A look back over a week dominated by national competitions as Marlburians went head to head against some of the best sporting talent on the schools’ circuit.
Saturday 11th March
On exeat Saturday, Marlborough’s lacrosse players travelled to Aldershot to take part in the National Schools Lacrosse Championships. Head of Lacrosse, Heidi Marvin, reflected on the tournament: “It was a hugely positive and exhilarating weekend with so many highs and brilliant moments. It was great to see the fabulous team spirit on and off the pitch, the U18s won their pool and beat eventual winners Wycombe Abbey in the process. Although we were bitterly disappointed to have lost our last 16 play-off, we have to remember and reflect on how far we have come as a team and how much fun we have had doing it!” Congratulations to the whole team on their fine performance throughout the weekend.
In the U15 section, the girls faced a tough pool but produced some spirited performances including a strong win over St George’s Ascot and competitive matches with LEH and Queen Anne’s, taking narrow 4-3 losses.
Tuesday 14th March
The Public Schools’ Fencing Championships began in London with 13 Marlborough Fencers travelling down to the Lee Valley Athletics Centre. There were some strong Marlborough performances, with 1 last 8 finish and 7 last 16 finishes over two days of highly competitive fencing in fields of over 100 fencers. Congratulations to Max C last 16 in U18 boys foil, Phoenix F last 16 in U18 girls foil and U18 girls epee, Sofia S last 16 in U18 girls epee, Lottie J last eight in U16 girls epee and last 16 in U16 girls foil, and Zara H last 16 in U16 girls foil and U16 girls epee.
In girls’ house squash, Summerfield teamed up with Preshute to secure victory with some excellent performances. There was also basketball action with the U14 boys rounding off their season with a 45-27 win.
The Junior Golfers played their first competitive match of 2023 with a trip to play Bradfield (below). There were some memorable shots played, including a delightful chip in from Sonny.
Wednesday 15th March
There was a big win for the Colts who secured a place in the National Tier 2 quarter-final with a 6-0 home victory over Cottesmore. The goalscorers were Zac C-P, James F, Arthur M and Ed C and a brace from Toby M. Exeter Cathedral are set to be the opponents in the last eight, with Trent College awaiting the winners in the semi-final stage.
Wednesday evening also saw two Old Marlburians go head to head, with Archie Griffin (C3 2014-19) and Christian Freeman (SU 2015-20) facing off in the BUCs Super Rugby contest between the University of Bath and Exeter University.
Thursday 16th March
It was a day of national competition, which started with an early start for the U16 boys who travelled to Edgbaston for the England Squash National Finals Day. The boys opened with a 5-0 win over Bradfield before a 3-2 defeat to Dame Allan’s set-up a play-off tie with Sevenoaks – with a 4-1 win enough to secure a third place finish and a bronze medal.
Then in the afternoon, there was a bumper crowd on the sports hall balcony to witness the Smile Independent Schools National Netball Cup Plate Final as the U15As hosted Brighton College. It was a terrific advert for the game with both sides producing some excellent play, with the Sussex side emerging 35-32 winners.
In Uppers House Lacrosse, the out houses were crowned winners as they just pipped Ivy after an excellent final. The 1st V basketballers continued their unbeaten run with a 65-47 win at Winchester College, with the U16s going down 25-38.
In rackets, five home matches against Malvern College included wins for the Girls 1st pair (Martha J and Naomi R) and Colts 1st pair (Theo M and Arthur M). Eight boys’ pairs and eight girls’ pairs head to The National Schools Championships at the Queen’s Club for Boys Doubles & Girls Singles next week.
Thursday also saw the first (& long-awaited) girls’ fixture of the season. The U14s travelled to play Rugby on the courts of the Oxford University Sports Centre. It was a great match – without exception, the team found strong form and raised their game. Credit to Charlotte G, who gave everything against a more experienced opponent. Rugby were eventual winners, 122-110.
Weekend Preview
The final weekend of the Lent Term will be a busy one with ten football fixtures, 12 boys’ hockey matches, 16 lacrosse matches, 18 netball fixtures and a target rifle shooting match against Wellington College.
For the latest fixture information, please click here for SOCS.
Please note team lists are password protected for parents.
