28 Jan 2025
Sports Report – Common Time, Week 1

Sports Report – Common Time, Week 1

The frozen pitches meant the hockey fixtures against St Edward’s fell by the wayside last weekend so there are only a couple of fixtures to report on.

The Fencing team’s contest against Latymer Upper took place in the sports hall and although the WinColl fencers put up a good fight in both Foil and Epee, Latymer gained the upper hand in the end. They were formidable opponents but a good effort from all participants on the day. Foil 29:45; Epeeists 19:45 The intended Fives match against the OWs was unfortunately cancelled and the senior basketball team found the going tough at the Wellington tournament where they weren’t able to notch up a win against some strong opposition schools in their pool.

There are plenty of fixtures taking place this week with matches on Thursday against Eton in Basketball, Fencing and Rackets so do go and support your peers against our Berkshire rivals. On Saturday there are two senior football teams playing at home against Bryanston so some vocal support wouldn’t go amiss there too. Best of luck to those teams playing away this week, especially the Fives players competing at the West of England Schools’ Championships over the weekend and the squash team competing at the Roehampton Invitational on Sunday where they are seeking to gain promotion to the top division of schools.

In the final week of last term several pupils represented Winchester at the National Schools’ Rackets Singles Champs at Queen’s Club. Mr Cawston provides some highlights below.

Stand-out performances:
W. Hammerson-Jones (A) was unfortunate in drawing the no.1 seed in his first match.  However, he went into the match with buoyant spirit and managed to take game the first game. This sparked his opponent into action who then took the next and final games. This was a close contest and a valiant effort by Will.

J. Bristowe (A) coasted adeptly past a competitor from Charterhouse then Wellington displaying fine racket-work and serving technique. He then succumbed to a Cliftonian who reached the final.

O. O'Carroll (I), competing in the Under 16 event, was recovering from a viral infection but managed to close out all his first 3 matches in the final game, showing considerable nerve. Reaching the quarter final, he came up against the no. 2 seed who proved too strong. Oscar's top rally play on both forehand and backhand sides makes him a tough opponent to beat and, in the circumstances, he had a great tournament.

A. Fernando (I), also competed in the Under 16 event, cruising first past an opponent from Clifton and then Wellington with the loss of only a handful of points. He then met a hard-hitter from Tonbridge with whom he had a tight match.   Losing game 1 easily he struck back taking the second game 15-11.  However, his opponent rallied and closed out the final game. This had been closely fought and perhaps on another day Amar could have won. 

In the Under 15 event S. Barklam (A) raised a few eyebrows as he cruised through opponents from Radley and then Tonbridge. This positioned him against the no 2 seed who was simply too strong. However, his potential to do well in future tournaments looks encouraging. 

Also in the Under 15 event was C. Wilson (E) who looked the true competitor from the start, serving well and putting shots away flawlessly with his smooth forehand. He had a relatively tight first game in his first round but visibly improved his level as he progressed. Overcoming an Etonian in round 2 this positioned him against another Etonian who he managed to beat impressively in the final game. Although he then lost to the tough 4th seed from Wellington he had reached the last 8 out of a field of over 80 entrants, a notable achievement.

All fixture details can be found on: https://sportsfixtures.winchestercollege.org/

Sporting quote for the week:

“As a leader, you don’t have a choice in being a role model. The choice is how much energy you invest in being a good one.” John Amaechi, OBE, Former NBA Player

M.S. Burley

Director of Sport

14th January 2025

X: @WinCollSports