Sporting Success
A Message from the Director of Sport
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Another very busy and rewarding term draws to a close, with students having competed in well over 200 fixtures across a range of sports, enjoyed taking part in the 97 weekly co-curricular sport sessions, with most having represented their Houses in fiercely fought internal sporting competitions and made the most of the support offered through our High-Performance Programme (HPP). A huge effort from everyone involved, and the Christmas break is certainly well earned!
In our first term with sports scholars, it has been great to see how these individuals have settled well into new roles and expectations and all are having a positive impact on Habs sport. This is, of course, supported by the increasing number of highly talented individuals who are making the most of the workshops, mentoring and additional support through the HPP. Both are significant developments in what we do and I am delighted with how they are going so far.
A significant aspect of the support here is ensuring that we continue to find the right balance between academic studies and physical activity. Managing the workload effectively, both in terms of sporting performance and in the classroom, means that our students can achieve outstanding success in both worlds. It is far from binary, and studies show how remaining involved with sport during periods of high pressure and study helps with resilience and academic results. I hope that our students will keep this in mind as we begin to work through mock examinations and then into public examinations in the not-so-distant future.
After the incredible success of last year, it is good to see that progress in regional and national competitions continues this term. The 1st XV rugby team had an excellent run in the National Vase and went unbeaten in all games until after the half-term break, before bowing out against a strong Leys outfit. Tennis has progressed with relative ease into the latter stages of their competitions. Table tennis, which proves to be more popular than ever, has seen squads at both U11 and U13 crowned as county champions and will move on to represent Hertfordshire in regional rounds. Cross-country has seen some brilliant runs across the age groups, the highlight being our seniors, who won the regional round and will now compete in the national finals being held in Leeds.
Football continues to grow in size, strength and reputation in its second year as one of our focus sports. Fixture blocks on Saturdays are seeing increased travel as more established footballing schools are keen to test their sides against us. All sides across Years 7 to 10 are still involved with cup competitions at the time of writing, which will see them involved in either county cup, ESFA or ISFA matches after the Christmas break.
Inter-House competitions remain a key focus for so many of our students, with large numbers running in the much-anticipated cross-country events. I am always keen to see the efforts made by everyone, particularly those striving for personal bests a little lower down the field. It remains a great test of character in addition to the fitness required to complete the course, and so many were brilliant in both respects. In addition, the football competitions were set up so that those who have had less opportunity to represent school teams could experience competitive football. Students involved at C team and lower fought out some fantastic games for their Houses in a number of very close encounters.
It was really pleasing to see that we were once again recognised as one of the Top 100 Cricket Schools in the most recent publication of The Cricketer Magazine, and also as part of the Top 50 Prep Schools, which now sits alongside this list. Both highlight the outstanding work from our coaching staff, led so ably by our Director of Cricket, Jamie Hewitt, and the dedication shown by so many students across all levels of ability, which makes cricket at Habs so special.
As ever, huge thanks must be forwarded to our Grounds staff for the work they do in relation to cricket in the summer, but also for the incredible job in keeping pitches playable despite the horrendous weather in recent months.
I hope that you enjoy reading through this snapshot of some of the things that have taken place this term. I am sure that you will all be looking forward to taking a breath, and I hope that you enjoy a restful and enjoyable Christmas spent with family and friends.
With best wishes,
Ryan McIntosh Director of Sport
Rugby
Mr Metcalfe reports on an excellent start to the Rugby season including a mid season tour to Dublin!
The 1st XV have enjoyed a wonderful term, remaining unbeaten throughout the regular season. The highlight of the term has to be going to Watford Grammar and finally, after several years of painfully narrow defeats, coming out on top in another close contest. The 1st XV also enjoyed a thoroughly enjoyable tour of Dublin, which included a fine blend of Irish culture and rugby.
Elsewhere in the school, the U15A team have shown glimpses of their full potential when our top sportsmen have been available to play, but I sense that next term’s rugby 7s programme will see this group at their very best. The U14A squad have struggled with small numbers, and I hope that other students will return to the game as this age group moves further up the school. The U13 squad contains a number of very enthusiastic players who currently lack physical size and strength. Their time will come as they mature. The U12 squad is pleasingly self-sufficient in that we do not require students from football to be competitive and I have high hopes for this year group.
Football
Football at Habs: A growing legacy of excellence
In just our second year of football at Habs, the programme has already made a remarkable impact, with over 20 teams competing in fixtures and more than 300 students participating weekly in co-curricular football sessions. The new football initiative is fostering camaraderie, enthusiasm and a love for the sport across the school community.
