Under 15 Boys become South East Handball Champions!

The U15 boys represented the school in the South East Handball Finals at Surrey Sports Park, Guildford, having gained qualification through winning the County Finals back in February. The standard of handball at each competition this year has been a big step up with the sport becoming increasingly popular. Despite this, the boys were determined to win and make it through to represent the school in another National Final.

In their first game, they found themselves 5-3 down against Surrey but managed to battle back to claim a 5-5 draw and a vital point against a very good side. The boys realised the standard of competition they were in and followed the draw with a convincing 10-1 win against Hampshire. They played a school from Sussex in their next game and took an early lead and found themselves 5-2 up with a few minutes left to play but they let their lead slip and had to defend deep to claim a 5-4 win.

The team knew that a win against an unbeaten Buckinghamshire side would ensure they stood a good chance of winning the competition and with this in mind the boys put in an excellent performance to win 7-3. However, the boy’s chance of another shot at a National Championship rested on the final game of the day where Surrey played Buckinghamshire. A win for Surrey with a large goal difference would mean we would leave the competition as runner ups. Fortunately, the game ended 7-7 in a thrilling contest which ensured our progression through to the National Finals in Worcester on Saturday 10th June.

This is another excellent achievement for the boys who remain unbeaten over two years and are now looking to defend their national title. Please congratulate them around school when you see them and wish them good luck for the next round.

U15 Boys:

Anis Saidi

Josh Barcelona

John Lim

Segun Shodunke

Will Raife

Cameron Lawrence

Charlie Tucker

Max Laleng

Kieran Purkiss

Adam Aitken

Sam Alajiki

The U15 girls also represented the school after winning the County Finals back in February. Again, the standard of handball was very high and despite this, the girls managed to finish third which is an excellent achievement and an improvement on their fourth place finish two years ago. They picked up wins against Hampshire and Buckinghamshire. They also earnt a point against Sussex in a thrilling 7-7 draw. They were beaten by the winners Surrey 6-3 in their opening game.

U15 Girls:

Maddie Greenan

Astrid Apps

Abi Pickering

Ellen Seatter

Ellena O’Connell

Libby Denby

Sophie Long

Tamara Fournillier-Onadeko

Elisabeth Mate