The week in sport

This week, our Assistant Director of Sport, Mrs Rastall, has written a special report summarising her highlights of the half term. She introduces a new 'Teams of the Half Term' feature. You'll also find our usual weekly fixture reports and important sporting dates later in this article...

Mrs Rastall writes "What a first six weeks of the new academic year! It certainly has been a very busy start to term, with many National Schools' competitions and knockout matches being held alongside our regular fixture list. I am delighted that the wonderful atmosphere on match day is back at Escrick Park - we certainly missed it during covid times, may this positive vibe continue as we progress throughout the year ahead.

Firstly, I would like to congratulate all girls for getting back into the sport and physical activity routine after the long summer break. These past few years have really highlighted the importance of sport and physical activity so I urge you all to fully embrace all that is on offer to you here at school and use the knowledge of the staff to develop your understanding further. Physical activity is an important aspect to life and even for those girls who are not representing the school, physical activity is an essential and fundamental aspect to the all-round education we provide at QM.

Last weekend, Queen Margaret’s was shown in all its glory - not only was the Autumn sunshine beaming down on us, showing our beautiful campus in picture perfect conditions - the atmosphere was electric and the buzz around the site was something to behold as we hosted the U18 North Schools' Lacrosse Tournament (as well as Hockey fixtures during the afternoon for those age groups not playing Lacrosse). Elsewhere the U14 Netball Team were proudly showing the York and District schools that they certainly are a team to be afraid of this season. All girls were a credit to QM.

In order to make progress as teams (and individuals), attendance at practice is essential. I would like to reinforce the importance of this and remind girls of the training sessions for the rest of the term. The lunchtime session has been rebranded the 'wellbeing hour' to enable girls to join physical activity and fitness-based sessions alongside a number of specialised clubs. This leaves the enrichment slot after school as the training sessions which are open to all girls. This is where the major sports for this term will run sessions for all girls, enabling year groups to mix (where appropriate) and teams to develop as a whole with the Sports staff supporting and leading their associated year groups/teams."

The times are:

Monday lunchtime - Senior Netball
Monday enrichment (16:45 -17:50) - Netball Training
Tuesday enrichment (16:45 - 17:50) - Hockey Training
Wednesday enrichment (16:45 - 17:50) - Badminton Training
Thursday enrichment (16:45 -17:50) - Lacrosse Training and Swimming Club
Saturday morning (07:15 - 08:15) - Swimming Club

Mrs Rastall's Highlights of this Half Term

• All new girls for embracing the sporting opportunities on offer to them.
• U12 Hockey - Progression made by all girls both within lessons and in matches
• 2nd XI Hockey remain unbeaten
• 1st XI Hockey - A good 2-1 win v Withington Girls in the Independent Schools' Hockey Cup led them to a 2nd round draw against RGS, Newcastle. Although they were defeated by a team ranked much higher than ourselves, the girls were a credit to the school but also to themselves; they never gave up and kept fighting to the very end. Keep your heads held high girls
• The enthusiasm and energy for Omnikin/Kin Ball. Great to see new faces alongside those more experienced in the senior year groups giving this fun and engaging sport a go. In a very short time a number of girls have become a great asset to the Omnikin squad, being courageous and skilful in what is a very tactful and fast-paced sport. Wonderful energy has been displayed by the girls and this reminds coaches and teachers why they love to do the job they do
• U14 Netball Team were unlucky to finish 3rd in the York & District Tournament but will be aiming for a good performance at the County Round on Saturday 12th November
• 2nd X Lacrosse for improvement throughout the North Schools' Lacrosse Tournament.

Over the course of the term we celebrate Stars of the Week and Teams of the Week during our assemblies but I would like to introduce a new initiative; 'Teams of the Half Term'. I feel it is important that we acknowledge improvement, dedication, effort and/or performance and therefore each half term we will select our team for the half term. Any girl from any year group can make these teams and I would like to pass on my congratulations to all the girls who have made our first ever 'Teams of the Half Term'. Those who make the team will be rewarded with a Head's Commendation. Within the team there is a special Star mention to a girl who has impressed us the most.