This season, an impressive 146 matches have been played, showcasing the dedication and talent of our students. Beyond the competitive arena, over 500 students have engaged weekly in football-related games and activities, emphasising the programme's role in promoting widespread participation, teamwork and physical fitness. Football at Habs is more than just a sport; it is a platform for holistic development, instilling life skills alongside athletic growth. Tours have now been added to our growing football provision. We of a lifetime to be trained at the Real Madrid training complex by their coaching staff. have taken the Senior team on the trip
We have a similar experience in store for the Year 7s and 10s at Manchester City in December, where they will also watch the Manchester derby. In February, our Year 9s will experience football the Portuguese way when they embark on a tour to FC Porto.
Football
Achievements and progress across year groups
Habs Boys have celebrated notable successes in both national and regional competitions, with our teams progressing impressively:
• Year 7s: Just one round away from the quarter-finals of both the Herts County Cup and the ESFA National PlayStation Schools' Cup.
• Year 8s: One round away from the quarter-finals of the Herts County Cup.
• Year 9s: One round away from the quarter-finals of the ESFA National PlayStation Schools' Cup.
• Year 10s: One round away from the quarter-finals of the Herts County Cup.
These achievements underline the students’ dedication, skill and commitment to excellence.
A vision for the future
Our partnership with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club continues to enrich the student experience, focusing not only on skill development but also on values such as discipline, teamwork and resilience.
Looking forward, we are committed to expanding and elevating the programme. Plans are underway to enhance our already exceptional fixture list, introducing more matches for all teams and competing with renowned schools such as Bradfield, Whitgift and Alleyn’s Football at Habs is thriving, and with the unwavering support of our students, parents and staff, the programme is set to reach even greater heights, fostering a passion for the sport and a sense of community that will last a lifetime.
WaterPolo
Mr Brkovic reports on a
successful start to the Water Polo season
The start of the water polo season for various teams is going extremely well, especially thanks to the introduction of water polo in senior games. The fitness levels of the players are the best they have ever been, contributing significantly to their success. Additionally, the uptake of U13s and U12s is going from strength to strength, promising a bright future for the programme.
• U16 London League Team: The U16 team had an outstanding season, winning all their matches and showcasing excellent teamwork.
• U18 London League Team: The U18 team had a mixed experience, winning one game and narrowly losing another during their away matches at St Paul’s.
• U18 ESSA 1st Round of Nationals: The U18 team dominated the first round of the ESSA Nationals, winning all their games comfortably.
• U15 ESSA 1st Round of Nationals: The U15 team also excelled in the first round of the ESSA Nationals, winning all their games with an impressive goal difference.
Looking ahead, the goal for all three age groups is to rank in the top six in the country. With the current momentum and dedication, this target is well within reach.
This season has been remarkable for the Habs Boys' water polo teams. With strong performances across different age groups and competitions, the teams have demonstrated their dedication, skill and sportsmanship. Congratulations to all the players and coaches for their hard work and achievements.
Looking forward to more successes in the future!
CrossCountry
A hugely successful year for the cross-country team including a place in the National Final of the English Schools Cup for our senior boys
The cross-country season began with a bang at the County round of the English Schools’ Cup at Dame Alice Owen’s School. Habs dominated the event, taking victory in the Junior and Intermediate age groups and finishing as runners-up in the Senior age group.
On to the Regional Finals we went, the standard being exceptionally high with the best athletes from London, Herts and Middlesex taking part. The students rose to the occasion, with the standout performance coming from the Senior Boys, who took victory by closing the scoring with four athletes in the top 25. Well done, all! This achievement led to the Senior Boys qualifying for the National Final in Leeds, scheduled for March 2025 –one of only 25 schools across the whole country to do so. Amazing!
We also enjoyed a brilliant day out at the Ten Schools Cross-Country Cup at Harrow School. Some new faces joined the team and ran the challenging course around the school grounds. The Junior Boys finished in a fantastic 4th place and enjoyed a top-notch post-race tea!
We must also congratulate Oscar (SFM1) who recently completed an amazing 100km run across London. An incredible achievement requiring huge amounts of commitment to his training. Well done, Oscar!
Badminton
in the first few weeks of the term. Well over 100 hopeful players had to be narrowed down top handful in each year group. This attests to the popularity of the sport, with squad training happening in 3 after school sessions a week. For those not in the squad, open training sessions are available during some lunchtimes.
The badminton season started off in its usual hectic fashion, with squad selection taking place in the first few weeks of the term. Well over 100 hopeful players had to be narrowed down to the top handful in each year group. This attests to the popularity of the sport, with squad training happening in three after-school sessions a week. For those not in the squad, open training sessions are available during some lunchtimes.
In the national cup, the U16 and U14 quartets made it to the second round, where they both faced strong local opposition. In the U14s, Adi (9R2), Ian (9M1), Dhruv (9H1) and Dhruv (9C2) faced a well-drilled foursome from Beaumont, and our opponents’ strength in depth saw them win 4–2 overall. The U16 team, George (10 R1), Shiven (11 H2), Oscar (11H2) and Kian (11H1), beat Watford Boys comfortably and had high hopes of progressing deep into the competition. However, the Parmiter’s team also had some top players and were just too strong on the day, coming out on top 4–2.
