When I last posted we were about to take on the old enemy in the return leg of our football fixtures. There were some splendid matches, with Woodcote victorious in the four senior games, but Sunningdale turned defeat into victory at Colts A and also won both of the Under 9 fixtures, although the margins were much closer this time – some judicious team management on both sides!
The season finished the following Wednesday at Horris Hill. I was privileged enough to escort the 4th XI on their away day and we returned 2-1 victors. The focus though was on the first XI who were unbeaten. Having gone ahead early on they were unfortunate to concede an equaliser. In a tense second half, they simply could not break through a solid and well-manned defence and were nearly caught on the break once or twice. The relief on their faces when the final whistle blew was obvious, although they did feel that they should have won the game. Nonetheless, they are a very, very good side – perhaps the best that DP has coached in the last 20 years and they should be very proud to remain unbeaten, especially considering the size and strength of some of the opposing schools.
Rugby has now begun in earnest and the boys are all really enjoying getting stuck in. The rain hasn’t been conducive to a free-flowing, running game but they have been knocking seven bells out of each other regardless. The 1st XV are off on tour on Wednesday of next week, playing Aysgarth and Cundall Manor – it will be good for them to test their mettle against schools that have been playing rugby all term. I am sure they will learn some valuable lessons!
This weekend was Junior Play weekend. It never ceases to amaze me how much the boys get from performing to an audience – they rose to the occasion magnificently and it was a joy to watch. It was great that the weekend also included the House Music Competition and House Shout – this meant that every single boy in the school was on stage, performing, at some point.
This week is Exam week and then we are off on a short Exeat before the final run-in. Next week, as I said, the senior boys are off on tour and there is also a Bingo Night on Friday and Super Heroes theme night on Saturday. The boarders are off to the Christmas Market in Winchester on Sunday to do their Christmas shopping. In the final week of term, the Juniors are going to the Pantomime in Woking, the choir will be singing carols at Camberley station on Tuesday 11th and then we have the two carol services on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th. Apparently, I have to sing a solo this year – that should be worth turning up for!!
That is all.