Cubitt newsletter summer 2015

Junior House Tennis: L. Thompson

Cubitt Newsletter

We entered this year’s junior house tennis competition with high expectations. Despite the unfortunate loss of Rory Calnan due to injury we still fielded a strong team comprising of both 4th form and L5th. The first match of the round robin was against East. We started strongly, winning 4 of the 5 fixtures. We continued in this fashion against North, winning another 4 out if the 5.

After these first two rounds we were left only three games behind Loveday in second place and love day left to play. As a result tensions were high when we entered the courts for a final time. Unfortunately we were unable to reduce their lead on us as, across the five matches, the same number of games was won by both sides, leaving us to finish in a second place only three games behind. Nevertheless a promising result.

Summer 2015

Housemasters Comments: CHDB

Cubitt has enjoyed, not only, another all-round successful year (however one may try to measure it!) but also, notably, a particularly happy and social year; with much laughter and fun being enjoyed by all. This is very much the tone that has been set by our Upper Sixth leavers, ably led by Matt Foster and his team of prefects, who have brought a real commitment, kindness as well as sense of camaraderie and humor to all facets of House life. Their year group has a particularly strong sense of togetherness, warmth and support for one another, shown through the way they encouraged and challenged each other to make the most of their academic abilities as well as their ability to survive a holiday in Newquay together! (omit: impressive C.O.D. (Call of Duty) achievements!) The friendships that have been forged here, I am confident, will stand the test of time; they leave with thanks and our very best wishes for the future.

Senior House Cricket: B Clarke Harold Pinter was once said that Cubitt cricket 'was the greatest thing that God ever created on earth certainly greater than sex', which we once again embodied, having a plethora of quality cricket talent available to choose. We drew favourites Loveday in the first round and, after the traditionally good looking pre match photo, we went out to bat onto the 'absolute road' that was Clair's Oak. A decent opening spell from the top 4 of Bedford Jr, Trower, Terry and Clarke put us in good stead. However, a collapse in the middle and lower order gave Cubitt a total of 85 as the favourites showed their strength in depth, despite the flair of the Foster 'dill scoop' off first team opening bowler James Harris. Going out to bowl, Cubitt got the perfect start with Firth picking up the wickets of 2 key batsman in the first over.

Wickets fell steadily throughout the innings always meant Cubitt were in with a shout of an upset with valuable bowling contributions from Chitty, Terry & Trower and some strong fielding from the likes of Foster, Peers & Bedford Sr. But alas the miracle of Clair's Oak was never to be. Following up was a meeting with East in which Cubitt were set to bowl first. After some initially ropey spells, the likes of Pudge, Bedford Sr & Chitty reigned East in for a total of 125 with Guiness and Peers particularly adept in the field. A batting masterclass swiftly followed from Trower (scoring 52*) and Bedford Jr, rivalling the power and flair of greats such as Gayle, Pietersen & Hayden, which quickly led Cubitt to victory with cameos by Terry and Clarke and a third place finish.

Senior House Tennis: W. Lord Cubitt had a terrific run at the eminent tennis tournament this year, defeating the previous champions (Loveday) and then going on to win. There were many strong performances, from our first to last pair. Notable mentions have to go to Matt Foster with his unbreakable first serve followed by his breakable underarm second serve, and of course, Tom Howard with his powerful presence at the net. In both games against North and East, we dispatched them with ease, displaying our dominance on the court. With compassion and determination, the boys edged the win in our final game against Loveday.

This great win for cubit, we can only hope inspires the juniors and next years seniors to succeed, the balls in your court gentlemen.

The other vital ingredient has been our wonderful team of tutors and matrons and their dedication, verve and deep sense of pastoral care has enriched the place and the lives of the boys enormously. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the support of the tutor team, the matrons and cleaners, without whom the house would a far harder ship to steer. Sadly though, we have to say farewell to Dr. Richard Gale, who leaves us to take up a position at Wimbledon High School. We wish him all the best and we will miss his dulcet shouts of ‘prep’ on an evening’s duty. We welcome back to Cubitt Mrs Olivia Ravilious, who returns from maternity leave, and Mr Mike Brookes who has seen sense and joined us from North. We also welcome Mr Gareth Prichard, new into the Biology department next year. Finally, I would like to wish everyone a wonderful and restful summer but please make sure the boys return with appropriate haircuts and dark suits for the sixth form!

House Athletics: D. Chitty

House Badminton: J. Horwood

Going in with high expectations to compete for first place again this year, House Athletics was a real chance to display what athleticism Cubitt has to offer on dry land. The fourth form sadly came last in their age group, however, it was partially down to their 'no show' at the 4x400m, an event which is double points, 10 for even taking part. The Intermediate age group came at third place, a solid effort from them, especially Harry De Blaby who won his long distance events, and Kit Fowora who came 2nd in the 100m. The seniors put on a magnificent performance across the board, winning their age group. Jake Storey deserves a special mention for coming 1st in both high jump and Long jump; and coming 2nd in the 200m. Also a mention must go to Seb Leman, athletics captain, who won his 800m and 400m events very convincingly. The senior team also smashed the 4x400m, winning by over 100metres. Overall, Cubitt finished 3rd, just 7 points behind second place (proving the 4th forms absence in the relay to be very costly).

