Sports Report – Common Time 2025, Week 4
Tuesday 28th January 2025
Chess v King Edward VI (h):
While the C team continued their run of success with a solid 6-0 victory over KES Southampton B, our D team managed a tense 1.5-4.5 loss against their A team in this seeded knock-out round. It is a credit to the depth of our chess squad that our boards 5 and 6 of the D team scored the draw and win against the best team the opposition could muster. All 6 games in that match were closely fought over a standard play time control of 50 minutes plus 10 seconds/move, allowing for a high standard of chess all round. Post game analysis offered valuable training for those players who stayed on for chess club. The C team now progresses to the second round. [DIF]
Rackets v Haileybury (h):
J. Mitchell (G) and W. Hammerson-Jones (A) made relatively straightforward work of their decent opponents with consistent service returns and precise serving themselves, 3 – 0. Colts, A. Fernando (I) and O’Carroll (I), also managed to win without the loss of a game with the usual dominant serving and fluid rally play. Junior Colts, C. Wilson (E) and F. Cresswell (E) also played well claiming a well-earned victory, again, without losing a game. This was mainly down to their making very few errors overall.
The Yearlings mixed in with their opponents to play several, friendly one-game matches. With more experience under their belts the standard is noticeably rising. C. Mitchinson (I), H. Balmain (B), X. Martin (B) H. Hill (I) C. Fergusson (I), W. Hamilton (I), F. Sinclair (E), B. Robinson (D) were all involved. [TERC]
Wednesday 29th January 2025
Hockey U18 Boys’ Hampshire Trophy (n):
Due to mocks and other commitments, this was the first time the Hockey XI had been together on the same pitch. Missing a few regulars, Will (VI:II, D) was making his debut in goal, and Casper (Vth bk, A) and Oli T (VI:I, G) were both also making debuts outfield. We arrived to the Hampshire Trophy with time to warm up and get used to the pitch, and each other! Bedales were up first, and early pressure resulted in a stroke being given for a foot on the lines. Captain James (VI:I, B) calmly slotted it home mid left of the goal and this set the tone. We were in control, and indeed in their half for much of the 17 minute game, but it took for the 15th for Martin (VI:I, I) to score an excellent goal to secure the two goal victory.
Peter Symonds College were our next opponents. A fair and challenging game could easily have gone either way, but goals from Oli S (VI:II, K) and Martin, again on the break, were the difference, and a well taken goal from them meant it finished with a 2-1 win.
Portsmouth Grammar School were up next, and it was a tight encounter from the off. They were clearly a well trained group, with a short corner 7 minutes in being executed well and resulting in a goal. Our response was excellent, with James (VI:II, D) breaking in to the D, and a carefully aimed pass off the post to Angus (VI:I, I) bagging him his first goal of the day within thirty seconds of the restart. It continued to be a tight affair, but a short corner on the final whistle controversially hit our keeper in the chest, and was then put away, but the goal was given. L 2-1.
KES Witley were up next, and we knew we needed to win in order to win the group. it was another tight affair, though sadly each of our attacks were broken down by an unusually physical opposition before we reached their D. Our continued attacks led to nothing given sadly, and they eventually scored, leading to our second loss of the day. L 0-1.
Two wins and two losses placed us third in the group of five, leading us to the 5/6th place play off instead of the semi finals we had hoped for. This was a good game against Lord Wandsworth College, but we outclassed them from the start, with a short corner slotted away by James (VI:I, B) and another excellent finish from Martin. W 2-0.
