GOLF

The first weekend of the year saw a number of pupils take part in the Old Reptonian event at Mickleover, which was a great success. Some of our pupils had been competing against the OR football sides the previous day and it was particularly pleasing to see our debutants Alex M and Max S learning about Repton from their playing partners. Another debutant, B Blocker Rory H, faced the challenging scenario of playing with his Housemaster and a Governor, Mr Nick Walford, but acquitted himself very well. Our HMC Foursomes campaign ended at the first hurdle in a tough away game at Worksop but it was good to see the Johnston brothers forming one of our partnerships. We have visited Branston for those that want to play. By this measure, it has been another great season, with well over thirty pupils joining us for training or matches across the three terms of 2022-23. That some of these were beginners just starting out on their football journey is a testament to both football at Repton and the growth of the game in general.

This is not, however, to say that we have not enjoyed some fantastic games on the field too. Highlights of the Development XI season include two victories against Oundle and Uppingham, scoring 25 goals without reply across the two fixtures. Many of the squad were also called up to the 1st XI to face Denstone and, with similar ruthlessness in front of goal, came away with the lion’s share of a 17-goal thriller. Although the big wins often stick in our mind, it is actually the close encounters and even the narrow losses that are most beneficial. In that sense, a 6-3 loss on a miserable day in

Bradfield was also a testament to the talent and character of the squad.

At U15 level we remain on course for a shot at some silverware with a Sisters in Sport Shield Quarter-Final clash against Bromsgrove on the horizon at the time of writing. This group have been a pleasure to work with and we look forward to seeing many of them continue their football journeys in the years to come. Although they have all improved significantly this year, special mention must go to our individual high-fliers, Emily W and Amelie C. Both have sailed through the ISFA North and Midlands U15 selection process despite playing a ‘year up’, while Emily has added ESFA caps to her individual accomplishments, appearing for the national representative side three times in the Bob Doherty Cup.

CL/MLH/CS

Driving Range throughout the winter to keep swings in shape and Hugo H, Rory F, Isabella T, Matty P and Peter W have made fine progress. This term they and others are enjoying taking on Burton Golf Club each week. It was pleasing, with an eye on the future, to see two Prep pupils, Henry S and Monty E, representing the School impressively with high finishes in the SchoolsGolf event at the excellent Lindrick GC. We have a number of golfers who are talented in other sports but I expect several to play more seriously in the years ahead and to push for Halford Hewitt selection.

RGE