This is the sport people wait all year to watch. And Cubitt was not disappointed. Matt Foster and Noah Frett won all but 1 match in their 2nd pair matches. Ollie Trower and I managed to win all our 1st pair matches. This high level of skill was extremely exciting for the 7 people watching. In the end, it was between Loveday and Cubitt for the title as their 2nd pair had won all their matches and their 1st pair only lost 1. However, badminton scoring was not deemed high priority so 2 painful days were spent waiting for the final decision. Cubitt eventually won the title of Badminton champions.

House Swimming: M. Foster Cubitt entered the house swimming competition with absolutely no pressure, given that we have come last in each and every year that anyone (including CHDB?!?) can remember.

Despite this eased burden, the seniors struggled, with all the races being shared amongst a measly 5 swimmers (after the unexpected absence of the L6th). Consequently, results struggled, and both Henry Ward and myself really struggled with the idea of butterfly as a stroke… The intermediates proved more capable, with resident goldfish Angus Burns proving to be an excellent asset, winning every individual race he was involved in. he IVth form shocked us all, with at least 3 race wins between them and a group of genuinely competent swimmers. Overall, we finished in 3rd place, something which I can wholeheartedly say I didn’t expect, and has provoked severe confusion amongst many.

House Bouldering : D. Plewman

On the first Tuesday after Easter, four intrepid pioneers of new age sport trooped down to the OEC for the highly anticipated House Bouldering. The team consisted of Ali Loedolff, Tim Strickland, Sam Monks and Dan Plewman.

We came up against a strong opposition from North and Loveday, and, despite valiant efforts from all in the face of such adversity, came third, just one point behind Loveday. Well done to all who took part. (We neglect to mention that, had East had a full complement, we would have placed last)

Junior House Golf: M. Richards In the first round we came up against North. Everyone won except me. In the end relatively comfortable. In the final we had dispute for who should Go 1-5. In the end Green and Morgan won. Jonte won which was good. Then it came down to me and Ryan to win. I lost on the deciding hold by one shot. So in the end, even if Ryan won or lost, it makes no difference. In the end he drew and thus annoyingly we lost overall then to East!

Drama: Jack McKee

Being a part of the junior play this year was superb experience for everyone and a great success. In terms of Cubitt we had an excellent turnout in the cast. There were two junior plays; ‘After Juliet’ and ‘The Canterbury Tales’. In After Juliet we had myself, Leo Leman, Sam Barnard and Ben Chesser. Canterbury Tales featured; Oli Haller, Max McLay and Billy Goodfellow.

Canterbury Tales was an ambitious production with a sense of goodhearted humour with the audience entertained throughout. On the other hand, After Juliet was a play for everyone with humour, romance and action. I feel we owe thanks to Miss Sinclair and Mrs Plowman for two of the highest quality productions.

Junior House Cricket: J. Barden

Music: T. Golden

Junior House cricket was an unfortunate affair for Cubitt.

First up we faced Loveday, Cubitt on paper seemed to have the stronger team. Loveday won the rock, paper, scissors of and choose to bat. Cubitt displayed an average bowling display and Loveday managed to get 139 which was both flattering and lucky but it has to be said that Max Grisley was our stand out field, dropping a batsman on 3 who then when on to hit 52 and basically win them the game. However, Cubitt showing house pride and faith with a valiant run chase with Chris and Jonte batting very well. Cubitt lost and went on to face East. Cubitt again on paper had that stronger team but once again catches were dropped and concentration was lost. East went on to make 117 and it has to be said Green and Cooper bowled very well. In batting Cubitt were slow of the mark and wickets fell early. Wickets kept falling and in the last over Cubitt needed 37. In the end Cubitt lost to East and came 4th

This term, Music in Cubitt has reached new heights. Noah Frett (Trumpet) received his Trinity Grade 8 Distinction; a very fine achievement for a musician so integral to the Cranleigh Music Department. Theo Golden won the Intermediate Singing class at the Junior Department of the Royal Academy of Music, putting a Cranleigh musician on the national map. Noah Frett (Trumpet) joined the Merriman Orchestra for two performances of tunes from the movies which was enjoyed by a packed house which included all of the IVth form. This term we also had the Helen Wareham Encore Concert All junior and senior winners performed at the Encore concert. It was an evening of outstanding musicianship. Cubitt was represented in the form Theo Golden who won the senior vocal prize earlier in the year.

Junior House Challenge: T. Seager-Green We first squared up against South in the semis of the house challenge. It was a must win for we could not allow Mrs.Frett the satisfaction of a consecutive triumph over Cubitt. Through a strong performance and the addition of Louis Vaughn (little Chesser was omitted due to some obscure complication brought up by South saying that he could only play chess) we beat South and progressed to the final. Contrary to the regular Cubitt vs. Loveday clash we were surprised to find our opponents to be North. It was a very close affair with the end result depending on the word nectarine. In the end we came out on top with a well-deserved first place.