Fifth place was slightly disappointing, but it came with a recognition that finding time to train together is vital, and that the commitment of the team to do so is something only they can control. A tough fixture at home to a strong Teddies side would follow tomorrow (with a slightly expanded squad), and there would be more opportunities to train and play next half term. (JPT)
Thursday 30th January 2025
Basketball 1st v Sherborne School (h): Lost 35-47
Fencing 1st v Marlborough College (h):
The Win:Coll: Epée and Foil teams faced Marlborough College. Both foil teams were of similar calibre, constantly fighting for the lead - it was a very close match with Marlborough coming out on top at the end. Well done to the Epéeists who managed to maintain their lead resulting in a win. [Lachlan M (B)]
Foil 42-45 Loss Epée 45-41 Win
Hockey 1st XI v St Edwards school (h):
After some successful games the day before at the Hampshire Schools tournament finally the 1st XI had their first home Hockey match of the season, and it proved to be a tough one as we faced Teddies! Captained by Kitson (B), Winchester were up for the challenge as Teddies have a strong track record against us.
For the opening 2 minutes we started brightly moving the ball around nicely around our half with McGregor (H), Askew (K) and Kennedy (D) keeping possession and calmly transitioning into the central area of the pitch. Unfortunately, after a loss of possession in the 4th minute Teddies were quick to counterattack and scored a nice tidy goal from open play. The game flowed back and forth over the next 20 minutes and early into the second quarter Teddies had their second goal off a short corner after Hagger (D) made an excellent save to deny to first time flick which unfortunately rebounded to an open Teddies player who was able to push the ball into the next with ease. (2-0 Teddies 23 mins gone). Whilst it was tough Edwards (A) and Jin (I) both settled nicely, and both grew into their roles pushing right and left respectively when needed. They were able to pressure often allowing us to break up any counter attacks and push forward. However shortly after another open play goal from Teddies saw Winchester go down 3-0 at half time.
The start of the second half was a lot more positive from Winchester as we adopted to playing further forward to create more chances within their defensive circle. More attacking play from Hawkins (K), Hay (I) and Moreno de Barreda (I) created multiple shots on goal however some smart keeping from the Teddies keeper denied any further chances. A deadlocked 3rd quarter showed some fighting spirit from Winchester! Short corners ultimately were our downfall as Teddies neatly slotted in a 4th goal from a well worked routine and finished with a late tap in again from open play leaving the score 5-0 to the visiting side. Lots to work on as our season gets busier as the term progresses! [TJF & JPT]
Netball 1st VII v Gordon’s School (a):
Winchester College put up a determined fight against Gordon's School but fell short in a closely contested match, finishing 11-14. The game began with a competitive first quarter, with Gordon’s edging ahead 4-3. Winchester responded well in the second quarter, levelling the score at 6-6 with strong attacking plays and improved defensive pressure. However, Gordon’s regained their lead in the third quarter (9-11) and managed to maintain their advantage until the final whistle. Defensive efforts from Hesper (GK) and Sanvee (GD) kept the opposition under pressure, while Cleo (C) worked tirelessly in the midcourt to link defence to attack. Ami (WD) applied strong defensive pressure, and Lilly and Elodie rotated effectively at WA to support feeds into the circle. Liv (GA) and Amelie (GS) combined well to convert opportunities, but moments of panic and inconsistency led to missed chances. While the team showed moments of fluid play, a lack of discipline and rushed decision-making at times proved costly. With more gameplay experience, the team will build greater certainty and rhythm. The next opportunity for redemption comes on Tuesday with a home fixture ready to regroup, refine, and come back stronger! [FIJ]
Rackets v Marlborough College (h):
The 1st Pair, playing Marlborough for the second time this year, had lost the previous encounter. Consequently, it was pay-back time. On this occasion J. Bristowe (A) paired up with W. Hammerson-Jones (A). After some strong serving from both Winchester players the first game went their way. However, the second game was claimed relatively swiftly by a counter-attack by Marlborough. Winchester reciprocated by properly focusing during the rallies in the third game, winning it comfortably, 15-3. However, their lead was somewhat short-lived with Marlborough again enacting a successful resurgence, taking the next one 6-15. It all came down to the deciding game. Winchester started strongly with a useful sequence of serving from Bristowe to take the score to 11-1. It was then for H-J to hold his nerve and close out the game from the serving box. This, he managed to do, completing a notable win against a strong opponent.
