Under 16s looking back & forward

It was an extremely difficult game due to the intense heat. Unfortunately in the first half the RGS As found themselves 4 goals down within three minutes as the netballers struggled to adjust to the arid climate. The game progressed quickly with numerous interceptions from Ellen Barton, and some strong shooting from Holly Clark and RGS As brought it back to a 3 goals deficit at half time. They continued to dominate at the start of the second half, equaling the Merewether score however RGS couldn’t keep this up and unfortunately lost in a bitterly tight game 22-21.

Ruby Wilkinson, vice captain.

vs Bishop’s Druitt As W 23-10, Bs lost to As 15-9

Before the game commenced, Tom Penny took it upon himself to warm the girls up with some excellent shooting displayed, putting Ruby Wilkinson to shame. However, the heat was intense as we went into the match and playing on grass proved difficult to adjust to for the whole team. However we took it in our stride and immediately took the lead in the first of the short quarters. A strong defense teamed with fantastic and consistant shooting from Ruby Wilkinson the RGS team finished the match with a huge lead. A brilliant game from all the girls who are looking forward to playing again in the next few days.

Hettie Williams, captain.

Hockey Central Coast L 6-0

It was needless to say that we were both nervous and excited about our first hockey match. A long warm up helped us get used to the fast surface however we were slightly shocked at the pace Central Coast brought to the game immediately. Despite this, we stepped up to their standard and not only made some good tackles in defence but also managed some strong breaks. Although we were playing some of the best hockey we have played as a team, Central Coast managed to score three goals within the first half. This did not affect our morale as we went back on with confidence to continue playing our own game. It seemed unfair that we were not able to get any shots into the back of the goal but we didn’t give up. Strong passing, communication, determination and good fitness helped the whole team to put up a good fight, going in for every tackle, chasing all the balls down and playing the ball around Central Coast. Sadly, our hard work didn’t pay off in the way thatz we would have hoped and our opposition managed three more (rather amazing) goals before the final whistle. We came off the pitch knackered but elated as we all felt very satisfied with the way we worked together and played as a team.

Ellen Barton, Captain.

Hockey Merewether L 2-0

After our narrow defeat in netball, all the girls were excited to play and even more determined to win the following hockey game against Mereweather that evening. We began well, playing quickly and managing to make some good breaks within our attack. The defence of Kristen, Claire-Marie and Katherine along with the help of Steph kept the ball well away from our goal in the majority of the first half however Mereweather had numerous short corners and just before half time slipped in a rather lucky goal which was a slight set back. Half time gave us a chance to regain our confidence and we went back on playing strong and fast. With great teamwork and communication we had a lot of chances and breaks and even a few shots but we seemed to struggle to finish them off. We were under a lot of pressure as Mereweather had more short corners but our goalkeeper Hettie saved them consistently. Mereweather scored once more in the last 5 minutes but RGS continued to play with our upmost effort until the last seconds. Although it was our second hockey defeat, we took the loss with pride and no one could critisise the effort put in, once again playing some of our best hockey yet.

Ellen Barton, Captain.

Elliott Renforth rocked up on his motorbike and the whole team was raring to face a strong Mereweaher High School. The boys weren’t physical enough last game in the forwards therefore the feisty Mr Dunn began his rigorous training with the lads. The scorching sun (22 degrees) made the pitch turn hard and the stand in captain Simon Robson began his inspirational speech. ‘Whos gonna tackle him?’ three times was shouted out and the boys responded with a firm ‘I am” Then Merewether High School kicked off their assault against the Royal Grammar School. From the beginning it was a physical encounter with hard tackles being made. However the breakthrough came 10 minutes into the first half with Thomas Gholkar powering through three tackles to the reach the line. Then Merewether High responded spectacularly by running via a back move to the try line and a double whammy occurred after they duplicated their first move to cross the try line leaving a 14-7 finish to Merewether at half time.

With the team under the cosh there was only one option and Mr Dunn invited the sweaty skipper Nick Richardson after his vigorous warm up to join the battlefield. The first 20 minutes of the second half was similar to the first half with a close encounter; however the tide changed when RGS began there whitewash of Merewether High as they scored try after try due to there magnificent fitness. Although Jonathan Lightley sustained an injury it was a great outing for the Rgs 16’s and set us on for the winning tour. The final score being 38-14.

Elliott Renforth, Player.

This was followed by an emphatic 50-12 win over Bishop’s Druitt from Coff’s Harbour, But then, the real test….

More anon