It’s been another outstanding half term of sport here at TES, with silverware being added to an already extensive collection. It started with our hugely successful campaign at the BSME U13 games, as well as the Y5/6 boys Unihoc and Y3/4 mixed Benchball. Our Netball girls remain as arguably the number 1 team in the Middle East and the season was finished off with our big double win! Well done to all staff and students involved and a huge thank you for the support and cooperation of parents and the TES community! When we return, we look forward to heading to Dubai, where our U11 athletes will compete in the BSME Games. We wish them all the very best of luck!
ISACK U13 Girls Football Tournament 1/2
Saturday saw our U13 girls’ football team back in action. They made their debut at the BSME Games, where they finished a respectable 8th place after some sheer bad luck on the day. Over the weekend however, they proved how much better they are than an 8th place finish!
Their first game was against TEA. They spent 95% of the game in the opposition half, but just couldn’t score a goal. They fought hard and never gave up and eventually, a mistake by the goalkeeper earned the girls a penalty. Callie stepped up and fired a corker straight into the bottom right corner. 1-0 to TES. Unfortunately we couldn’t find another - but it wasn’t for a lack of trying. Nevertheless, we started the day with a win; well done girls! We went straight into our next game against Dasman, who were new to the tournament this year. The girls played brilliantly, and courtesy of Josefin, Lily and Leila, we managed a 3-0 win; this is not taking away from the fantastic effort of the whole team however! We went straight into our third fixture against KES who, like us, had started the day with two wins. It was a fierce game, with both teams playing some lovely football. Unfortunately for us, we conceded first - and it was to be the only goal we conceded all day. We went 1-0 down after 5 minutes. Credit to the girls however, they worked hard until our equaliser came. 1-1, with 2 minutes left. They were desperate for another goal and once again, spent the vast majority of the final stages in KES’ half, but couldn’t score the second goal. A 1-1 tie was what we had to settle for, but it still meant the girls hadn’t lost a game. Next up were BSK. It was probably the least exciting match of the day, as it is very difficult for us to score against a team, who place 4 defenders and their GK in the box - no matter how hard our girls tried, the goal just wouldn’t come, despite numerous corners, shots, passes, taps right in front of goal. A 0-0 draw, with one game left. Spirits were high, but we were hungry for one more win today. Our final match was against NES. Our girls were relentless and as was the theme of the day, most of the game was spent in their half. The girls worked extremely hard during the match and managed to finish the day with one final win. 2-0 to round off a successful morning of football. At the end of the first tournament, both TES and KES finished on 11 points, with both having 3 wins and 2 draws. On goal difference, KES finished 1st, as they are on +9 and our girls +6. Still, we are excited for the second tournament, where we hope to sneak a win and claim the title for TES. Good luck in April girls; you can do it!
ISACK U13 Boys Volleyball: Final
TES 2 - 0 KES
The boys finished the ISACK Volleyball season in fine form with a great performance in the final, to beat KES 2-0 in sets and be crowned 2018 champions. Going into the final the boys had won 6 out of 6 and only dropped one set all season long. The opening set was very tight with both sides unable to gain momentum or build a lead; the TES boys were looking to use 3 touches and did so effectively, playing some excellent team volleyball. KES had a run of points from serves and built a slight lead but the TES boys battled back with Benjamin and Woojin scoring from some fantastic spikes/hits. As a whole, the team worked well with Jack, Maxwell, Omar and Truman supplying Benjamin and Woojin with the chance to win points with downward attacking shots. Midway through the set the score was 14 all, despite TES playing the better brand of volleyball. After a short time-out and winning the service, Maxwell hit 6 great serves to build a 21-14 lead. The TES boys’ confidence bloomed and they really started to play some great shots; to the credit of the KES boys they battled to the end but were unable to stop the TES team winning the set 25-19. In the second set the boys were playing some really good shots and were good to watch, setting the ball high and picking the correct time to attack. Despite the TES boys playing at such a high level, KES were able to remain close in the score and held a lead for much of the start of the set. At 9-9 TES started to pull away and you could see the confidence flow through the team; the serving was excellent, communication was loud and clear and willingness to throw themselves around to win a point was a sight to behold. The boys kept playing the correct way and it eventually paid off with a deserved 25-17 set victory and the boys got the result they had worked so hard for. The boys have been a pleasure to coach all season long and put a great deal of effort into winning this ISACK titl. I would like to thank all the boys for contributing well all season long. Jad, Thomas, Rafael, Richard and Matthew were unable to play in the final but really contributed to the victory with their support and performances during the season. I would also like to thank the parents for their continued support; well done boys you really were great to watch!
ISACK U13 Girls Basketball: Final
TES 30 - 16 KES
Well it has been a truly fantastic season for our U13 girls once again. They have played some excellent basketball and really were the deserving champions, having been undefeated once again this season.
The game started off shakily for both teams, with numerous errors being made by both sides; it was clear that this wasn’t going to be an easy win! After the first five minutes or so, the girls settled down and scored two baskets, taking a 4-0 lead. Things were looking better and we had a head start. The second quarter was by far and away our best. The girls dominated from start to finish and KES never looked like catching us up. We scored several back to back baskets, courtesy of some excellent defense - despite one or two unnecessary fouls being committed - and more tenacity and determination offensively. At half time, the score stood at 14-3; the score may not sound that impressive, however the girls were all over KES and had numerous shots - but often couldn’t score! The third quarter was a ropey one from both teams, however our girls stood strong and worked hard. As they were told at half time, ‘just grit your teeth now and don’t let this lead go - the trophy is yours if you stay strong’. And stay strong enough they did. KES never looked like catching us up. The girls stayed firm, despite a few hair raising moments and KES trying to creep back into the game. The second half really was an intense time and both teams really had to dig deep. Nevertheless, the girls’ efforts in the first half were more than enough to secure the victory in the end and despite a last minute effort to catch us up, KES just didn’t have enough to take away the title from these most deserving girls.
It’s been an excellent season and the girls have been a joy to coach. Many thanks to the parents for their continuous support throughout the season and to the girls for working extremely hard! This title, means that currently, our U13 girls are undefeated in all sports since September - can they continue this streak in Season 3?