In the week after half term, the weather has yet again dominated proceedings. However, in true Lancing style, this did not ‘dampen’ the spirits of those taking part in the league run, indeed a ‘flood’ of 240 runners still competed in the weekly cross-country run. There is also excellent news from the Fives, Hockey and Netball clubs in a week where some Lancing teams have been slow out of the blocks after the February rest.

Fives
The Fives club took both the Boys' and Girls' teams to Charterhouse on Thursday. There was variety in the standards of the opposition, and in the end Lancing earned a 3-3 draw. Coco A and Abbie M-H won all their games without dropping a point and the Senior Boys (Tom L and Callum H) won by 2 games to 0. Despite some losses in the junior age groups, this was another pleasing set of matches for the Fives Club.

Boys’ Hockey
History was made this week when the 1st XI competed in the National Boarding Schools’ Cup for the first time. A tough match against Bradfield College faced them, but what ensued was a rearguard action of the highest quality. Coming from one down, the team survived a good deal of pressure early on from a team that were intent on attack. Goals from Johno C (2 flicks), Rob C and Wilfred A secured an outstanding 4-2 victory. This now takes the team into the semi-finals where they are to face a strong Canford side. A full report by Captain Chris M can be found by clicking here. This win installs them as team of the week.

Netball
A block of fixtures against Seaford College was played on Tuesday. In the 2nd team game, absence and injury curtailed an otherwise solid performance; half way through the 2nd quarter the scores were level and the balance shifting towards Lancing. Then captain Anna S injured her ankle and had to be rested.  A distracted team then let Seaford seize the initiative and with a quarter to go, the opposition led by a comfortable margin. However, the captain returned to the field of play and Lancing set about their opponents. By the final whistle, the team had clawed back to within 3 points of parity, a truly commendable effort by all. Particular mention should go Amy P, Holly W and Milly H for well linked attacking play in the final quarter that nearly saw an improbable comeback and triumph. However, for sheer grit, determination and positive influence on the final leg of the game, MVP goes to the captain Anna S.

However the best result of the week in the Netball Club was produced by the U16 team. Captain Lizzie H commented that it was an awesome match with brilliant play from the whole team. In the first quarter Lancing started well scoring 6 goals and then things just carried on getting better. We ended up wining 25-4 in the end. Everyone contributed really well in the win and Lizzie echoed this, attributing the result to great team work. Player of the match was given to Emily Y who played really well and demonstrated lots of enthusiasm.

Squash
On Wednesday, the 1st team faced Bryanston in the next round of the national cup. The 1st team took full advantage of a rare home draw and made sure they kept their proud unbeaten record. In beating Bryanston 5-0, Josh A-R, Glenn B and Chris M all won. Fresh from a match with ex tennis pro Andrew Castle the night before, Ryan W won easily, and Cameron W won, again only dropping one point in his match. Well done to the team, and it now looks like a trip to Exeter or Wellington College in the Quarter Finals. It also marks the impressive feat of both the 1st and U15 teams making this advanced stage in the nationals.

Congratulations to all who are contributing to making sport at Lancing so successful.