After a busy week of exams the Second Years blew off some steam on Friday afternoon at the much-anticipated inter-form athletics competition. 2B came out victorious, but there were achievements all round and a good time was had by all. Will McLoughlin (2B) and Declan Connolly (2J) bring us the following reports:
‘On the Friday afternoon of exam week the inter-form athletics competition took place. Many close, high-quality races and contests were seen. However it ended with 2B coming out on top (partly due to them winning all 100m events and the relay). The day was entertaining and enjoyed by all present.’ Will McLoughlin – 2B
‘The overall winners were 2B, with 2J narrowly missing out on first place. In 2J special mention on the track goes to Leo Nathwani who won his hurdle B race, Dylan Dyson Holland who won his 300m race by a nod on the line and Declan Connolly and Theo Radicopolous who won their A and B races of 800m. The all-important decider was the relay with 2W being disqualified making 2B winners and 2J runners up. Special mention on the field goes to Sami Omaar who won his javelin and Sam Hussey, Oscar Murphy and Dylan Dyson Holland who all won their A , B , C discus competitions. Overall it was a great afternoon which allowed us to finish a week of stressful exams on a high.’ Declan Connolly – 2J
Ted Buckle, of 2L, achieved a Personal Best at the event. Let’s hear from the man himself:
‘On Friday the 10th of June all Hampton boys in the Second Year competed in inter-form athletics. All the boys had just finished their exams and were excited for this special occasion. It started with three hurdles races and the 100 metre races. There were some amazing performances in the middle distance track races and in all the field events. I took part in a very tight high jump competition which involved make great jumpers such as Rafe Bletso (2H) and Tom Shepherd (2J). They gave their best efforts but the final two athletes were me, and Maxi Grindley (2P). But after a very close competition, I managed to clinch victory with a height of 1.45. Maxi closely followed with 1.40. After this, as my Personal Best before the day was 1.45, I challenged myself to reach a higher height. After clearing 1.48 and 1.50 first try, I attempted to clear 1.52. After two attempts, I had still not done it but on my third and final attempt, I managed to leap over the bar and left the mat with an amazing Personal Best. Overall, I believe that last Friday was a very successful and enjoyable day and I look forward to the swimming gala.’ Ted Buckle – 2L
Over the weekend Joseph Dormer (2L) competed in the London Youth Games sailing event on behalf of Richmond borough. Joseph did extraordinarily well in the light winds (at time non-existent). Congratulations, Joseph, and thank you for this report:
‘My sport is sailing and last weekend I competed for Richmond Borough in the London Youth Games. For the first time the event was held at Queen Mary Sailing Club, which is also my home club. I had been watching the wind forecast for the previous few days getting gradually worse and on the day it couldn’t have been lighter. We launched at approximately 11am and headed off to the start line – I knew several of the other boys as I race against them regularly- however, once under racing rules we were all concentrating on getting the best start which gives you a really good advantage. Despite the very light conditions I started well and in the first race came second which is also where I placed in the last race too. We had a total of 4 races and the other two finishes were not as strong but I was still able to finish second overall and won silver for my class. There are about 8 sailing events over the course of the weekend in difference class boats and this year team Richmond got its first ever podium finish in the sailing regatta finishing 3rd, so I have a bronze medal to add to my silver medal.’ Joseph Dormer – 2L
Joshua Breadmore (2B) also competed at The London Youth Games. The tennis finals were held at Redbridge Sports Centre, where Richmond had qualified with the remaining 5 other London boroughs. Joshua was again the number 1 seed for boys. The team as a whole played very well and reached the semi-finals. In hard fought matches (1 boys singles, 1 girls singles and 1 mixed doubles) Richmond beat Hackney 2-1 to reach the finals. However they lost 2-1 to Haringey in the final. Joshua and the rest of the team came away with silver medals and with the knowledge that this is the best performance that the Richmond tennis juniors have ever had in the London Youth Games which are the largest youth games in the whole of Europe. Well done, Joshua!
We also congratulate Declan Connolly (2J), who has been chosen to represent Richmond in the athletics squad for London Youth Games at The National Sports centre next month. Declan represented Richmond for the Virgin Mini Marathon in April and for the Youth Games Cross Country in November. Well done, Declan, we wish you the very best of luck in your event.
Before the holidays a number of lucky Second Years enjoyed an evening at the Royal Albert Hall. The boys enjoyed this amazing show and recommend it wholeheartedly. These brilliant reports sum up what is was all about:
‘I can see why they called it “Space Spectacular” because it was incredible. The atmosphere in that room was just brilliant. The Royal Albert Hall is such a big space and the Philharmonic Orchestra felt so at home in there. The music was unbelievable too. As I am both a Star Wars fan and I have a passion for music, certain pieces by John Williams filled me with nostalgia and I couldn’t believe that I was really there. The comedy was very cheesy, but I didn’t even care. I was completely immersed by whole thing. An extremely enjoyable night.’ Tobias Droy – 2H
‘The space spectacular was a brilliant show to watch and I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Star Wars, Star Trek, ET or just music composed with a space theme.
‘I think that Space Spectacular was a very amazing concert and worth visiting. The orchestra played very enthusiastically, and the conductor interacted wonderfully with the audience. Towards the end, he instructed the audience to count down from “5” to “Firebirds Go Flying!”. In fact, the lighting and pyrotechnics was the most impressive part of the show. The lights included spotlights on the conductor, a disco ball, coloured lights flooding the audience and ceiling, and even laser lights. Combined with smoke from smoke machines, these lights were truly from outer space. Moreover, the pyrotechnics included flying firebirds, sparklers, fire, and even indoor fireworks. In conclusion, the lighting, pyrotechnics, and the music itself set Space Spectacular apart from any other.’ Vladimir Penzyev – 2P
Let’s end this week’s blog by saying well done to the Second Years who have achieved new merit milestones. Congratulations go to Matthew Cresswell (70) and
Arjun Samra (130).
If your son has any news that should be mentioned in a future bulletin, please do encourage them to see me in school or email me at f.byrne@hamptonschool.org.uk and I shall be delighted to include it.
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