THE PigeON 17th march 2017

FROM THE HELM

The always entertaining FoP Quiz takes place tonight and precedes an exeat. The final week of term has many traditional events and is a joyous one for our pupils. Term finishes at midday on Friday.

STOP PRESS … Congratulations to Sasha Wolcough on the award of the Lord Halifax Academic Scholarship to St Edward’s, Oxford.

PJH

Please note that this is the last Pigeon of term. Happy Easter!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

THE WEEK AHEAD

Follow us on Twitter @pinewoodprepsch, Instagram pinewoodprepschool or

Facebook @pinewoodprepschool or click on the links on the website.

Monday 20th Year 6 Orienteering on The Ridgeway (see note later in the Pigeon)

Lower School House Matches (2pm)

Senior Boys House Football Matches (3.15pm)

Tuesday 21st UK Biology Online Challenge (Year 8 Set 1)

General Knowledge Quiz (Years 5-8)

Middle School Disco (5-7pm) (see note later in the Pigeon)

Wednesday 22nd Year 8 Boys v Staff Hockey (11.30am)

3 Ball Football & 3 ‘n’ Score House Matches (2pm)

Last night for regular boarders

Thursday 23rd Pinewood Red Nose Day (see note later in the Pigeon)

Year 8 Girls v Staff Netball (11.30am)

Weekly Boarders’ Outing (evening)

Friday 24th Early Years & Pre-Prep Easter Hat Parade

Young Shakespeare Company performance of ‘Macbeth’ to Years 7 & 8

Term Ends: 12pm Pre-Prep; 12.30pm Lower School; 1pm Middle & Upper School

Saturday 25th Holidays

Sunday 26th Holidays

NOTICES

WHOLE SCHOOL ART COMPETITION Well done to everyone who took part in the whole school art competition on the theme of ‘The Seasons’, there were some beautiful pieces of art, and particular congratulations to our winners (it is noteworthy that the overall winner came from Year 2!):

Reception: Ella Spencer-Jones

Year 1: Jessica Ramage

Year 2: Charlotte Ramage (runners up: Louis Lopes, Timothy Smyth)

Year 3: Ollie Smith (runner up: Zara Spencer-Jones)

Year 4: Alexandra Edwards (runners up: Matilda Richards, Evie Page, Polly Lloyd)

Year 5: Emily Lyon Taylor (runner up: Tom Lawson)

Year 6: Hester Donald (runner up: Tara Lockhart)

Year 7: Lucia Harrison

OVERALL WINNER: Charlotte Ramage (Year 2)

The winning entries and some of the other entries are on display at the top of the stairs in Middle School (outside the Headmaster's office).

MIDDLE SCHOOL DISCO

The disco for Years 5 and 6 on Tuesday 21st March will run from 5-7pm, with collection from the Hall

afterwards. The children will be given supper. Please bring in home clothes to change into for the disco on

Tuesday morning in a named bag and put it in the changing rooms.

MESSAGE FOR REGULAR BOARDERS A reminder that Wednesday 22nd March is the last night for regular boarders this term. Please could all

regular boarders take home their duvet, towels and boarding bags after their last night of boarding.

SCHOOL SHOP OPENING TIMES

Week beginning Monday 20th March

Monday: 8-10am

Wednesday: 8-10am

Friday: 8-10am

Please email shop@pinewoodschool.co.uk to check stock availability.

INTER-FORM RECYCLING CHALLENGE

The theme for our PSHE studies this term has been recycling and to end the term each form in the Prep school took part in a competition to create its own model made out of recycled material.

The winning models were:

Lower School

1st Prize: Viking Ship (4S); Runner Up: Fish (3D)

Middle School

1st Prize: The Re-Cycle (6D); Runner Up: Donald Trump (6S)

Upper School

1st Prize: Elephant (7P); Runner Up: Pinewood School sign (7L)

The forms that will be going on the trip to the recycling centre on 21st March are 7P and 6D.

ASSEMBLY NOTICES

Teams of the Week: U11 Girls’ Cross-Country and U10D Boys

House Points Up Cup Winners: Postbridge

YEAR 6 ORIENTEERING TRIP

Please ensure that for the trip on Monday 20th March your child has wellington boots and a school coat.

