ISACK U13 Girls Volleyball Semi-final
Just like last week, the girls were to face NES once again. This time, we were at NES. The girls had worked hard since their defeat to NES the previous week, analysing where mistakes were made and trying to put right their wrongs.
Since game 1 at the beginning of the season, the progress this squad has made has been fantastic. It is a such a shame, that when they needed to get it right, too many mistakes were made and ultimately, we were beaten by a better team on the day.
In the first set, the game was an extremely tight affair to begin with. Our girls served excellently, were working very hard to return the NES serves and at one point, looked the more confident team. However, one particular server from NES caused us all sorts of problems, and from here, they opened up a lead. It has to be said, that the girls did not give up, despite being points down. They gave it their all, but couldn’t find an answer to the NES server. They lost the first set 25-16 in the end.
Moving into the second set, it started very much like the first one had finished. NES had us well and truly on the back foot and we were struggling. But as always, the TES girls didn’t give up, and managed to win back 5 consecutive points to rein the opposition in. Our serving today was fantastic and many aces were scored from the sheer power and precision of some of our girls. They utilised 3-touches more and really did make NES work hard for their win. Despite their best efforts though, the girls lost the second and final set 25-20.
NES were the worthy winners, but no one can say that our girls didn’t try. They have had a great season overall, and their dedication and determination has to be commended. Well done girls, you did the school and yourselves proud!
KFSAC Year 3 and 4 Mixed Benchball
Monday saw 10 of our boys and girls from Year 3 and 4 in action. They were looking to defend a title, which has been won for the last 7 years in a row under the reign of Mr Leaver, and this team managed to make it 8 years! What a fantastic show they put on for us.
They faced BSK first. They started slowly, making many unforced errors and not marking effectively enough. However, around 4 minutes into the game, the team found their flow. For the remainder of the game, it was a very one sided affair with TES dominating their opposition. Apart from one or two mishaps in defense, the team played extremely well and never looked like losing. The final score was 9-3 TES. We then moved onto ESF. Here, the children upped their game and their marking was much better and tighter, resulting in the opposition only scoring one goal. Our children were on fire and never let up from start to finish. 8-1 to TES was the final score. After this, we faced KES who we knew would be a tougher opponent. Nevertheless, the children once again played superbly. Their passing and movement was extremely slick and well organised at times, showcasing the many hours they have put into training these past few weeks. They managed to secure a comfortable 7-2 victory. Our next match up, was as always, the one we needed to win most. NES historically have been very strong across the board in sport and today was no different. It was a hard fought game with both teams throwing everything at it - it was fair to say, that the winner of this match would be today’s overall champions. However we proved too quick for them on the day and with greater tenacity from start to finish, TES won the game 6-3. So far, we had won all four of our games. Our last match would decide whether or not we were to be crowned overall champions or not. ATIS stood in our way. But our children saved their best until last. They went for it from the first whistle and never let up. Despite having conceded two goals through switching off at times, the children managed to score 5 goals within 2 minutes at one point. It was fantastic to watch and after having worked hard all day and showing great determination throughout, they won their final game 10-2. We enjoyed five fantastic games to spectate, resulting in TES retaining their Year 3 /4 Benchball crown - awesome performance from all 10 children!
ISACK U13 Boys Basketball Final
TES managed to retain the ISACK basketball championship in a very closely contested game versus BSK. TES, having won all previous 6 games, went into the game with confidence and started very well. The boys got into an offensive rhythm straight away and created numerous layup chances and were spacing the floor brilliantly; this led to some simple baskets which Owain, Orestis and Maro took advantage of. In defence the team looked good and restricted BSKs' scoring opportunities in the opening quarter, meaning we were leading 14-2 after 10 minutes. In the second quarter, BSK worked their way back into the game and closed the TES lead, with a number of the TES starters picking up several fouls. At half time, TES still held a commanding lead with the score being 22-12. From late in the second quarter and all throughout the entire second half TES found it more difficult to score baskets against the BSK defence. Owain and Orestis were continuing to drive well to the basket but found space limited as the BSK defence blocked the lane with defenders. During quarter 3, BSK continued to chip away at TES's lead. We also started to make some unforced errors, turning the ball over and taking bad shots on offence, whilst also committing more fouls on defence. BSK had a very good point guard who was scoring most of their baskets and it took a good team effort by the boys to slow down his scoring. Danny, Max and Matthew each took it in turns to defend the ball carrier and each made some very good plays on defence. Ahmed, Maro, Shaan and Nawaf all battled hard in the front court to win rebounds and did a good job of defending around the basket. After quarter 3 the score was 28-20 TES, but with BSK building some momentum and putting Owain and Orestis on 4 fouls each leading into the 4th quarter.
In the final quarter full court press is allowed which led to the opportunity for more points and more fouls in the game. With the TES players limited on defence due to the amount of fouls they were on, BSK found it easier to score layups and close the scoring gap. Midway through the final quarter, BSK had closed the gap to 4 points and the momentum was well and truly on their side. TES continued to commit fouls and were punished on the free throw line by the opposition and continued to make errors, allowing BSK back into the game. The TES lead was cut to 2 points with around 2 minutes left in the game. BSK again closed the gap to one basket but with Shareef proving to be a calming influence in the game claiming a couple of rebounds and securing the ball for team TES. On the next offensive possession Maro scored a vital basket to extend the TES lead to 4, but BSK fought back again replying with their own basket. With under a minute to play the boys had the ball with a 2 point lead and showed great composure to retain the ball, with Orestis being fouled out with just 11 seconds on the clock and a 2 point lead. Owain had earlier been fouled out as well. But thanks to some pure grit and determination by our boys, they were able to retain the ISACK title. A massive thank you to Mr Watts for all of his support and assistance over the course of the season and finally I am very grateful to the TES parents for their loud (at times very loud!) support of the boys in each and every game. Well done and congratulations - the rightful winners from game one!
KFSAC Year 5 and 6 Girls Netball- Friendly League
Well after an already successful week in TES sport, it was topped off nicely with two more wins in the U11 Girls Netball league. This week, they faced NES B and KES B here at TES. They played KES first, who they beat very comfortably 13-0. The girls played very well during this game, with many team combinations being tried and tested. Footwork was, for the first time this season, flawless and the movement around the attacking circle was excellent. Defensively, we were strong overall, however man to man marking is still an area for improvement. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic performance from our girls yet again.
Next they faced NES B. For the first 4 minutes, I was beginning to wonder where TES had gone! They started off very slowly making too many unforced errors and silly passes which were being easily intercepted. However, the girls finally found their rhythm and were back to their winning ways. At half time, they were leading 4-0. A few changes were made here and there, and the girls finally woke up in the second half. They played extremely well and proved to be too much for NES to keep up with. The final score was 11-0 and the girls should be commended for their efforts.
This season they have won 8/8 games. They have scored 85 goals and conceded only 2. Quite outstanding so far….but still there is work to be done to prepare for the KFSAC and BSME tournaments.