��ݮ��Ƶ’s Boys’ XI produced a superb performance to secure a memorable victory away at Harrow today.

Harrow set a competitive 173–4 from their 20 overs, with Kai (L6) and Conway (U6) impressing with disciplined bowling. In reply, James (L6) delivered a truly outstanding innings, smashing a magnificent 105 from just 56 balls, including eight sixes. His commanding display set the tone for an exciting chase.

A late rain delay added to the drama, leaving ��ݮ��Ƶ needing 10 from the final over. Tommy (U6) rose to the occasion with a crucial six, and, alongside Aaron (Vths), held their nerve to seal a thrilling win off the very last ball.

A fantastic team effort, highlighted by some exceptional individual performances.

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It has been a great week for ��ݮ��Ƶ pupils in sports again, with outstanding performances across athletics, cricket, rugby and golf.

Lower School 2 pupil Blake set a new U16 girls’ high jump record with a superb leap of 1.49m at the U15 County Heptathlon Championships. Blake finished second overall and has qualified for the Regional Finals in May. Her performance also included strong showings across the long jump, hurdles, shot put and 800m.

Meanwhile, James (L6) enjoyed a spectacular start to the cricket season, scoring an unbeaten 156 from just 83 balls in the first round of the National U17 Cup. His innings included four sixes and 21 fours, and helped set up the team’s progress to the next round where they will face Brentwood.

There was further cricket success for Ben (U6) who earned a place on the honours board with a superb five-wicket haul, taking 5/21 in the 1st XI’s all-day victory over Haberdashers on Saturday. He followed this up in style on Tuesday, scoring a blistering 88 from 44 balls in the 1st XI T20 against Tonbridge. ��ݮ��Ƶ posted 270/5, with Tonbridge dismissed for 142 in reply.

Omar (Middles) had a tremendous week. Not only did he contribute a superb unbeaten 83 from just 29 balls in a devastating team batting display, he has also been selected for the Bunbury competition, a prestigious festival which brings together the top 48 cricketers in the country. This is quite an achievement and he is the first player since our current 1st XI captain Leo (U6, Thomason) to have been selected for it.

In rugby news, we are delighted to announce that Will (Vths) has earned a call-up to the Wales U17 training camp this May, marking an exciting step forward in his development on the international stage.

Finally, congratulations are in order for Rohit (L6) who has achieved outstanding sporting success, placing among the top three qualifiers for the Sky Sports Junior European Golf Open Finals in Spain. This follows an excellent round of 77 over the weekend, securing his place on the international stage. A superb achievement and we wish him every success in the Finals.

Congratulations to all!

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A Year of National Finals and Unforgettable Achievements. The academic year 2024–25 has been truly remarkable for ��ݮ��Ƶ sport, marked by exceptional performances, teamwork, and resilience across a wide range of disciplines. Our pupils have represented the School at the very highest level, reaching 12 national finals in 9 different sports, a testament to their dedication and the strength of our sporting programme.

National Champions and Noteworthy Triumphs

This year, ��ݮ��Ƶ teams have brought home four national titles:

• Foster Cup for Rackets
• U16 Girls’ Indoor Hockey
• U13 Girls’ Indoor Hockey
• U13 Lacrosse Division 1

In addition, our talented Golf team were crowned National Plate Champions, an achievement that places them among the elite schools in the country.

Sporting Highlights

U16 indoor hockey

The girls performed with extraordinary composure and self-belief, beating Repton, Sevenoaks and King’s Chester, and then producing a fabulous crescendo in the final to win 7-2 against Clifton. Laura was ruthless in front of goal, scoring 18, and Lois and Cate shone down the spine of the defence and midfield. It was fitting that the girls also won the Tony Nunn Fidelitas Shield at Speech Day for performance levels but also for the sportsmanlike manner in which they went about their business.