MESSAGE FROM SCHOOL SHOP

Spring is fast approaching, summer is just around the corner ….. We have lots of great quality second hand cricket trousers and jumpers available to purchase in the School Shop.

Do drop in to have a look!

READING AWARDS Congratulations to the following, who have completed their Reading Awards this week:

Bronze: Bear Makin & Nora Majlund-Westh

Silver: Phoebe Neal & Hamish Ogilvy

For more information on the Reading Awards Scheme, please speak to

your child’s English teacher or Mrs Matthews in the Library.

PRE-PREP CUPCAKE CHALLENGE

Thank you to all the Pre-Prep children and parents, who rose to the

challenge of baking healthy cupcakes at home for our ‘CupCake Bake-Off

Challenge’. The cakes were all amazing and very tasty and everyone was

a winner. Selling the cakes last Friday raised £162 for Children In Need

which is a wonderful achievement. Well done all!

PINEWOOD RED NOSE DAY On Thursday 23rd March, the day before the end of term, we are taking part in Red Nose Day (although the official day is Friday).

The children will wear their normal uniform, but they can substitute one item of clothing for something red if they so wish. Noses can be bought at Sainsbury’s, so please bring one in if you can. We will also do an additional voluntary collection to be handed to form tutors at registration.

There will be a special Red Nose Day assembly explaining how the money is spent and a mini concert given by the staff to hopefully amuse the children! Thank you for your support.

MR DOWNE’S WEEKLY MATHS

CHALLENGE Congratulations to families French (15/15), Edwards (15/15), Gedney (15/15), Wordsworth (14/15), Winsor (14/15) and Brockbank (13/15) for correct answers to last week’s problem. As this is the last Pigeon of the term, there will be no problem this week. Here are the solutions from last week:

YEAR 8 & STAFF GOLF CHALLENGE

This fiercely competitive challenge takes place on the first day of next term, so don’t forget

to bring your golf clubs back to school!

VRG =

AVERAGE

MDN =

MEDIAN

DGNL =

DIAGONAL

LVN =

ELEVEN

LTRNT =

ALTERNATE

BSCTR =

BISECTOR

PRTN =

PORTION

CTHDRN =

OCTAHEDRON

NVRS =

INVERSE

QLTRL =

EQUILATERAL

FBNCC =

FIBONACCI

NDX =

INDEX

RRY =

ARRAY

RTNL =

RATIONAL

RTHSTHNS =

ERATOSTHENES

Friday 17th March 2017

Reception

Chicks Ducklings

William Lane Edward Buckley

Elsa Woddy Tristan Haggard

Year 1

Sparrows Robins

Eva Pownall James Sefton

Lettie Snowden Poppy Webb-Carter

Aarvin Thati Bertie Smail

Year 2

Owls Kestrels Ospreys

Cecily Cartlidge Monty Arkell Thomas Preston

Elizabeth Haggard Frederick Max Louis Lopes

Phoebe Hambro Eva Spivey Jessica Conner

PRE-PREP MERIT AWARDS

Match Reports for the Week Ending Friday 17th March

From the Director of Sport:

Yesterday we were treated to an enlightening judo presentation by Danny Williams (GB

Olympian) and Henry Wakes (Current GB No: 1 Ranked U21 60kg). During the session the

children got the opportunity to try a few “grapples”, with our Pinewood up and coming

stars taking on Danny and Henry in a few “stage managed” contests. Both “stars” spoke

openly about how they got to current levels and where they are aiming in the future. They

talked to the children about “success and failure” and the importance of enjoyment.

Danny spoke about his belief that there are “Winners and Learners” – he is always

learning. “Black Belts” are just “White belts” that have seen hard work, dedication, failure,

success and enjoyment along the journey. The past week has seen plenty of determination

from our pupils – at the IAPS Nationals Cross-Country Championships at Malvern on

Sunday our runners got stuck into the tough course which saw 1500 competitors. The

Oratory Prep Junior Cross-Country was a first race for a few and they all took up the

challenge. Wednesday’s matches had numerous coaching staff buzzing in the Common

Room – proud of the team’s final match of the season. Good luck to our Junior Cross-

Country team at Rendcomb and to the Senior Footballers at St Hugh’s today – let’s all head

out with an attitude of being “Radiators – Not Drainers!”