2nd pair, J. Mitchell (G) and R. Balmain (K) playing together for the first time, kept pace with an adept Marlborough pair and found themselves at 14-10, a point away from winning the first game. Their opponents rallied and levelled, resulting in a set which Marlborough subsequently won. Despite this setback, Winchester's positive attitude now paid dividends as the match continued, enabling them to fight for any marginal points which then arose and this equipped them to claim the next 2 games. Although they were now in a commanding lead 2 - 1, unfortunately they could not prevent Marlborough from taking the next game and levelling. The final game was a close contest with both teams taking and then losing the lead. Eventually, Winchester made it to match point but their opponents retrieved the situation to trigger a set. However, Winchester managed to re-claim the serve and then, with dogged determination, win the 3 points needed to take the match. This was a worthy result for Balmain and Mitchell who had competed with maturity. 3rd Pair, W. Budden (D) teamed up with F. Turvill (B). This was a new partnership and despite losing, the match produced some fine rallies and solid service runs from the Winchester pair.
The Colts, A. Fernando (I) and O. O’Carroll (I), started well winning the first game convincingly 15-1, thanks to a long run of serve from Fernando. The second game was taken in similar fashion, involving some top rallies. In the third game, the Marlborough pair settled into the Winchester court and managed to reach 14-12, a point from taking the game. up. However, O'Carroll held his nerve brilliantly and served from behind to take the game 17-14, resulting in a 3-0 win for Winchester. This enabled the pair to extend their undefeated streak to 5 matches.
C. Wilson (E) and E. Wheeler (D) - playing his first game for the Junior Colts As - won the first game comfortably by serving strongly. Marlborough returned the favour and quickly took the next game 15-4. The next two games were relatively even with each side winning one a piece. In the final game Winchester found themselves 8-13 down. However, by minimising errors in the rallies and by serving clinically they managed to bring the score back and win the game and match. For the Junior Colts B's, X. Martin (B) and C. Mitchinson (I), took on a Marlborough pair a year older. This match was well fought by the Winchester pair with solid serving runs from both. In the rallies Mitchinson supplied the power whilst Martin provided reliable racket-work to keep the pair error free. The end result was a comfortable 3-0 victory. (TERC)
Squash v Wellington College (a):
1st: Won 4-1. U15As: Won 3-0 U14As: 3-3
Saturday 1st February 2025
Badminton 1st v Abingdon School (a): Won 10-6
Basketball v Stowe School (a): 1st: Lost 31-65 U16A: Lost 37-38
Fives v Alleyn’s School (h):
Alleyn's are one of our main competitors in the world of school fives so this was a highly anticipated match. It was unfortunate that both teams had lost a key player to injury and Alleyn's lost another during the match but there were still some great match-ups and competitive games. The injury also gave the best two players of the day Antony C (B) (WC) and Yarrin N (Alleyns) to pair up and play some doubles together against our best two U17s. The format was slightly unconventional but constructed to maximise the potential for hard fought close games. The numbers on the far left and right of the table refer to the players ranking within their team. (JM)
Match Drawn 122-122
Cross Country: South East Inter Counties Championships 2025, Newbury Showground
In the Senior race, Benedict Judge (D, VIBk1) was part of an utterly dominant Hampshire team that took all of the first seven positions (despite two Hampshire international athletes not being present). Even though he wasn’t 100% well Benedict ran faster than he did in the Hampshire Schools Championships two weeks ago, placing a very respectable 44th out of 79 county-representative athletes. The course was slippery, uneven and treacherous in places, yet he covered the 6.15 km course in 20:43, an excellent performance.
WinCoFo
Despite the poor weather so far this term the first Winkies competition has Sen VIs has reached its conclusion with Hopper’s taking the title.
Sporting quote for the week:
“Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do” Former UCLA Basketball Coach, John Wooden
M.S. Burley
Director of Sport
4th February 2025
X: @WinCollSports