In no particular order, first up this half term is Lacrosse. Our Star of the Half Term is Zoe W (UVI) - there has been a huge improvement in her attendance and her efforts this year. She has stepped it up massively and is a fantastic role model. Zoe you have been a super star this half term! Our Star Lacrosse 'Team of the Half Term' is below:

In Hockey our Star of the Half Term is Daisy L (LVI). Daisy has put 110% effort into each Hockey match and has seamlessly fitted into the QM Hockey community since joining us in September. With high levels of attendance at training and multiple opposition coaches and umpires mentioning how well she has played, she is very worthy of this acknowledgement. Our Star Hockey 'Team of the Half Term' is below:

In Netball our Star of the Half Term is Anna W (Year V). She is 100% committed to playing any position without hesitation or question. Our Star Netball 'Team of the Half Term' is below:

In Tennis it can only go to the whole team of Francesca, Celia, Isabel and Poppy as they now go onto their next round of the LTA Youth Schools' Team Tennis away v Glasgow Academy. It has been a team performance from the start of term - all four of them dedicating time and early morning training sessions and pushing each other along the way. Keep It up girls and we wish you well for the next round. Our Star Tennis 'Team of the Half Term' is below:

In Swimming, although we haven't had any matches yet, girls are making impressions both within lessons and at Swimming Club. The star award goes to Izzy A (Year II) for huge improvement and commitment to work on her swimming strokes. Our Star Swimming 'Team of the Half Term' is below:

In Omnikin, Our Star of the Half Term is Ruby L (LVI), who is an exceptionally talented and hardworking young lady. She serves as a great inspiration to the rest of the team. Our Team of the Half Term is made up of Pau H-B (LVI), Cami L (LVI), Zoe V F (LVI), Kelly L (Year V) and Ruby L (LVI)

Successful Trials

A special mention goes to these girls who have recently had good news after trials:

• Talent Academy Hockey - Florence S.
• U17 North Yorkshire Hockey - Daisy L and Elsa S.
• U14 North Yorkshire Hockey - Francesca B, Isabel B and Celia S.
• U15 North Yorkshire Netball - Francesca I.
• U15 Yorkshire Lacrosse - LillyRose W, Lucy C, Maisie B, Larissa G, Poppy R, Isabel R, Belle P, Francesca B, Annabelle H, Isabel B, Celia S, Amelie S and Freya F.
• U18 Yorkshire Lacrosse - Olivia B, Elsa S, Eve LT, Sophie S, Florence F, Kitty D, Nayama K, Hannah H, Zoe W, Jemima HB, Megan B. (Celia S and Isabel B have also been selected to train with U18 Yorkshire Lacrosse).

Match Reports

Friday 7th October

Year 7/8 LTA Youth Schools Tennis

Score: Won 10-2
Our tennis team of Francesca, Celia, Isabel and Poppy had won through to the county rounds of the LTA Youth Tennis Competition during the Summer Term. The knockout section saw us drawn against the Grammar School at Leeds on Friday 7th October. The weather was very inclement and the match was played in quite heavy rain as it had to be completed. All the girls performed extremely well to win 10-2 and take us through to the next play off match v Glasgow Academy, which will be an away match in Scotland. A road trip is on the cards.

Saturday 8th October

U14 Netball York & District
Score: Overall 3rd
POT: Poppy R (Year III)
The U14s played some incredible netball on Saturday. All girls got stuck in from the first whistle, demonstrating some excellent team work and movement across the court. Scoring an incredible 77 goals across the morning and only letting in 28 - they should be proud of what they achieved.

U12 Hockey v Queen Mary's
Score: Drew 3-3
POM: Louise B (Year I)

U13A Hockey v Queen Mary's
Score: Lost 2-1
POM: Amelia B (Year II)
The U13As really impressed on the pitch this week, working well together against Queen Mary's. Amelia B had a stand out performance saving some incredible goals. Defensively the girls worked incredibly hard, unfortunately they lost in only the few final minutes of the game.

