Our rookie sports reporters at the ready
Student journalism is alive and kicking at UCS. Pupils are regular contributors to the main school publications – termly newsletter The Frognal and annual magazine The Gower – as well as editing and producing student-led magazine The Tortoise, in addition to other departmental-themed journals.
They readily take ownership, and authorship, of articles for the school website too, and the end of the Summer Term brought a flurry of pieces inspired by UCS sports teams and sports days. Some of these articles feature in the latest edition of The Frognal; others will appear in The Gower when it comes out during the Autumn Term.
Here, however, are some further examples of pupils’ impressive sports reporting which have been rescued from the cutting-room floor.
Under-15 cricketers’ swansong success
By Ishan Mathur & Anton Diamond
UCS’s Under-15As had another great season. Despite frequent injuries and losing players to 1st XI call-ups, nine out of 12 games were won, the highest win percentage of any team in the school. Dominant displays like in the Area Cup against City of London showed off the team’s quality in the field, with City only managing 59 in an exceptional performance.
Opening bats Will Gordon and Ishan Mathur proved a menacing challenge for any bowler, both producing dominant innings in important games. The top four were crucial to our success with Roshan Mathur and Anton Diamond ever able to steady the ship if needed. The team’s sublime bowling cannot be understated either. Ollie Kramer, Gully Lewis, Matteo Roberts and Ayaan Sanger helped take games away from opponents right from the outset.
Although this was our last season playing together as a year group, we have many memorable moments and great times to look back on: getting revenge against Colfe’s in a thrilling regional cup victory; and beating Westminster and Latymer Upper on finals day to win the London section of the English Schools Cricket Association Cup – a stellar showing by Roshan Mathur at the crease securing the trophy. We hope the team’s passion and love for cricket will carry forward into the 1st XI in coming years, and that the players of this successful squad will continue to showcase their prowess in UCS colours.
U15A squad: Will Gordon, Ishan Mathur (WK)(C), Roshan Mathur (C), Anton Diamond (C), Charlie Rollo, Milo Sharland, Ollie Kramer, Gully Lewis, Matteo Roberts, Ayaan Sanger, Alfie Bureau, Oscar Schott
Cup runs spice up U13 cricketers’ season
By Harry Bayfield
The Under-13A team had another good season, playing in one final and booking a second semi-final after the end of term. The campaign resembled a roller-coaster ride, starting with a flourish but then including the upset of a final defeat against Latymer. However, the side will bid to bounce back when they travel to Rutlish School – the same vanquished opponents from last year’s final – in the Area Cup semi-final, scheduled for the summer holidays.
Regardless of the outcome in that fixture, there have been many incredible individual performances to look back on. In our first game, Sahil Prasad and Arhaan Bains powered the team to a ten-wicket victory over Highgate. I notched 68 not out versus Forest School. Arjun Mathur scored 52 against Latymer, and finally Noah Lass took four wickets to dismantle Wren Academy in the cup. Overall, this has been a strong campaign and our cup exploits capped an eye-catching summer of Lower School cricket.
Deme rivalry ups stakes on Remove sports day
By Noam Rechtman
The Year 10 sports day was an exciting occasion filled with athleticism and excitement. It was a warm, sunny day which made it slightly more challenging, but the Remove year group exhibited their skills and determination, engaging in various sporting activities including sprinting, jumping and assorted throwing events. Music was playing and the spectators cheered for their Demes as the races unfolded. The race we were all waiting for was the 100m relay. This was intense, and the inter-Deme rivalry among the crowd made for a very lively atmosphere. Overall, it was a successful day, fostering a sense of sportsmanship and friendship among all participants.
