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St Swithun’s school in Winchester is celebrating after a bumper day of sporting success this past Saturday (5 October). The all-girls’ school saw both the 1st and 2nd teams win the South West U19 Lacrosse Rally titles after going unbeaten throughout the day. Meanwhile, the U16 and U14 netball teams emerged victorious in the National Schools county rounds and will go on to represent Hampshire in the regional finals in February. |
The St Swithun’s lacrosse first team won nine and drew only one game all day as they beat Downe House in the final to clinch the U19 South West title. The second team matched their contemporaries in amassing nine victories and also beating Down House in the final to win the 2nd team trophy. The 3rd team came 3rd in the same tournament and only lost one game all day.
Not to be outdone, both the U16 and U14 netball teams only lost one game all day before defeating King Edwards VI School in both finals to clinch their respective county crowns.
The St Swithun’s swimming team added to a stellar week of sport as they took home the U13 Hampshire Schools Swimming Association Relays crown.
Jon Riley, director of sport at St Swithun’s said, "What an incredible Saturday but given the hard work that these girls have put into their sport it was no surprise. Each of them has invested a huge amount into their own performances and into becoming fantastic teammates for each other. We could not be more proud of their achievements and we are excited to see what more they can achieve this year.”
Eloise Beardmore Gray, U16 netball captain, said “I am so excited by our recent success at the qualifying county tournament. We really showed what kind of team we can be and we are eagerly anticipating what the rest of the season holds, including the regional qualifiers.”
Alice Clegg, 1st team lacrosse captain, added “We’re really pleased to be so cohesive as a team at this stage in the season. It was a great day and has given us the best possible platform to build on as we look for more successful, challenging and fun days ahead.”
Jane Gandee, St Swithun’s headmistress, said, “Last year we developed a sport and exercise programme offering strength and conditioning, speed, agility and endurance to every one of our pupils. We are now seeing the results of this for both our team players and those who enjoy the mental, physical and social benefits of exercise. We are proud of our championship success and of our high participation rates in exercise.”
The success of the weekend follows the growing trend of sporting success at the school. During the summer, St Swithun’s were crowned U13 and U15 Hampshire Cricket Cup champions while the U13 and U15 teams won the first round of the English Schools’ Athletic Association Track and Field Cup and progressed to represent Hampshire in the Regional round.