U13B Hockey v Queen Mary's
Score: Lost 7-0

U14/15 Hockey v Queen Mary's
Score: Lost 8-0
POM: Scarlet K (Year IV)
"This match was some of the girls' first ever hockey match for QM and it was a brand new team for everybody. I think defence did really well. The attack worked well together and took the ball up to the other end when they could. Even though the score was 8-0 I think it was a very good game."

North Schools' Lacrosse
Coaches' POT: Olivia B (Year V) and Hannah H (UVI)
Players' POT: Isabel B (Year III) and Megan B (UVI)
It was so fantastic to host so many teams in the 1st and 2nd Team North Schools' Tournament. There were 7 teams entered into 1st team tournament and 6 into the 2nd team tournament, it was amazing display of lacrosse from all over the north of England. There was great improvement from the QM girls as the day went on. A big shout out to the defence who showed some incredible skills throughout!

Wednesday 12th October

Hockey 2nd XI v St Peter's
Score: Drew 2-2
Report by Zoe W (UVI): " In the first half, our energy was low and St Peter's managed to slip in a goal. Even though it was raining and we were one goal down we didn’t let this dampen our spirit. At half time Mrs Rastall gave us a motivational talk leaving us inspired and from this Georgia managed to deflect in an unforgettable goal which lifted out spirits even more! Sophie was assertive and was a beneficial player for the team. Special mention to the defence who worked their maroon and black striped socks off. Despite all our efforts St Peter’s managed to slip in another goal. With time ticking there was 30 seconds left of the match… it was now or never. Suddenly we saw a QM player sprinting up the pitch with the ball, it was none other than our very own Jess M. 10 seconds were left and she slapped in a cracker just before the whistle blew. Cheers were heard as Queen Margaret’s 2nd XI remain undefeated.

Hockey 1st XI Nationals County Round
Score: 3rd Overall
Coaches' POM: Elsa S (Year V)
Players' POM: Daisy L (LVI)

Mavericks A vs Easingwold
Score: Won 48-15
POM: Miss Kirkup
Another fantastic match for Mavericks A this week. They took the lead from the first whistle and did not hold back. There was some excellent play down the court with fantastic interceptions from most players. Mavericks B were also in action this week, they lost their match against Firebirds.

Players of the Week

Star of the Week: Celia S, Isabel B, Poppy R, Francesca I (Year III)

Most Improved: Hannah H (UVI), Megan B (UVI), Anna W (V)

Team of the Week: U14 Netball Team

Important Upcoming Dates

Aside from our usual fixtures next half term, below are some key upcoming dates

Tuesday 1st November
U14 LTA Youth Tennis Last 32 at Glasgow Academy

Monday 7th November
In2Hockey U12 Tournament at QM - 11:00 Preliminary Round

Thursday 10th November
In2 Hockey U13 Tournament at QM - 11:00 Preliminary Round

Saturday 12th November
U19 and U14 County Netball Finals at Ashville College
Senior Lacrosse and Badminton at Harrogate Ladies College
Junior Hockey v Hymers (home and away fixtures)

Sunday 13th November
U18 Yorkshire Lacrosse - Northern Counties Tournament at Moreton Hall

Sunday 4th December
U15 & U14 Yorkshire Lacrosse - Northern Counties Tournament at QM

Click here to see the archive of past Sports Reviews.

Girls - please have a well-deserved rest over the half term break - recharge but please ensure you come back willing to give it your all. As the darker nights close in and the weather changes the temptation to stay indoors is strong - but you must remember that exercise and fresh air is good therapy and enables you to reset your mind to undertake your studies to the best of your ability.

Finally...
Sending good luck to Rob, our groundsman, who is undertaking the Yorkshire Marathon on Sunday. He is aiming to complete the 26.2miles in under three hours. Best of Luck Rob!

Your Sporting Stories

If you have any summer sporting success stories we would love to hear them. There is so much talent at QM and we love to celebrate your achievements outside school with the QM Family. Be sure to share your news with the Sports Department or email marketing@queenmargarets.com.