Rackets

Flynn is the first Haileyburian to win the Foster Cup for over 40 years. He was a man with a target on his back from the start of the tournament and to achieve championship victory with so many top players looking to raise their game against the favourite was a great example of composure and quality combined. He backs up his U16 success therefore with this superb national triumph.

U13 girls

In both indoor hockey and lacrosse the U13 girls’ sporting squads showed what character and what depth of quality they have. Two magnificent wins in different sports in highly competitive tournaments was a stunning achievement. What a future!

Netball

The senior netball squad were superb – securing qualification from the extremely competitive Hertfordshire rounds, then again through the East Region. At the national finals at Sheffield the girls were excellent, winning all bar their last crucial game to make it to the semi-final, missing out by just the one goal. The competition was fierce and the top 16 schools in the land made it a highly competitive experience, but the girls showed that they are right up there with the very best there is.

Swimming

The girls’ squad made it to the national final for the second year in a row to defend their title from 2024! It was a tense affair and finishing 8th in the land is superb. The boys had never qualified for the final before and to finish 4th was incredible, albeit tough to just be pipped to the podium.

Boys’ hockey

U18 boys backed up their U16 title from last year by making it to Nottingham again. The day was tough and with a squad all bar one of whom return next year makes it a mouthwatering prospect in 2026.

Girls’ Cricket: National Podium Success

• U17 National T20 Cup Finals:
  Our U17 girls’ cricket team made history by reaching the finals at the stunning Arundel Castle, competing as one of the last four schools standing nationwide. After a challenging cup run with victories over Framlingham and Marlborough, the girls finished with bronze medals and are now officially ranked 3rd in the country—a phenomenal accomplishment.
• U18 Girls’ Cricket Hundred Nationals Plate:
  The girls added to their accolades with a silver medal in the U18 Hundred nationals plate, demonstrating their prowess and consistency at the highest level.

Boys’ Cricket: Unbeaten Champions

• 2nd XI Boys’ Cricket:
  The boys’ 2nd XI capped off a perfect season, finishing top of the national rankings for school 2nd XI cricket teams after an unbroken run of 11 wins from 11 matches against other schools.

Golf: National Plate Champions

• National Finals, Oxfordshire:
  Out of 92 schools, only 8 reached the finals, and ��ݮ��Ƶ’s team—Matt, Rohit, Tejas, Arjun, Fin, and JJ rose to the occasion. They delivered a series of outstanding performances, only losing to the eventual champions Reeds by the thinnest of margins on the final green, and going on to defeat, Eton, and Wellington to become National Plate Champions and secure a 5th place national ranking.

“I could not be prouder of everything our pupils have achieved in sport over the past 12 months. From individual milestones to team triumphs, it has been a year filled with dedication, passion and true ��ݮ��Ƶ spirit. Just as crucial as national trophies has been the amazing depth of opportunities for all, with over 1250 fixtures over 20+ sports during the year.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has taken part in sport this year. I am also grateful to our outstanding team of coaches, whose hard work and support make these achievements possible. As we look ahead to the next 12 months, I do so with immense pride and excitement for what is to come.“

Andy Searson – Director of Sport

National Successes

A Message of Pride

These achievements are the result of hard work, commitment, and the unwavering support of our pupils, coaches, staff, and families. Every pupil who represented ��ݮ��Ƶ this year should feel incredibly proud of their contribution to our sporting legacy.

Congratulations to all our athletes – your success inspires the whole school community. We look forward to building on these achievements and celebrating many more in the years ahead.

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��ݮ��Ƶ’s U17 girls’ cricket team have capped off a remarkable season by finishing third in the country at the prestigious National Cricket Finals, held yesterday at the stunning Arundel Castle in West Sussex.

The team’s journey to the finals was built on a series of impressive performances, most notably a thrilling victory over Marlborough College in last week’s national quarter-final. That win secured ��ݮ��Ƶ’s place among the top four schools in the country, alongside Repton, Rugby, and Bradfield.

