Grace J and Emily P reflect on this year’s Netball and Rowing seasons…
Netball Update by Grace J
This year’s 15 netball season was very successful, and the team has transformed remarkably, showing incredible improvement in teamwork and confidence. It kicked off with a 34-21 win against Ripon Grammar School. After many accomplished netball wins, we progressed to the final stages of a Sisters in Sport netball league. Travelling to Hornsea, we played against a stronger team and managed to win a quarter; however, we finished the match with a loss. We continued to play many matches and achieve amazing score lines, such as 31-2 against Framwellgate School, 23-12 against Dame Allan’s School, 33-22 against Barnard Castle School and 34-18 against Teeside High School. We have all learned to play to each others strengths and have become a high-achieving team with perfect shooting from Ava and centre court from Faye. Altogether, a wonderful season where we learned a lot. The 1st team started with a tricky game against Durham Johnston, and then we had a North Durham County Round tournament. This was a good opportunity to learn how to play as a team, and we took this into our second match against Durham High School for girls, where we won. My favourite match this year was against Barnard Castle School, where we won 28-14 after a lot of hard work and team effort. We continued the season with many wins, including 31-26 against Newcastle High School for Girls. We were lucky enough to compete in many netball tournaments throughout the season at settings such as Ampleforth and our at-home tournament. Altogether, I was honoured to play on the 1st team this year at such a high standard.
Rowing Update by Emily P
Durham Regatta took place the 14th and 15th of June and it was an amazing weekend. For a start, we were very lucky with the weather as the sun was shining and the wind was minimal. We had a number of crews on the water, ranging from singles to eights and there were 7 wins in total from both boys and girls: Op J16 4x-, W NC 1x, Op Beg 4+, Op Beg 8+, Op J16 4x-, W Beg 4+, WJ15 8x+. Durham Regatta brings back ODs to race in boats with current students, once again wearing the school colours, and it is always nostalgic to see them win. The Regatta is a fantastic event as there is so much to do and look at apart from racing – the customary food and clothes stalls, a classic car shows and a small medieval re-enactment, fairground rides and army reservists allowing people to handle guns! Even if you don’t row or don’t know much about it, this event is such an iconic part of Durham’s summer season and the school is an integral part of it. Bradford Regatta on the 28th of June was a very small, friendly event that allowed us to bring younger members of the school (junior rowers) to race as there were not many other clubs racing and it has a short 600m course. This year we had an Op J13 2x, and a WJ13 4x+. The school achieved wins again across the categories, with us again being exceptionally lucky with the weather as it was forecast to rain, but it was gloriously sunny all day. Well done to all involved in these events and the Boat Club looks forward to next year!
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