Answer to last week’s question: Korfball (Dutch: Korfbal) is a ball sport, with similarities

to netball and basketball. It is played by two teams of eight players with four females and

four males in each team. The objective is to throw a ball through a bottomless basket that

is mounted on a 3.5 m (11.5 feet) high pole.

This week’s question: In preparation for the English Summer – name the “Big Five”

sporting events that could secure bragging rights? (Best to be a leading campaigner for

flexible working hours if you aspire to this “badge”!)

James Siebert

MATCH REPORTS

Saturday 11th March

U8 Tigers Football at the Prior Park Festival

The Tigers lived up to their name with 3 outstanding displays on a day when global warming finally started to

live up to its expectations. This year group really are an exciting prospect for the future, showing game and

sportsmanship I would expect to see in players 2 or 3 years their senior.

We started the day with a clear game plan – utilise the space on the enormous pitches to our advantage, so

the pace of our team could punish the opposition. The plan proved to be effective, with the team linking

together well through unselfish passing and clinical finishing. Even when we went behind by 2 goals

(something that would often dishearten boys in senior year groups), the lads showed the resilience to dig

deep and level the game at 2-2 moments before the final whistle. A very impressive achievement when you

take in to account just how youngsters are.

With 3 positive results and 8 beaming boys the reward for the day, we can all consider this a great day out

for all Pinewoodians involved. SC

U8 Bears Football at the Prior Park Festival

On a beautiful spring morning the “Bears” came out to play – jumping out of buses and cars to meet the

crowds. With boot laces checked and tied we got stuck into the games. At times we lost our “shape”

but never our enthusiasm and desire to attack the opposition. In goal our “keepers” were brave, our defence

solid and up front we were not “shy” to have a few shots on target. Over the five matches we did not lose a

game – credit to the squad for working and encouraging everyone. A great morning of relaxed football – a

few things to work on, but that is what it is all about. Well done lads!

JDS

U8 Wildcats Football at the Prior Park Festival

The Wildcats were determined to live up to the fierce title and they certainly did by winning all four of their

games. They battled hard from the start and several players showed a cool, but ruthless edge finishing

several opportunities and scoring plenty of goals. What stood out was the boys' desire to help their

teammates out both in attack and defence, as well as creating space. The Wildcats' goalkeeper threw himself

around like a cat and only conceded 2 goals in the whole festival. We are all looking forward to what the

Wildcats can produce in future years on the football pitch. Well done boys!

A huge thank you to Prior Park for hosting a thoroughly enjoyable festival for all.

FC

U8 Foxes and Badgers Netball at the Prior Park Festival

It was a lovely day for netball on Saturday, and the girls all arrived in good time, raring to play. Each team

played a total of 10 matches and, even though we weren’t officially scoring, Pinewood were strong from the

start. Our foot work was accurate and we have made huge improvements with passing into space and then

using the D tactically to get into position to shoot. Lots of goals were scored, some from quite a distance,

which was very impressive! Now I would say we need to work on our defence, as when our opponents had

the ball I felt we weren’t always quick enough at marking and getting it off them.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a Saturday morning – particular thanks go to the parents who

supported on the side lines, and to the girls for giving me a very special birthday! ML

Sunday 12th March

National Prep Schools Cross-Country Championships at Malvern College

Well it turned out yet again to be quite a day in many ways for the teams. The weather was sunny and warm

and there was huge parent and family support. Malvern College organised this large event efficiently with

over 1100 runners and 60 schools taking part.

Pinewood throughout all age groups acquitted itself in a positive and successful manner. The running fields

in the races varied from 360 in the Junior boys’ and girls’ one so with many Pinewood children running in

such a huge set of races – full credit should be given for their commitment

The senior girls’ race saw us coming 11th out of 27 schools in the team event The junior girls had three of

their team in the top 25….quite a feat and came 8th team place out of 50 schools. Excellent results!

The other team members achieved some personal best performances and Messrs Caird and Siebert were

pleased all round. AC

Wiltshire County Fencing Youth Championships

Many congratulations to all of our fencers who took part in the Wiltshire County Youth Championships last

Sunday in Pewsey. With over 80 children participating competition was fierce and our pupils did Pinewood

proud.

