South Coast Sports Tour A Super Success
24 Oct
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Over the half-term holidays, Princethorpe’s PE and Games Department took 38 Year 8 and 9 pupils on what proved to be a soggy four-day tour of the south coast. The 18th Annual South Coast Sports Tour included training and matches interspersed with plenty of off-pitch activities and fun.
The Year 9 boys faced Portsmouth RFC first, where a strong performance delivered a 42-0 victory. Their second match involved a trip across the water to the Isle of Wight to face Ryde School. The team stayed determined, holding their opponents to a 7-7 draw. They finished the tour with another great match against Pates Grammar winning 21-14.
Head of Boys’ Games and Tour Leader, Joe Jackson, commented, “The boys were competitive across each of their three fixtures. They came up against solid competition but played confidently and scored plenty of fantastic tries. They were unbeaten on tour, which bodes well for the remaining games of the season.”
The Year 8 Netball girls had good results too. Their games included good ball handling and individual play and what was most pleasing was their determination throughout the tour. Fielding two teams, the girls first played Ryde School. The U13As played with grit and decisiveness and secured an excellent 21-11 win. The U13Bs did just as well and their consistency throughout their fixture earned them an excellent 27-1 victory.
In their second match, the girls faced Pates Grammar. The A team came up against fierce competition and a team that were very well practised. They displayed tenacity and remained resilient in a close match where the score just went against them, finishing in an 11-13 loss. The B team had a much better time, with their match finishing with a 23-5 win. Both teams took plenty of learning away from their games.
On tour, off the pitch is always a great chance to build team spirit through lots of different activities. Pupils enjoyed Splashdown, the all-action, flume-filled waterpark, had time for shopping at Gunwharf Quays, went ten pin bowling and, of course, enjoyed a competitive morning of games on the beach.
Joe Jackson, continued, “The matches were all really well contested throughout the tour with the teams going from strength to strength. The group came together well and really bought into the full tour experience. It was another successful tour and the rain didn't stop our fun.”
Huge thanks to the dedicated sports staff who accompanied the tour: Tom Gleghorn, Joe Jackson, Megan McDonagh and Carly Walton. A big thank you, of course, to the schools and sports clubs that hosted us; their hospitality was outstanding, and we look forward to continuing the relationship with them for future tours.