In November, various year groups played fixtures against Hitchin Boys over two weeks, comfortably winning in the U12, U13, U14, U15 and U16 categories, with the U18s narrowly losing.
In the national cup, the U16 and U14 quartets made it to the 2nd round, were they both faced strong local opposition. In the U14 Adi Mittal, Ian Chan, Dhruv Patel and Dhruv Kanwar faced well drilled foursome from Beaumont, and our opponents strength in depth saw them win 2.overall. The U16 team, George Wang, Shiven Jogi, Oscar Fei and Kian Henke, beat Watford Boys comfortably, and had high hopes of progressing deep into the competition. However, Parmiters team also had some top players and were just too strong on the day, coming out top 4-2. In November, various year groups played fixtures against Hitchin Boys’ over 2 weeks, comfortably winning in the U12, U13, U14, U15, and U16. The U18s narrowly losing.
The Inter-House badminton competition also got started this term, with Year 9, Year 10, Year 11 and Sixth Formers all taking to the courts. There has been some fierce competition across all year groups, with positions often decided by just a point or two. A summary is below, and next term will be the turn of the Year 7s and Year 8s.
The Interhouse badminton also got started this term with Yr9, Yr10, Yr11 and Seniors all taking to the courts. There’s been some fierce competition across all year groups, with positions decided by just a point or two. A summary is below, and next term will be the turn of the Yr7s and Yr8s.
Huge congratulations to George (10 R1) who finished as runner in the National U15 Badminton Open Doubles Finals in December. What an achievement!
Squash
Mr Cooper reports on the squash season to date with plenty more to come in the New Year!
The squash season is underway, with three teams competing in the first round of the National Schools’ competition. The U14 team, led by Ellie, travelled to Brentwood School to face Brentwood and Felsted. The players performed admirably, with several competing in their first matches for the school. The team finished in third place, earning a spot in the Plate competition.
The U16 team progressed to the main competition after finishing second in their group. They scored 429 points across their three matches, just seven points behind first-place Berkhamsted. Meanwhile, the U18 team also secured a place in the main competition by finishing second in their group. They comfortably defeated Berkhamsted School but were outmatched by Aylesbury Grammar School.
The next rounds of the competition will take place in the New Year.
Individual success has come by way of Oliver A (10H2te) who retained his Herts County Squash title in September and Hugh P (10H) finishing in 10th place at the Welsh Junior Open. Well done both!
Table Tennis
The table tennis season has only just started, yet the U11 and U13 squads have had considerable success at the district and county tournaments!
Our U13 team fought hard and emerged victorious after topping our group with wins over Barclay Academy, Kings School and Haileybury Turnford School. In the semi-finals, we secured a tough but well-earned victory over Parmiter’s School, followed by a close but decisive win against Kings in the final. The team now move on to represent Hertfordshire in the regional finals in January.
The U11s table tennis team excelled in both the district and county finals, securing decisive victories in each competition. Their success means they will proudly represent Hertfordshire in the regional finals this January. Best of luck to the team!
Tennis
Mr Lee reports on a successful start to the tennis season, with the U16 tennis team finishing the season in the top eight in the South-East. Meanwhile, the 1st team have progressed to the South-East regionals in January.
Fresh from winning the England Independent Schools Tennis Championships back in July, Sam (11S1) and David (11S2), teamed up with Kaaviyan (11J2) and Kian (11H1) also pictured below, to move past the Bedfordshire winners and reach the LTA South-East Regional quarter-finals. The boys battled hard but went out to Claire’s Court in a close encounter. All of the boys they played against were part of the Delgado & Lee Academy based at the LTA’s Bisham Abbey national hub, so to compete and push them close was an incredible effort and punching above our weight. To finish the season in the top 8 schools in the South-East was a fine achievement in its own right
With over 80 schools in the draw, the 1st team saw off strong competition in their group fixtures to make it through to the South-East regional rounds of the LTA Schools Team Tennis Competition, to be held in January.After fine wins against Parmiter’s and Aldenham, the match against local rivals Watford Grammar proved to be a tough hurdle to overcome. After both teams had won the same number of singles and doubles matches, the fixture was poised at 3–3 and needed to be decided by a championship tie-break. Kaaviyan (11J2) and Kian (11H1) stepped up to handle the pressure superbly and emerged victorious with a 10–8 scoreline.
Inter-House Sport
Inter-house Cross Country and Football have taken place this term – Cross Country over at Aldenham Country Park.
Congratulations to the following house winners and to all students representing their house!