In the U10s, Angus Buckley, Arthur Souter, Arthur Garrett Ryan and Brett Newton made it through to the

direct elimination round, scoring hits and taking victories along the way. Getting competitive experience was

the aim of this event and although everyone was eliminated in the quarter finals they all fought very hard.

Angus Buckley finished a very credible fifth in his second competition and received the most improved

fencer award. To be singled out to receive this award out of 80 other children is testament to how his

fencing is progressing. Arthur Souter finished sixth and won the U9 age category with Brett Newton second

in U9 and Arthur Garrett Ryan third.

In the girls' U10 category, Lottie Jordan was not to be denied. She fenced with tenacity, displaying a great

variation in attack and defence so her opponents struggled to land hits. Rightly she emerged as the U10

winner and should be very proud of what she has accomplished.

In the U12 age group Ben Turner emerged from the pool rounds seeded second having won all

5 bouts. His defence remained strong throughout and this combined with some well-timed attacks, ensured

he made it through to the quarters, semis and finals, where he faced an unknown quantity in the fifth seed.

This was the bout of the day with neither boy giving quarter, yet behaving impeccably on the piste. They

matched each other point for point to 9-9 before running out of time and going to priority fencing for one

more minute. Ben won priority and fought with huge tenacity, biding his time knowing his opponent had to

attack. He made a very neat parry disengage riposte and added the Wiltshire County Championship to his

growing list of accolades.

Zac Fitzgerald had a par day in foil, finishing just outside the medal positions. However, he scored some

good wins and on another day could have made it through to the semi-finals. As the only Pinewood pupil to

compete in more than one weapon, I also had a sneaking suspicion he was saving himself for the

epee. Needless to say he didn't disappoint, coming away with the bronze medal, disposing of last year's

winner en route. Tiredness from fencing all day had set in by the semi-finals of epee at 3pm and he fought

bravely against the number one seed who specialises in epee. Zac should be pleased with his day overall.

The U14 foil contained three international fencers and fencers who regularly compete on the national

circuit. It was always going to be tough for Elliott Donnellon-Pasos. However, he fenced with great

determination and scored memorable hits against much more experienced fencers. As School Fencing

Captain, he did more than hold his own and can feel pleased with how he performed.

This was a hugely encouraging performance from all the Pinewood fencers. This is the largest entry we have

ever put forward, which highlights the popularity of the sport at the school. To come away with five quarter

finalists, two bronze, a silver medal and two golds, not forgetting the most improved fencer award is

testament to the hard work our fencers have put in this term. Well done everyone!

NB

Monday 13th March

The Oratory Prep Junior Cross Country Meeting

On a beautiful spring day we headed over to Berkshire with 40 excited runners – many competing in their

first ever Cross-Country race. The U8s had the toughest task as we got delayed in traffic and had to de-bus

and run to the start line. Well, to some it may have been a challenge, but to this group it was just another

chance to run it seemed as we secured the U8 Boys 1st Team Place to go with some excellent individual

results. The U9s had a few more minutes to get their trainers tightened before chasing down the “rabbit”,

followed by our U10 and U11 teams with a more standard warm-up before their race. The course was flat

and fast - all our runners “dug in” and gave of their best under sunny skies. Great day out! The following

stepped up to the podium to receive medals in front of a packed crowd:

U8 Boys 1st Team Place

James Hills 2nd Individual U8 Boy

Eve McCoy 2nd Individual U8 Girl

Tabbie Chambers 2nd Individual U10 Girl

Isabel Fitzpatrick 3rd Individual U11 Girl

JDS

Wednesday 15th March

U13A Netball v Dragon

Lost: 8-14

The U13As played our last fixture of the season against the Dragon. The girls are always slightly intimidated

when we come up against Dragon and this year they were particularly tall! Unfortunately, we had a slow

start to the game and we were down 9-2 by half time. As usual we had a fantastic third quarter which we

won, but as we were down by 7 goals we didn’t manage to catch them up. We played a brilliant final quarter

passing the ball fluently down the court. The girls had worked out that the only way to get around these tall

girls was to play fast netball. Unfortunately, we never managed to gain back those 7 goals from the beginning

and the final score stood 14-8 to Dragon. It was a fantastic effort and the girls worked their socks off. This

squad has made so much progress this term and has been a pleasure to coach. Well done girls.

