Canterbury High School Handball Success – Under 15 Boys finish 4th place in National Finals.
The U15 handball team competed in the National Finals held in Worcester recently. Last year in the U13 age group, the school became National Champions. Throughout the District, County and Regional finals, the standard of Handball had increased since last year and as the popularity of the sport continues to rise, the competitions are becoming tougher to win to gain progression to the next. With this in mind, it had already been an excellent achievement for the boys to make it to the finals for the second year running.
Unfortunately, after a two and a half hour stop on the side of the M40 due to mini bus mechanical failure, which despite Mr Reeve's initial thoughts wasn't anything to do with Miss Standing’s standard of driving, the handball weekend had not started well. It was not ideal preparation for the competition the next day but the boys took this in their stride and behaved impeccably throughout the troubled journey.
The next morning after a walk to the venue the boys were focused and ready for the days competition. They flew out the blocks with wins against schools representing the East, North East and London, scoring twelve and conceding just two in the process.
Full of confidence, the boys went into their third game against Crispin School from the South West. This was the first time in two years that the team had been up against a team which matched them. Going three goals down after just two minutes led to a change in tactics. The whole team adapted to a new man to man system which caused confusion for the opposition and many of the other schools watching. A fightback was on and the game was level with only minutes to go. Unfortunately, Crispin School found an extra gear and scored a late winner.
The first loss the boys had suffered and one which unfortunately led to them not being able to recover from. Another loss at the hands of the Midlands and then a late draw against the North West meant that Canterbury Academy would finish in fourth place.
One extra goal in the last game would have meant a bronze medal, which in my opinion would have been a fairer finish. However, it was undeniable that Crispin School deserved the National title.
Please congratulate the boys on their achievement and also on their behaviour all weekend. They represented the school in the best possible fashion.