Blog by, Creag Lawrence, Director of Sport

Since January, an impressive 526 pupils have represented the school in at least one fixture, with many more taking part in House and Form competitions in hockey, netball, football and swimming. Across every sport and age group, pupils have demonstrated outstanding effort, commitment and enthusiasm. The pride in representing Kimbolton has been clear to see, and it has been a pleasure to support pupils throughout such a busy and successful term. A particularly high number of pupils have represented the school in hockey, netball, football, equestrian events, sailing, canoeing, and swimming, and we congratulate them for the way they have embraced these opportunities.

Hockey
This has been another strong season for our hockey teams. The 1st XI Boys produced some excellent performances, showing resilience despite two narrow cup exits on penalty shuffles. Their season ended on a real high with a superb 4–2 victory over Stamford. Strong commitment and teamwork were also evident across the 2nd, 3rd and 4th XIs, all of whom enjoyed notable wins against traditionally tough opposition.

The U15A Boys recorded excellent victories over New Hall and St Albans in what was Mr Whiteley’s final match in charge of a Kimbolton side. We thank him sincerely for his many years of dedication to both boys’ and girls’ hockey.

At younger age groups, the success continued:

• The U14A team were Tier 2 County Champions, progressing to the regional finals.
• The U13s also reached the regional finals after finishing runners-up in the county
  competition.
• Overall participation has been exceptional, with over 98% of Ingrams pupils representing the school in hockey this term.

Netball – Emily Q Under the leadership of our new Head of Netball, Mrs Short—a former Super League player and England international—the 1st VII has shown tremendous progress. The team competed strongly against local rivals, with standout victories over King Henry VIII School and the OKs, and amemorable experience at the national Supershot Tournament at Oundle.

Highlights throughout the programme include:

• The U15A team finishing 2nd of 8 at the King’s Ely Tournament.
• The U14 teams and U15C & D teams all achieving winning records.
• Exceptionally high participation at Ingrams (100%), where the U13B team won 6 of their 8 fixtures and the U13D team achieved a perfect unbeaten record.

A special mention to Miss Grigg-Pettitt, who joined us in January and has brought great energy to the Ingrams programme while competing for the Nottingham Forest Next Gen Netball squad.

Swimming
House Swimming once again showcased brilliant inter-house spirit—well done to everyone who took part. Our school swimming team competed twice in the Thursday Swim Series and head into the final meet in a strong position.

The standout moment of the term was undoubtedly the performance of Emily, Tessa, Charlotte and Abi at the prestigious Bath & Otter Cup at the London Aquatics Centre. After an excellent heat swim in the medley relay, the girls qualified for the final with a time of 2:07.71. Showing outstanding determination and teamwork, they produced a phenomenal final swim to secure the Silver Medal, setting a new team personal best of 2:05.82. A huge congratulations to all four swimmers.

Canoeing
The Canoe Team has taken on the formidable Waterside Series, four races increasing from 13 miles to an extraordinary 34 miles.

Outstanding results included:

• Race A: 1st Schools Mixed Crew – Aimee & Isaac
• Race B: 1st Schools Ladies Crew – Emily & Hannah
• Race C: Successful navigation of the very dark 400m tunnel!
• Race D: 1st Junior Crew – Tom & Theo

Overall Series Results:

• 1st Mixed Junior Crew: Aimee & Isaac
• 1st Junior Male Crew: Jake & Aaron (OK)
• 1st School Team: Kimbolton School

Over the Easter weekend, the team will tackle the legendary 118-mile Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race, paddling over four demanding days. We wish every paddler the very best of luck.

Equestrian
Our Equestrian Team enjoyed significant success at the Bloxham Eventer Challenge Championships, with superb riding from Megan, Emmy, Flora, Tilly and Flora.

Final standings included:

• 4th place for the 90cm team
• Tilly Rearden crowned 90cm Champion and finishing 3rd overall in the 1m class

We wish all riders the best as they prepare for the next event at Bury Farm on 19th April.

General Sport
It has been a busy term across the wider sporting landscape:

The U13 Girls’ Football Team reached the quarter finals of the ESFA Cup, narrowly losing to Repton after an excellent run.

• Our U13 and U15 Girls’ Cricket Teams both progressed to the County rounds of the
  Indoor Cricket Championships after winning their district competitions.
• Six pupils represented Kimbolton at the County Golf Championships at St Ives, with Oliver finishing 4th overall.
• Congratulations to Josh, Clara, Harrison, Rebekah and Izzy, who all competed at the English Schools’ National Cross Country Championships in Merseyside.

Pre-Season Training
Please find information below regarding pre-season training where all pupils are invited to attend, regardless of previous playing experience.

Monday 20th April
10:00-11:30 – Ingrams Boys’ & Girls’ Cricket Practice – Open invite (Meet at Cricket Nets)
10:00-11:30 – Ingrams Girls’ Tennis Practice – Open invite (Meet at Castle Astro)
12:00-13:30 – Middles Boys’ & Girls’ Cricket Practice – Open invite (Meet at Cricket Nets)
12:00-13:30 – Middles Boys’ & Girls’ Tennis Practice – Open invite (Meet at Castle Astro)
14:00-15:30 – Senior Boys’ & Girls’ Cricket Practice – Open invite (Meet at Cricket Nets)
14:00-15:30 – Senior Boys’ & Girls’ Tennis Practice – Open invite (Meet at Castle Astro)

Summer Term Fixtures
All Spring term sports fixtures have been added on SOCS (sport.kimboltonschool.com) to aid future planning.