At Arundel Castle, the atmosphere was electric as the nation’s best young cricketers competed for the U17 national crown. ��ݮ��Ƶ’s girls shone both on and off the field, emerging with hard-fought bronze medals in a high-quality and enthralling day’s cricket.

Their achievement marks them as the third U17 girls’ cricket team in the country, a feat of which the entire school community can be immensely proud.

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Both our U17 boys’ and girls’ cricket teams are enjoying outstanding success in their respective National Cups.

This week, the U17 boys delivered an impressive performance against Berkhamsted, winning by 9 wickets. After restricting their hosts to 176-9 off 30 overs, they chased down the target in just 23 overs. James (Vths) scored a composed 74 not out, while captain Leo (L6) led from the front with an unbeaten 94.

Together, they put on a superb 163-run partnership for the second wicket. The boys now look ahead to their national quarter-final against Millfield on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the U17 girls have already booked their place in the National Finals Day, following a strong quarter-final win over Marlborough. A huge well done to both teams – we look forward to more exciting cricket to come!

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A group of 40 dedicated cricketers, comprising two boys’ teams and one girls’ team, set off on a remarkable journey through Sri Lanka, facing a complete shift in climate and playing conditions.

Despite the challenges, the teams performed exceptionally well, securing an even balance of wins and losses while applying the skills they had developed during winter training.

Standout performances included Benji (90), James (93* & 50), Charlie (65), Isla R (51 & 63*), Louis (4–39), Chloe (3–19), Darcey
(3–22), Fin (3–15), and Tommy (3–22), all showcasing their talent and determination on the pitch.

Beyond cricket, pupils immersed themselves in Sri Lanka’s rich culture, exploring Galle and Colombo, visiting a turtle hatchery, and experiencing the wonders of an elephant sanctuary. It was a trip filled with growth, camaraderie, and lifelong memories – one that will surely not be forgotten.

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Here are some of the highlights and photos from the past five weeks of competition.

Rugby

The boys’ rugby season kicked off with a bang, the 1st XV scoring 43 points in victory over Felsted, with England international Fraser scoring an impressive five tries. The U15A team has been particularly noteworthy, amassing over 200 points in just seven matches and winning six of them. Their 24-12 triumph over Reeds marked a stunning reversal from last year’s 50-point defeat, and illustrates the progress they are making. U15C rugby are also in great form, winning in their final match before Half Term break.

Hockey

On the hockey pitch, the girls’ 1st XI remains unbeaten, proving themselves formidable opponents in both the national cup and England Tier 1 competitions. The team’s Tier 1 victories over Framlingham (4-0) and Ipswich (2-1) have been particularly impressive. Meanwhile, the U15A squad has been on fire in defence of their national crown, netting 55 goals in 12 games while conceding just three. The U12 girls showed that the future is in good hands too, with a county cup triumph.

Netball

Netball has seen its share of success, with the U19 squad qualifying for the regional stages of the national cup for the second consecutive year. Lucy and Charlotte have been ruthless in the shooting circle, while Daisy, Brogan, Charlotte and Alice have controlled the midcourt with aplomb.

Lacrosse

The lacrosse teams have been gaining valuable experience, notching wins against both Marlborough and Bedford. Fresh from representing Wales in the U20 World Championships, Maddie has been in particularly dynamic form.

Swimming

In the pool, swimming squads have performed admirably at the England Schools Championships and in friendly meets. The league galas are set to begin after Half Term, promising fierce competitive action in November.

Golf

The golf team has successfully navigated past St. Edmund’s and Brentwood in cup play despite challenging weather conditions. With one round still to play, they appear fully dialled in for upcoming challenges.

Football

The girls’ football squad, led by the galvanising Paisley, shows promise for the future as they train hard. Meanwhile, the boys’ 1st XI is through to the third round of the national cup after a strong 4-1 victory over Norwich, the next round of the cup for the boys is in early November.

