The first Saturday back to normal fixtures saw the Girls’ 1st XI Hockey Team, along with the U18B, U15A and U15B teams competing against Monkton Coombe School.
This was an opportunity for the newly formed 1st XI to put on a performance they should be proud of. This set the team in great spirits for the England Hockey Tier 2 Cup. After playing their first match on Thursday 15th September the girls are ready to now go into the England Hockey Tier 3 Plate Competition where they will face Exeter School. The U13A Hockey 7s also played competitively as a team for the first time on Saturday 17th September and showed great determination throughout.
Rugby continues to be a popular sport at Downside and the productive preseason and Downside Development Day meant the senior squad were ready for their first match against Craighouse School, Santiago. Saturday 17th September welcomed the return of the traditional opening block fixture against Bryanston. The 1st XV received a warm welcome from parents and OGs alike and after a two-minute silence in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the game was underway. Our younger teams also showed great strength with their matches hosted by Bryanston and all left their matches excited at the prospect of the inevitable improvements that are possible over the next few weeks.
Ahead of the Somerset Schools Netball Tournament, the 1st XII had their first match against Frome Netball Club Ladies 1st Team. This provided a great opportunity for a new opposition but also exposure to a faster and more physical version of the game. Downside put out a large squad of 12 girls giving all players at least half a game. The U16A Netball Team also held their first match against Frome Netball Club this month. In their opening match, with only one training session behind them, the squad went from strength to strength throughout the match.
We look forward to watching all the hockey, netball and rugby teams grow across the next few weeks and wish them luck in their upcoming matches. Don’t forgot to keep an eye on the Sports Portal for updated fixture times and locations!