PB

U13B Netball v Dragon

Lost: 9-10

The U13B girls approached the court excitedly for their last game of the season today. Playing the Dragon

side we had already defeated this season, the girls were confident in their abilities to play another excellent

match. With the sun shining we played a solid first quarter, with the score equal at quarter time. In the

second quarter we managed to get out in front, thanks to a couple of great goals and some good centre

court work. Despite the warm temperatures the girls pushed on into the third quarter, encouraged to

intensify their aggression and control their passes by using their 3 seconds properly to plant their feet and

assess their options. We were up by one goal at 3 quarter time, but it was a great struggle for the girls to

keep up with the opposition in the last quarter. Unfortunately, some repetitious mistakes and uncontrolled

passes led to the Dragon catching our score and sadly getting out in front just as the game finished. A

disappointing result for the last game of a great season! Nonetheless I'd like to congratulate the girls for their

great effort today and fabulous enthusiasm throughout the season. MP

U13/12C Netball v Dragon

Lost: 10-11

A very intense game across the four quarters of netball for the Under 12/13Cs who found themselves in front

at the first change over. Some great passages of play and lovely shooting were seen throughout the first

quarter. However, the rest of the game proved challenging as Dragon found their stride. The girls hung in

there and played a great game; however, got flustered at points which caused unnecessary turn overs. A very

exciting game, though, with a great effort from all of the girls for the last game of the season. Well done

girlies! AW

U12A Netball v Dragon

Lost: 7-19

The first half of this match was an excellent demonstration of the progress the girls have made this term. We

matched the Dragon's pace, accuracy and skill and the score was even, the girls had to work hard, but played

with spirit and occasionally flare, ending the first half 7-5 down. After half time the girls lost a little of their

determination, dropped a few balls and rushed their passing, this gave the Dragon girls enough of a chance

to pull ahead. The girls lost heart and struggled to recover. Despite the closing minutes of this match there

has been clear progress this term and the girls have been a pleasure to coach. ELT

U12B Netball v Dragon

Lost: 12-13

What an incredible match to finish the season on! With only seven girls (meaning no substitutions), and

coming up against a team that had already beat us quite convincingly, the team knew they really had to bring

their best to the court today. A goal for Pinewood in the first two minutes gave us an early boost, and we

were pleased to finish the quarter only 2-1 down. The next quarter was truly exciting: the ball bounced from

goal to goal, each team racking up one only to have the other do the same, but the Dragon kept us two goals

behind by half time. The third quarter saw us take their two-goal lead and add a further two goals to our own

lead, while they only managed to score one by minute 30. In the final quarter, with all the Dragon’s strongest

players back on court, it was again anybody’s game, and by two minutes from the final whistle the score was

tied. A late goal in the final minute secured the Dragon’s victory, but the Pinewood girls cannot be faulted for

either their energy and hard work, or their skills in movement, reading the game, and passing accurately and

intelligently. Minutes 5, 22 and 38 saw a tied score (1-1, 7-7 and 12-12), showing just how close it really was

all the way through. It is a testament to the high quality of the Pinewood girls’ game that the Dragon coach

complimented them on their skills, commenting that she felt – as I do – that this was the best game of the

season. Fantastic finish – a huge well done, girls! FG

U11A Netball v Chandlings Manor

Won: 12-7

The pressure was on as we headed onto court for our final fixture of the season. The girls (and I!) wanted a

win, and right from the first whistle they played with ferocity. Having intercepted their first centre pass, we

got the first goal of the match in, but Chandlings came back quickly with a goal of their own. With some

excellent interceptions and accurate shooting, we had pulled ahead by 5 goals to 2 at the end of the first

quarter. In netball, this is not a convincing lead and Chandlings closed the gap on us by a goal in the second

quarter, with the score at 6-4. While we were making numerous interceptions all over the court, we were

finding it difficult to follow that up with a decent pass, and we needed to spread out and offer different

options. In the third quarter Chandlings pulled to within a goal of us, but we regained our form and extended

our lead a little to 9-5. As we headed into the final quarter, we knew that we had to keep our game at a high

level as Chandlings would come back fighting. The Pinewood girls didn’t disappoint and, despite facing a very

formidable team, they came off the court with a well-deserved 12-7 victory. It has been an utter pleasure to

coach the U11As this season, and I wish them all the very best as they progress with their netball next year.

