Sporting Highlights - 19 January 2024

A fantastic first week back for the Sports Department ... 

Cross-Country News 
A busy start to the term for the cross-country team. A terrific trip to Sevenoaks for the Knole Run last Saturday. Perfect running weather and a superb course contributed to the afternoon. First in for the Lancing boys around the tough 5.9 mile course was Fin S, with Theo S F, Max S, Mark McD and Luca C all close behind. This was the longest race some of our team had completed, so this is an excellent effort all round.

In the girls’ race our first finisher was Grace H, with Grace S and Lara N swiftly on her heels. We also had two new members of the team in Sonia L and Nicha T. Well done to them on their first race.

Tuesday this week our cross-country team represented in the Sussex Schools Championships. Well done to Theo S F who was our top finisher, coming in fourth place in a highly competitive Intermediate Boys' race round a tough course. This has qualified him to run for Sussex later in the season. There were also fine runs from Grace S and Lara N in the Senior Girls' race – who just missed out on a county place – and from Grace H and Luca C. Well done to all who took part.

A reminder that the first League Run of the Lent Term starts this afternoon 3:50pm prompt by the garages.


Equestrian News
Tom M competed at Coombelands on Sunday in the Eventers' challenge at 90 and 100cm and was placed in both: fourth at 90 and third at 100. He has now qualified for the National Championships at both heights.


Hockey news
The 1st XI got their season underway vs Lingfield at home. Despite the opening day loss, the team showed plenty of promise for the season ahead. MVP on the day goes to captain Harry S for a fantastic effort at both ends of the pitch.

The 2nd XI made a very encouraging start to the season. Excellent work rate and a great team performance. There were several very good counter attacks, the most successful from Julian N and Luca B ending with a very well taken goal from Loui Gerard. Strong performances from George A and Sutirth K, but MVP was Lucas B who was excellent in the middle of the pitch. The game ending 1-1.

U15A v Lingfield: An encouraging season opener. A dominant performance in the first half meant the team went into half time 1-0 up thanks to a well-taken goal from Bryn H. An even contest for much of the second half saw opportunities at both ends, and Lingfield equalised with five minutes remaining. 
MVP was Alex G for his performance in the midfield.

The U14A made a spirited start to the season narrowly losing 3-2 to Lingfield. An all-round team performance with everyone working hard for each other, culminating with Lucas V D poaching 2 goals at centre-forward. MVP was George F for some excellent saves!


Football
On Saturday, Lancing held their first football fixtures of 2024 with away matches at King Edward's School Witley for the Lent Term 1st, 2nd and 3rd XI.  A disappointing start for the 1st XI saw them defeated 4-2; however an excellent all-round team performance allowed the 2nd XI to win 2-1 following goals from Josh R and a wonder strike by James B. Our Team of the week was our 3rd XI with a convincing 3-0 victory, featuring two goals from Jakob L and one from IK N, completed a dominant afternoon's work.

Team of the week: Angus McL, Beau F, Sam J, Matty B, Nicholas P, Tom C, Marley R, Josh R, Jakob L, James B, IK N.

Player of the week: Josh R.


Swimming
Well done to Bethany K who – back in December – competed in the Winter National Swimming Competition, an event where qualification alone is notoriously difficult to achieve. Bethany came away from the meet with a new personal best in the 100m Individual Medley and a very respectable top 20 placing.

Tuesday afternoon this week Lancing hosted the third round of the Super Schools Swimming League (SSSL) against St John's and Warden Park. 
Both visiting schools put out strong teams and Lancing had to fight hard for every point. Well done to Alessio M, Isaac B, Bella B and Bethany K for winning of their individual races. Special mention to Bethan E to her help with timekeeping. Overall, Lancing finished in second place with 236 points behind St John's 250 points. Warden Park finished on 162 points. Thank you to Rio L taking part in his first gala.


Basketball
Lancing basketball started the New Year off in familiar fashion as they comfortably beat a strong Brighton College. They gained an early lead and continued in this fashion for the rest of the match. Final score 73-53. Top scorer and MVP Jakob L.


Netball News
A busy start to the netball term with a full block fixture against Seaford, with three games at home and six game away at Chichester University.

Our 1st VII fought hard and showed true resilience, progressively improving within each quarter. A close and well-contested game, however Seaford proved to be the stronger team winning 25-18. Despite the loss the team’s effort and determination were commendable. MVPs awarded to Darcy H and Claire M.

A very tough game for our 2nd VII who were defensively strong throughout with some excellent communication and teamwork from the shooters. Credit to Tilly L, Alex M, Verity K and Lara C, however MVPs were awarded to Ava S and Chloe W.

A very encouraging performance from our 3rd VII, demonstrating great teamwork with many positives to take forward, including wining the last quarter 9-4. A very well done to Isobel C for a standout performance in defence, being awarded MVP alongside Romily T-J for her outstanding performance in midcourt.

Having supported the 14As prior to their match, the 15As demonstrated their experience as a team, taking Seaford by storm from the very first centre pass, and creating an early lead for Lancing. Seaford fought back in the second and third quarters, but Lancing remained calm and composed working together to retain their overall lead, entering the final quarter ahead by 3 goals. Some essential turnovers from Emily S combined with smooth transition play from Freya T and Sophia B into the circle created the much-needed ample opportunities for goals. As confidence was growing, shooting duo Nadiya L and Amelia G thrived under the pressure and saved the best till last by securing 13 goals to Seaford’s 2 in the fourth and final quarter. A strong performance by all, and a promising result for the rest of the season, Lancing took the overall 32-17 win. MVP was awarded to Amelia G.

Our U15Bs and U15Cs faced a tough game, however their determination and fighting spirit were evident as they faced a strong opponent in Seaford. The final scores may not have reflected their efforts, but they should be commended for their resilience and refusal to back down. MVPs were awarded to Jo O, Alex K, Anika M and Poppy G for their exceptional performances.

The U14As started out strong in their first quarter, taking an early lead 8-2. Fantastic feeds into the circle by Kaylee B and Molly T ensured the goals by Phoebe H and Gabby O-N. A dip in the 2nd and 4th quarter, gave Seaford a glimmer of hope of a comeback, but our solid defence of Lily S and Emilia M ensured this was not to be the case. Overall win 16-9 to Lancing College with MVPs awarded to Gabby and Lily.

The U14Bs put on a brilliant performance but unfortunately resulted in a narrow loss. Despite the defeat, all the players showcased their skills and gave their best effort throughout the game. Their hard work and dedication should be recognised, and they should be proud of their performance despite the outcome. MVP awarded to Purdey M.

The U14Cs faced a challenging game at the weekend but should be proud of their efforts as the side never gave up and battled hard right until the final whistle. With plenty of positives to be taken from the game, the side will undoubtedly continue to grow and thrive throughout the season.