play 4 rounds against some very good schools.
The A team’s first nail-biting match was against OBH and we drew 0-0
Next we were against the home team, Ipswich Prep. Although we played better as a team, finding each other to pass to, unfortunatley we lost. Orwell Park and South Lee are all good teams and we all played our best and learnt from our day
Although not the top scoring team on the day, I think we were definitely winners as we all had such respect for each other, encouraging each other and coming together as a team . We had great fun.
The Abbey drew 3 – 3
On Wednesday the 15 November 2017 The Abbey A team went out to play a nail-biting hockey match against Holmwood House. As the first whistle went the match kicked off. In the first seven minutes Holmwood House had scored a goal, Amora tried really hard, but it just slipped in into the corner. Then Holmwood House scored another goal. Next when the ball went into our D, Issy did an amazing hit all the all the way up to Selina who did an amazing dribble up to the other teams D then passed to Charlie who whacked it to Georgie, who was waiting patiently on the post who then hit it in the back of their net. 2-1 was the score now. After half time Ellen did an amazing tackle and passed up the wing and later in the half I intercepted Holmwood House who were heading fast towards our goal. We then scored another goal. It was now 2 all. It was nerve racking when Holmwood House had got the ball in our D. They flicked it up and Amora did an amazing save with her stomach. At the end of the match it was 3 all.
It was a very close match and we had some missed opportunities but we all played our best and learnt a lot of new things. What an exciting match!
By Marina Pommier
U11 B Hockey v Holmwood House
On Wednesday we played a fantastic match against Holmwood House. Bee played really well and didn’t give up until the end. Lara and Georgia scored an amazing goal and our goal keeper Amora did a couple of brilliant saves. Milly did some great tackling and Rosie did some impressive passes. Polly did really well in defence and had some amazing hits. In the end Holmwood House won 6-1 but we played our best and at the end of the day the player that stood out for the girl of the match was Bee as I think she was so determined and on the ball.
By Captain – Sophia Waterer
U11 C Hockey v Holmwood House
The Abbey won 1 – 0
Harriet Petley (Year 11) is playing for Ipswich Town Football Club Ladies on Sunday in the FA Cup. ITFC are facing Leyton Orient. The match is taking place at Felixstowe and Walton football ground. Kick-off is at 2pm. Tickets are £2 and entry for children is free.
Also in goal for ITFC is OW Sian Fagg.
We wish Harriet all the best for this match. Harriet has worked her way into the ITFC first team by continued good performances. She made her debut in the big derby win over Norwich City. Harriet also plays for England U16.
When Harriet is not making her mark in the football world she is being very impressive for the Woodbridge School Girls First Hockey team. Harriet was influential in Thursday’s comeback win over Culford, seeing the team win 4-2. Harriet scored the second goal for Woodbridge making things level at half time, and turning the tide on Culford. Wishing you another good performance this weekend.
Well done to the 55 runners who competed in the South Suffolk Cross Country championships at RHS on Thursday 12 October. With unsurprisingly warm temperatures and a slight breeze, these were some of the best conditions this race has ever seen, and ideal for those running this course for the first time.
Our team performed magnificently across all categories and against hundreds of other runners: the minors in particular had around 200 competitors (if not more) in their race. It was great to see so many participate and a special mention to the 39 athletes who made it through to the County round on Saturday 2nd December at Culford. A superb effort – well done!
Congratulations to Ruby Vinton, Charlie Turner and Nathan Goddard who gained 1st place and April Hill 2nd and Kit Evans Lombe 3rd. An astonishing nine runners gained a top 10 place, and well done to the Inter girls’ team who all came in the top 30. Overall results meant that amongst Mid-Suffolk schools we came first in Inter Boys, Junior Girls and Junior Boys, and second in Inter Girls and Minor Boys: amazing!
Thank you to all the parents for their continued support and Mark Goddard for his excellent leadership and coaching of the runners both in their preparation and on the day.
Results:
- Minor girls: Ruby Vinton 1st, Esme Ball 29th, Ada Marson 59th, Libbie Brightey 113th & Kitty Frith 114th.
- Minor boys: Edward Buckingham 10th, Moses McBride 20th, George Na Nakhorn 25th, Tommy Burrow 35th, Jonny Evans Lombe 47th, Erwan Gouedo 66th, Albie Smith 105th & Thomas Blackmore 168th.
- Junior girls: April Hill 2nd, Amy Goddard 4th, Isabelle Eaton 16th, Emily Whyte 18th, Jess Elmer 22nd, Cecily Royal-Dawson 23rd, Anna Jackson 28th, Ashleigh Wildbore 34th, Willa Cole 55th, Ella Pitt 65th, Ella Reynard 66th, Iris Morton 69th , Isabella Hyde 88th, & Charlotte Gibbon 116th.
- Junior boys: Charlie Turner 1st, Kit Evans Lombe 3rd, George Wharam 10th, Edward Rufford 20th, Mauricio Corfe 26th, Ruben Kill 38th, Tom Turner 39th, Tom Harper 49th, Archie Sjoberg 54th & Tom Martin 83rd.
- Inter girls: Sarah Barker 4th, Sophie Graham 16th, Milly Buckingham 17th, Victoria Burrows 23rd, Poppy Fletcher 27th & Grace Childs 29th.
- Inter boys: Nathan Goddard 1st, Alex Evans Lombe 4th, Daniel Davies 11th, George Rufford 17th, Nathaniel Gunn 19th, Hal Ottley 50th, Hugo Thomas 51st & Miles Fry 55th.
- Seniors: Olly Wroe 21st, Georgina Fulcher 23rd & Rachel Prowse 35th.
In their third game, the Junior 3s were back on attacking form, with Tess Walker leading her team to a 7-1 victory. Coping brilliantly with the different surface (a grass pitch!), the girls put the opposition under a great deal of pressure, attacking well, riding the tackles and taking on advice to shoot as soon as they entered the D – to great effect. The second half offered an opportunity for the girls to try some unfamiliar positions and the defenders showed as much skill and determination in attack as their peers had in the first half! A highlight was Sophia’s run from defence, down the right wing, looking up, passing the ball into the D to Chloe on the P spot, with only a heroic save from the keeper denying the perfect ending. Well done, girls! Goals came from Tess, Libbie, Kat and Iris.
Their second match was a much tougher affair, the girls having to show how well and for how long they could defend. Despite defeat some excellent covering by Elise and Lucy kept the score relatively close. Our goal, scored by Kat, showed great determination, pushing through the midfield and forcing her way into the opposition D. 1-1 at half time was promising but Norwich came out firing in the second half and the Junior 3s couldn’t quite sustain the necessary intensity in defence. Much was learnt from the 1-4 defeat; a particular plus was the brilliant goal keeping by Lily Yallop.