Rackets

The rackets season got off to a fine start with Flynn and Benji achieving success during an away trip to Tonbridge. Darcey and Isla also played well as they hone their partnership. Queen’s beckons in December.

Badminton

Our badminton teams have travelled to Canterbury and Felsted. Minh particularly impressed in Kent as the girls came out on top 7-2 while the boys faced a closely fought battle ending 3-6. Their Essex away games saw them win all their encounters, and it is great to see the squad working so hard on court and in the gym and reaping the rewards in matchplay.

Basketball

Happily, our basketball squad has been re galvanised and several fixtures are in the diary. Our youthful team is gaining experience from the two encounters thus far and the future for the basketball club looks very exciting. 

Cricket

Only a tiny percentage of schools are able to play cricket in September, and we are privileged to be one of them. Flynn took a career-best 7-34 to etch his name on the honours board.

“Amidst sometimes glorious sunshine and torrential rain, often at the same time (literally!), our pupils have enjoyed plenty of opportunity for participation in competitive action across all our Autumn sports, with 62 teams having taken to the field across 10 sports, and 249 fixtures having been played in the opening six weeks of term,” shared Andrew Searson. Director of Sport. “There have been some stellar performances on the pitch at all ages and abilities and some ideally pitched block fixtures, with exactly half of the aforementioned matches resulting in victory. Just as importantly off the pitch there is a huge amount for ��ݮ��Ƶ pupils to reflect proudly upon with sportsmanship having been consistently and unfailingly demonstrated,” he added.

As we head into half term, our athletes are already poised for the many super sporting challenges that lie ahead in November and December.

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The captain and vice captain of the boys’ 1st XI Cricket, Eden and Charlie, shared a record stand of 277 for the 2nd wicket v New Hall last week. This is certainly the highest in most people’s living memory and having scoured the record books back to 1863 (as well as having sought primary source testimony from the 1940s, which was a particularly fruitful decade for those wielding a ��ݮ��Ƶ bat), we believe that this is ��ݮ��Ƶ Cricket all time record.

It is a magnificent achievement and a great illustration of the fabulous work of our Director of Cricket, Rupes Kitzinger over recent years. Cricket, for both boys and girls, is flourishing both in terms of participation and quality—Long may (and will) that continue!

Both boys’ hundreds were chanceless, and fantastic. An additional strand to the boys’ success was their preseason preparation, having spent their Spring Term in Cape Town: Eden and Charlie spent the second term of their Lower Sixth year in Somerset College and SACS respectively. Such exchange opportunities are a fabulous element of the ��ݮ��Ƶ Cricket programme. The boys’ experience of the South African culture (cricketing and otherwise) has been an influential dimension of the boys’ overall education both on and off the field of play. Both have matured impressively from the experience and it is illustrated in the way that they are going about their business at the crease!

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After ��ݮ��Ƶ won the toss on a slightly overcast Tuesday afternoon at Lower Pavilion, the stage was set for a fantastic contest versus Hitchin in the County Cup semi-final.

Hitchin’s openers started assertively against bowlers Harry and Finn, but the opening stand was broken quickly by a game-changing run out by Tommy. A superb direct hit with two stumps to aim at. The team came alive. The boys bowled and fielded steadily, taking wickets at regular intervals. Hitchin finished their 20 overs 9 wickets down, having scored 114 runs.

��ݮ��Ƶ got off to a positive start in reply, with openers Leo and Henry playing some controlled but classy shots. Leo was the stand-out batter of the day, eventually falling just short of his 50, with the team needing two runs to win. It was the 69 run partnership between Leo and number 3, Blake, who, through a mix of hard-hitting and clever strike rotation, guided the team almost to the finish line. Hitchin were able to claim another wicket before Conway completed the job for the home side.

Well done to both teams for a terrific game!

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Whilst the first day was spent travelling, on arrival, the pupils had the chance to take in the beauty of the Isle of Wight with a trip to the beach and a paddle in the sea, before enjoying a fun quiz in the evening.