SP

U11B Netball v Chandlings Manor

Lost: 5-9

It was a shame to end our season, on this lovely sunny day, with a loss, but with some girls a little under the

weather and without a full complement of players, we did not play to our best in all the quarters, allowing

Chandlings to have the run of play, particularly in the first and second quarters, which is a shame as we were

evenly matched teams. The score was 2-4 at half time. In the third quarter our play started to improve and

the girls played with more decisiveness, but Chandlings won this quarter too and the score was 2-6.

In the last quarter our play was much better, movement around the court was timed better, fewer loopy

passes were made and we had more of the play. In terms of goals scored, this quarter was a draw (3 all), so

well done girls on rallying at the end, but Chandlings already had the lead and so the final score was 5-9.

CR

U11C Netball v Chandlings Manor

Lost: 1-5

An exciting, but quite frustrating game as I felt that most of the girls did not play at their best today. On the

flip side, there was some outstanding play from a few girls where netball is not their forte.

The teams were evenly matched, I felt, and the Pinewood girls were on a mission to win their final game of

the season prior to coming out onto the court. Defence was strong in the first quarter even though

Chandlings managed to score a goal. Pinewood came back fighting in the second quarter and scored a goal,

equalising the score 1-1. However, poor passes and unsuccessful attempts at scoring meant that we were 2-1

down by half time. Chandlings really upped their game in the last two quarters, preventing Pinewood from

scoring again. Bad luck girls, you were playing against an opposition who were performing at their best.

AP

U10A Netball v Chandlings Manor

Lost: 9-10

After a number of very close games I thought we might just have the ability to close this one out. However,

the final result depended on the last few minutes and Chandlings, to their credit, showed a little extra

composure when shooting. The girls found it difficult to play around a fast and very tall opposition, but did

very well to come so close to victory. There were just too many interceptions and we rarely gave our

shooters a great opportunity in the D. We tried a few different positions in the last quarter and I saw some

great versatility in their play. In the heat, the girls showed a great deal of spirit and resilience and cannot be

faulted for their effort in this match and throughout the whole season. I’ll save all the “pleasure to coach”

business for the Blue and Grey report. SD

U10B Netball v Chandlings Manor

Won: 11-8

What a great end to the season! On a beautiful sunny, warm afternoon the girls were pumped to play a solid

game. After a thorough warm up the whistle blew for the start of the match, but we didn't have quite the

solid start we hoped for. Chandlings scored three goals and seemed the better team on the court. The team

talk was quite a serious one as we needed to go back to basics and get those right. This certainly did the trick

as we were back in the game and by the end of the second quarter the score was 5-5. We had it all to play

for and forged a slight lead in the third quarter. In the final 10 minutes the game was end to end with both

teams scoring. Pinewood managed to keep their heads in front and proudly won the game. Well done girls

for turning the match round and showing some spirit today! AK

U9A Netball v Beaudesert

Drew: 8-8

Well done to all the girls who played against Beaudesert in our final match of the season. The girls gave their

all in this hard-fought contest. The first two quarters were evenly matched with each side scoring in turn. At

half-time, the score was 4-4. Pinewood stepped up their game in the third quarter and started to control the

game. There were some super passes into space, transitioning the ball from defence to attack. We managed

to finish the quarter ahead 6-5. The final quarter was even more thrilling with both teams scoring again in

turn. Pinewood was in the lead 8-7 and the clock was ticking down… only five seconds remaining… and

Beaudesert popped in the equalising goal. Both teams played some excellent netball and I’m sure they will

continue to have some thrilling games in the future. CC

U9B Netball v Beaudesert

1st Match Won: 9-6

Pinewood started off the game very positively and quickly slotted away 3 goals to Beaudesert’s 1. However,

there was a lot of bunching on the court and they were struggling to get any flow or move the ball

consistently down the court. Over the next few quarters, Pinewood found space and moved the ball nicely

around the court. There was some fearless defending and Pinewood put pressure on Beaudesert so they

found it difficult to get the ball into their D. At half time, Pinewood were in a very strong position and were 6-

2 in the lead. However, the opposition fought hard and came back into the game. In the last quarter it was a

tough contest, but there was some excellent shooting from both sides. An exciting 9-6 victory for Pinewood!

