This was a Sunday in which everybody managed to get active and test themselves as the boys and girls ventured out into the surrounding countryside.
S. Anselm's filled a bus full of pupils and took them down to the Oakham Tournament. It was an early start setting off at 8am but it was well worth it. Our U10 Girls netball side won the entire tournament crushing all in their way, and winning the final against Beeston Hall 7-1. It was a superb team effort and everyone was delighted with their win.
The U12 Girls netball side also gelled brilliantly on the day and swept through a very tough group to get to the semi finals and then the finals. It is clear that netball is a game of small margins and in the final we sadly missed a few shots at goal, while our opposition, who had less of the ball, slotted their chances. So, we came runners up in a tough tournament - excellent practice for the IAPS next week.
The U10 Boys rugby team had a tough start and they were beaten by one of the best sides in the whole competition, but they clearly gathered their wits and worked really hard to improve as the tournament went on. They ended up in the Plate Competition and this was where their tournament came alive. In a thrilling semi final, they eventually came through with a try in extra time. Then, onto the final where they triumphed in emphatic style. Well done boys!
The U12 Boys rugby was a ferocious competition and although our boys were up for it in terms of their spirit, they were a little rusty in terms of skills. They battled hard, winning some close matches, drawing some and ended on a high with a great win. With a little more practice they could be a really useful outfit. Well played!
It was also great to see Annie G-P make such a superb speech in front of a thousand people thanking Oakham for such a good day. Well mannered, polite, competitive pupils - that's what I love!
The U13 rugby sevens squad was smarting due to a number of injuries and some untried players had to be called up. As often happens in such a situation, the boys played above themselves and did remarkably well despite tough oposition. All in all, it was a remarkably succesful day of team sport for S. Anselm's and the girls and boys should be hugely proud.
As if all this was not enough, Arabella A competed in a prestigious triathlon competition in which she won her group. This was quite remarkable and she has shown that she is clearly a major talent in the making. Tremendous stuff Arabella!
The rest of the school did not sit on their hands. For a couple of weeks, many pupils had been collecting sponsorship before they set off on an epic six mile yomp across the Peak District.
Parents were welcomed and a party of well over fifty set of at a furious pace which did not ease up. A variety of family dogs managed to keep up, as the intrepid crew miandered down the Monsal Trail, past Thornbridge Hall then through Ashford-in-the-Water.
The walk took 2 1/2 hours with only a short but peaceful rest between the river Wye and the Ashford cricket pitch. One really felt that spring had sprung - the weather was glorious and the secenery quite spectacular and full of promise.
Well done to all the boys and girls who were magnificent company all the way around and thanks to the parents who took part so enthusiastically. The money raised will be published in the next newsletter as will the designated charity we will be giving to.
The evening service was very special indeed and carefully crafted by Daniel Eaton and Jon Weller. There was room for uplifting hymns and also some peaceful reflection, whilst Mr Eaton explained that God was not a man in a white beard staring down at us but, instead, was a spirit that surrounds us and a music and melody that lifts our hearts. Drums, guitars and piano helped to raise the voices and we never knew worship could be so fun! Thanks very much indeed to the parents who came despite the fact it was a late service.
This was yet another fun-packed and fast paced day but it was also a day that had time for reflection and calm. Soon after the evening service, happy and contented heads hit pillows and tired legs got their well earned rest. What shall we do next Sunday?... you will have to watch this space!
Posted on
Sun, March 1, 2009
by admin