Luckily, the teams were a able to finish off the afternoon with some indoor cricket and it was fantastic to see the girls getting into it with some sharp fielding and building their general awareness. The Wings played first and came to a stomping victory with everyone chipping in either with the bat and ball. The Hearts played in another stellar match with Milly retiring and some expert bowling from Rebecca. It fell on Isis & Liv, however, to bring it home but unfortunately, despite a tremendous effort, the girls came up just short in an epic run chase. Once the pupils had returned to the hotel, it was time for some recovery and aqua aerobics, led by the wonder team of Bella, Molly, Sienna and Emilia.

The following day, the pupils headed to the Needles, the famous rock formation rising out of the sea, followed by a visit to a Donkey Sanctuary, where the girls enjoyed meeting the resident donkeys. After the morning tour of the Island, the pupils headed to an Indoor Centre where they played an internal Indoor Tournament.

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On arrival the squad had a morning to recover from the overnight flight, before heading for their first training session of the tour in the afternoon. With the sun shining the girls put a hard shift in and had a taste of batting outside on grass after a long seven months inside.

The second day saw a morning spent at the beach followed by the first match of the tour against a strong Ipswich side. Amelia won the toss and elected to bowl first. The squad couldn’t have asked for a better start than a wicket with the first ball of tour bowled by Darcey and caught by Ella. They nearly had Ipswich 0-2 off 0.2 but just came up short of the second wicket. Ipswich batted extremely well and the girls stuck at it including a wicket from Charlotte with an excellent catch from Molly and Poppy with a run out Ipswich finished 163-3 off their 20 overs. In reply Ella & Freya went out to bat but Ella fell quickly, Saskia came in at number three and together her and Freya batted beautifully with a partnership of 79. Saskia top scored in our reply with the first 50 of the season but we came up short finishing 106-5 off our 20 overs. After the match, they pupils headed straight for TopGolf where they spent the evening testing out their Golf skills, with Freya, Darcey & Amelia taking the pupil wins in each bay!

The third day morning was spent poolside with the Middles finessing their synchronised swimming and the first awards of tour were presented. After lunch the pupils headed to their second match where they took on Mayfield. Amelia won the toss again and elected to bat first. Lucy and Ella opened up and got off to a good start before Ella fell bringing Darcey to the crease and top scoring with 47. Lucy & Darcey batted superbly together and built a steady base for the middle order to come in at the end of the innings, finishing on 128-5. Onto the bowling innings and a first baller again with Bella taking a wicket with the first ball of our bowling innings! The girls bowled marvellously with the pick of the bowlers being Molly who took 2in2 with the hattrick ball ending in a dot. Mayfield finished their innings on 94-4 giving ��ݮ��Ƶ their first win of the tour. After the cricket the pupils headed straight off to the Dubai Mall, the second largest in the world, and the evening ended perfectly watching the light and fountain show on and outside the Burj Khalifa as a squad.

The next day brought a much-deserved rest day which was spent at the world’s largest water park, where some pupils opted for thrill-seeking whilst others were much happier bobbing along in their inflatables along the lazy river.

Onto the final day and the girls were faced with two matches against the UAE U16 development side. Both matches were a great experience and everyone was given an opportunity with both bat and ball, playing in a different climate and with new opposition. The players learnt so much throughout the tour but particularly when playing against the UAE. In the first match, they came up just short in their run chase, having put on an excellent bowling display against some very good opening batters. In the second match, they played a T10 and chased this down with 2 overs to go just one wicket down. After the matches, the squad went on a desert safari with the opportunity to have a BBQ, Camel Riding, Dune Bashing, Quad Biking, finished off by watching a fire show and an Egyptian dancer.

The tour was a huge success with the pupils taking memories back that will last a life time as well as experiences and life lessons both on and off the pitch. The squad is now set up perfectly for hopefully some sunshine and a full-on season ahead.

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