A super way to finish the season with lovely team work and good sportsmanship. Well played girls!

2nd Match Won: 9-4

Pinewood started the match a little relaxed and lacked momentum. Beaudesert had an excellent shooter

who was managing to slot all the shots away. However, the team got better and better! In the second

quarter, Beaudesert were kept at bay and didn’t manage to slot away any more goals. Pinewood were

starting to get their eye in and slotted 2 goals away. At half time, a change of court and another think about

how to move on the court and move the ball around, meant that Pinewood took charge of the game. 3 more

goals were scored and going into the final quarter Pinewood were now in the lead and just had to hold their

composure until the end of the game. Some excellent team work, super defending with lovely interceptions

and composed shooting led to finishing the game with 4 more goals in the final quarter. Well played girls!

This was a good example of not giving up and playing until the very end of the game with determination and

great team spirit. Well done!

LS

1st Hockey v Dragon 2nd

Won: 7-0

Today was a great example to the players of what can be achieved if you work with the 3 Big Cs –

Concentration, control and composure. From the first whistle everyone looked willing to work hard, be

creative and trust in the system. Goals came through excellent passing as players moved into deep and wide

channels. The ball speed was much better and when in the “D” we got shots in a lot quicker. It has been a

difficult season playing against players with a few years more experience; however, the journey has been

progressive and those heading off to senior school are well placed to continue their development. A great

final game to end the season – we got the result. Well done!

JDS

2nd Hockey v Dragon 3rd

Won: 4-3

We talked a lot this week about work rate, desire and determination and as a whole group of senior and

middle school boys had referred to the remarkable comeback that Barcelona had made against PSG in last

week’s Champions League. Having shown a lot of that spirit in training matches against our 1st team we went

in to this game with high hopes, on a stunning spring day. Yet in the first half we were abysmal! We were

sluggish, ball pace was slow and our season was falling apart at the seams. At 3-1 down we were staring into

the mire and coach morale was rock bottom. But after half time George Messi-Ewing then produced the

most extraordinary goal down the left which spurred the boys into the most astonishing comeback. Hugo

Iniesta-Lawson and Ed Rakitic-Wrench bossed the midfield and their efforts combined with Zach Suarez-

Marsh’s menace forced an equaliser. We couldn’t do it could we? We battled on, Max Pique-Blackburn

ferreted in defence, Luca Stegen-Malikov was a brick wall in goal. Dan Mascherano-Lockhart then scythed

through the Dragon defence and forced a short corner. Step forward our talismanic skipper, Matteo Neymar-

James, who produced a stunning finish from a short corner set-piece in the dying minutes to pull off a quite

remarkable win. This was certainly not the match plan, but let it be a lesson that hard work and

determination is rewarded - WELL DONE!

EB

U11A Football v Abingdon Prep U11A & B (triangular)

v Abingdon Prep A Lost: 1-3

v Abingdon Prep B Drew: 2-2

These were a tough couple of games with which to finish the season, particularly without our outstanding

first-choice goalkeeper. Abingdon have about three times as many boys in Year 6 and both their teams

contained some decent footballers. We battled hard against their ‘A’s and scored a good goal, but the

opposition’s superior skill won out in the end. Against the ‘B’s we led 2-0, but then contrived to throw the

victory away with two defensive aberrations. However, we are not going to let this spoil what has been an

enjoyable season in which all our players have come on leaps and bounds in all aspects of the game.

MS

U11B Football v Abingdon Prep U11C & D (triangular)

v Abingdon Prep D Won: 5-1

v Abingdon Prep C Won 4-3

Our first match against the D team was slow to take shape, but after 5 minutes of passing in open spaces we

started to get an idea of the opposition and how to beat them. I witnessed one of the best goals so far,

which developed from a long kick into open space and which was followed up with a great Pinewood cross to

score. Second half was slow, but a 5-1 victory was just the ticket.

