Sporting Highlights – End of Year 2021–2022

The Tennis term has continued to be a success this year, with students training all year round in both group sessions and individual lessons. Some of the highlights of this year include our Boys’ 1st Team winning the U18 Sussex League Tournament, our Girls’ 1st Team finishing Runners Up in their U18 Sussex League Tournament, the U16 Boys retaining their Sussex Shield Title at Bede’s, and our Junior Boys and Girls qualifying through to the knockout stages of the LTA Division 2 Year 9 & 10 Youth Schools Tournament next term.

Half colours are to be awarded to Isabella H, Dan T, Ollie M, Laura McG, Bea J.

Full colours are to be awarded to George N, Will C, Ollie C, Kitty P, Dottie C, Rosie H.

As well as competitive tennis, this term has also seen the return of the Junior and Senior Manor Cup, both of which have had a terrific turnout and some spectacular costumes. Well done also to everyone who participated in this year’s House Tennis Tournament last Saturday.

In the Junior Girls’ event, it was Field’s House who finished in third place with 5 wins, Handford in second place with 8 wins, but it was Manor House who clinched the title having won 10 out of their 12 matches. In the Junior Boys’ event Gibbs’ House took third place with 8 wins, Saints’ House finished in second place with 11 wins, but it was the mighty Head’s boys A team who claimed the overall win, dropping only one match out of their 15.

The Senior event, although slightly more depleted still impressed on the day. Some close matches throughout and some improvisation from some of the boys’ teams, but nonetheless an entertaining day of tennis. Third place in the Senior Boys’ event goes to Heads House, second place to School House, but it was Second’s House who claimed back the trophy winning 9 out of their 12 matches.

The Senior Girls’ event was close in results, with Handford finishing in third place, Field’s in second and Manor in first.

It is with great sadness that this year we have say farewell to a large number of our 1st Team tennis boys, three of whom in particular have been playing 1st team tennis throughout their time at Lancing:

• Will T made his debut for the Lancing College 1st Team when he was still at Lancing Prep Worthing. Cool and composed on court, despite battling a nasty shoulder injury this term, Will’s commitment to College Tennis has been extensive and we wish him a speedy recovery this Summer.
• Jayden H, who leaves us at the end of Fifth Form, has gone from strength to strength here at Lancing. A true advocate for tennis at Lancing, Jayden is often found on the tennis courts in his free time hitting with players or serving a bucket of balls. His love for the sport is evident and his teamwork and leadership skills this year are to be commended.
• Finally, George N, our current 1st team captain. George has not only captained the boys’ 1st team for 4 out of his 5 years at Lancing, but he has lead the team to countless victories, even during the Summer of COVID. A calming influence on the side line, and true competitor on court, A truly respected and honourable captain and a talented tennis player at that, we thank him for his ongoing commitment across his 5 years.

The Summer Term has seen record numbers across all year groups attend Girls’ football with around 60 girls taking part each week. In its initial year, both the Senior and Junior girls have taken part in the first ever Girls Independent Schools’ Football League and competed well in all matches showing progress week after week. Highlights of the girls’ football season include the Senior 1st XI girls record breaking 10-0 win over Hurstpierpoint, and the Junior girls’ first win over Lingfield College.

Additionally, the Girls’ House Football Cup was a fantastic event in which the girls showed tremendous skill and work ethic. Eight teams from five Houses, fiercely competing to become the first ever Girls’ House Football Cup champions. An incredible end-to-end final between Field’s and Sankey’s gave chances for both teams but ended up with the dreaded penalty kicks. Converted penalties from Grace S and Lily T left Fields needing to score their final spot kick to stay in the tournament. With pressure mounting, the final penalty was missed, and the new champions Sankey’s were crowned.

Girls’ Football Half Colours awarded to: Clara B, Aimee C, Katie C, Jina C, Grace C, Olivia H, Madison H, Nen R, Geanina S, Lucie T, Mathilde T, Tessneem W, Sophie W, Claudia W and Paris Y.

After two seasons of not playing any competitive fixtures, it was fantastic to see cricket back on our fixture programme.

The 1st XI won 3 matches and pulled off a brilliant draw against the MCC, which was our best result to date. Jamie C was awarded the Lancing Rovers cup for his contribution to cricket on and off the field. He was top runs scorer this season with a brilliant half century against the MCC. Hamish K was our leading wicket taker ably supported by Omar M A and captain Oscar S.

The Under 15s had a solid season gaining three brilliant win. Max W led the side well, supported by Fin S and Harry B with the ball and Cal N and Oscar E with the bat.

Both the Senior and Junior girls were impressive throughout the term. Their core skills developed quickly in training and results in matches were very impressive. Star performers were Rebecca H and Poppy S.

As mentioned last week, House cricket was a brilliant spectacle, and the final results were as follows:

• Senior Boys’ winners: School
• Junior Boys’ winners: Head’s
• Girls’ winners: Sankey’s

Full Colours: Jamie C

Half Colours: Omar M A, Oscar S, Ozzy R, Hamish K, James S and Ethan F.

Girls’ Full Colours: Rebecca H and Poppy S.

Girls’ Half Colours: Myf S, Scarlett P, Mia B and Vivi S.

And finally … the staff played the leavers in their final hockey game. The staff played with flair and with a counter attacking hockey style, and the leavers kept mounting pressure on the staff defence leaving the game goalless at half time. The goals came in the second half and were converted by the Maths Department. Mr Bullen striking the ball past his tutee Tess W. And Mr Loe showing his composure in front of goal.

About Lancing College

Located in the picturesque South Downs of West Sussex, Lancing College is a leading independent school and sixth form for pupils aged 13-18. Founded in 1848, the co-educational English private school is home to both boarding and day students and has a longstanding reputation for traditional values and exemplary pastoral care. Contact us today to begin your journey.

Final score 2-0 to the staff.