It has been another action-packed week for Marlborough College sport with a host of matches, national cup successes and academy selections to look back on.
Saturday 4th March
It was a busy day for boys’ hockey, football, lacrosse and netball with over 50 fixtures taking place throughout a competitive afternoon of sport.
The main event was an U18 lacrosse tournament, hosted at Marlborough for 20 teams in aid of the Charlie Waller Trust (pictured above). With only a week before the National Championships, competition was fierce and the level of lacrosse was impressively high. The 1st team produced some excellent play, losing 3-2 in the semi-final to eventual winners Queen Anne’s. Meanwhile our 3rd team won the annual invitational tournament for the first time, enjoying victories over Bradfield 1st X, CLC 3rds and Stowe 3rds. Although the total amount raised has not been finalised, with sponsorship from The Leap and Sweet Chariot, along with entry fees from the teams, it is looking like we have raised a substantial amount for such a worthwhile cause.
Elsewhere, boys’ hockey played out 17 fixtures against Radley with some high-scoring affairs, whilst in football, the 1st XI’s 4-0 win over Wellington was one of several standout display of eight fixtures.
Sunday 5th March
In rugby, the Yearlings travelled down to Sherborne and finished Plate Finalists after a competitive day’s play.
There was also some top line rugby on show back at Marlborough, as the College hosted the U16 Bath Rugby Festival with the likes of Harlequins and Wasps competing in matches, with several Marlburians continuing their development by taking the field for Bath.
Tuesday 7th March
The U16A made further progress in the National T2 Cup as they emerged 3-0 winners at Dean Close. Their reward is a home tie against Claymores on Wednesday 15th March (3.30pm) in the next round.
In rackets, the boys won four out of four matches v Clifton including 1st Pair Seb & Max. The girls won three from four against Cheltenham including revenge for 1st Pair Georgie & Grace (3/2 win) after defeat in Queen’s Doubles final back in December. On the basketball court, the U16s travelled to Bradfield College and came away 55-40 victors after a competitive four quarters of play.
Wednesday 8th March
The netball U15A made the long trip up to Sedbergh in the ISNC Plate semi-final and put on a wonderful display, emerging 39-34 winners. Words from captain, Bea G, who commented: “Our defence was key and having got to half-time 17-16 ahead, we extended our lead in the third and fourth quarter. Strong shooting, dominance off the ball and a real, determined team effort helped us through to secure a place in the ISNC Plate Final.”
Wednesday also saw the arrival of the U13 IAPS Kenya touring side to Marlborough, who experienced the best of boarding and netball, including a fundamental movement session in the gym, followed by coaching and match play vs a Shell ‘select’ side.
Heavy snowfall put paid to the Surrey 7s, with the U18s unable to take the field in preparation for Rosslyn Park in the final week of term.
Thursday 9th March
Highlights of a disrupted schedule due to the weather included a late, late winner for the 1st XI football at Radley, with captain Stan P slotting home the decisive effort. The Colts ran out 2-1 victors whilst lacrosse warmed up for this weekend’s nationals at Aldershot with a series of internal games.
All home netball fixtures were cancelled, but a quartet of away games did go ahead – including a trio of wins on the road at Wells Cathedral School for the U16 age group. In fencing, the U18As put on a spirited showing in a defeat to a very strong Eton team that included three internationals.
Friday 10th March
Marlborough swimmers made their mark competing in the Bath Cup, held at The London Aquatics Centre. The girls’ team finished fifth in their heat of the freestyle relay, and overall finished 22nd of the 80 schools competing. The boys finished 35th having competed in the fastest heat in the Bath Cup competition for their category.
Weekend Preview
Good luck to the lacrosse X who travel to Aldershot to take part in the National Schools Lacrosse Championships this Saturday and Sunday. You can follow progress on Twitter or Instagram.