Half time oranges courtesy of Mr Lloyd.

The C team had us nervous for the first half and their skill and awareness on the pitch made us look

dishevelled. We scored first, but they quickly turned this around and we were 3-1 down. Something must

have been in the water at half time as Pinewood were unstoppable. Excellent passing, solid strikes at goal

and super tackling saw us screech past the opposition to win 4-3. What a great game to end the season on!

TL

U10A Football v Abingdon Prep

Lost: 3-4

The Pinewood Revolt! (Written in the style of the Peasant’s Revolt of 1381)

Not since Wat Tyler in 1831 has there been such a defiant stand against a formidable opponent. Pinewood

produced a monumental performance to come within a whisker of causing a

seismic sporting upset. Earlier in the season Pinewood played against Abingdon

(at home) in a one-way fixture which resulted in a 10-2 defeat. The signs were

not good heading into the game as Pinewood expected a tough encounter.

From the kick-off Pinewood launched into the opposition. Giving no quarter,

Pinewood thrust forward with rapier like attacks that cut deep into the

opposition territory. The resulting outcome from the mêlée came in the form of

two fabulous crafted team goals. Keeping the passing and movement simple,

Pinewood looked the more composed and confident team on the pitch. The

opposition on the other hand were a shadow of their former self. Flustered and

frustrated, Abingdon longed for a resolution to their woes.

At the interval, Pinewood appeared to have the upper hand. In buoyant mood Pinewood pressed their claim

for victory. Abingdon fortuitously edged their way back into the game as a moment’s lapse in concentration

led to a home team goal. With the visitors starting to tire from their efforts in the first half, Pinewood

conceded another couple of goals and eventually the game. In the pursuit of victory Pinewood had given

their all. They broke the shackles of self-doubt and released an inner self-belief and determination to

succeed. The team have now set a precedent for the future, which I hope they can carry forward in their

future school fixtures!

A wonderful ‘cup final’ like fixture! Well done boys! GB

U10B Football v Abingdon Prep

Drew: 1-1

The final game of the season saw another combative performance from the U10B team. With Spring arriving,

it was back to the conditions that we witnessed at Wycliffe back in September with glorious sunshine.

Pinewood took the lead with a penalty but conceded an own goal from a corner. Once again a lack of calling

for the ball would cost us. The second half was very even with chances at a premium. Pinewood could not

quite find that killer ball to get in on goal and a draw was a fair result in the end. A decent season of 3 wins, 3

draws and 3 defeats can be celebrated.

AW

U10C Football v Abingdon Prep

Lost: 1-2

The U10Cs ended the season on a high, despite the score line being in our opposition's favour. Right from the

off the boys showed the desire and determination we had sometimes lacked in previous games this season.

Much like a fine wine, these boys are only going to get better with age and really did themselves and

Pinewood credit. They passed the ball brilliantly and worked as a unit to win the ball and counter-attack

effectively, constantly having the Abingdon boys on the ropes. However, our lack of accuracy in front of goal

meant it was always a close game down until the final 5 minutes where our opponents, after 3 or 4 shots

hitting the crossbar, finally converted a chance and managed to hold on until the final whistle. One of the

most exciting games any Pinewood team has been a part of, these boys have definitely deserved the biggest,

most expensive Easter eggs the rabbit of the season has to offer! (Parents - you're welcome!).

SC

U10D Football v Abingdon Prep

Lost: 0-6

In what was to be the final conflict of the war, the Pinewood Boys fell valiantly on the terrain, in the hot sun

at Abingdon. Trying to replicate the previous week's victory, the boys ran out of steam late on in the second

half, when the hosts displayed their true quality and had a mad surge, where the hosts could not stop finding

the net. Perhaps a harsh score line, as the match was 1-0 with five minutes left to play. Nevertheless, the

boys' effort was never in question, just execution, where the hot conditions got the better of them. Full

credit to Abingdon on a fine performance, we look forward to future battles! The boys learned a lot this

season and did particularly well when they focused and got stuck in, as evidenced by their fine win last week.

I hope that is the message and memory they take forward into their future years, whilst wearing a Pinewood

Football Jersey. Well done boys! FC

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