HOUSE REPORTS

 

ATHENIAN HOUSE

 

House Masters: Mr. Driver, Mr. Carswell.

House Mistresses: Miss Bedford, Miss Ellis.

House Captains: Searle, Vivienne Dunham.

 

Autumn and Spring Terms

 

As far as games are concerned this has been rather a poor season for Athenian House, the only redeeming features being the fine displays put up by our senior girls, and our cross-country running teams; they set a worthy example to the rest of the House. On the other hand, the results of the verse-speaking and prose-reading competitions show just what we can do away from the games field.

 

Hockey.

 

Our Senior girls proved superior on the hockey field this season. In the Autumn Term the team drew with Corinthians and Spartans, and beat Trojans, and finished as top House equal with Corinthians.

 

In the Spring Term the team won all of its matches and won the competition again – congratulations girls!

 

Team: L. Collins, B. Drummond, N. Timewell, J. Grantham, V. Dunham, A. Ashley, A. Blackman, E. Tyler, M. Brownjohn, D. Widdecombe and A. Jennings.

 

Reserves: J. Potter, V. Smith and W. Tregaskis.

 

Netball.

 

The netball team did not do very well this season, and lost all their matches. In spite of this the team played well against stronger opposing sides and deserved more success.

 

Team: H. Cole, J. Vivian, M. Pond, E. Thompson (Capt.), M. Davis, D. Swaine and J. Witts.

 

Reserves: A. Morley, M. Skinner and I. Vickery.

 

Rugby.

 

In the Autumn Term the Rugby teams lost all their matches. This was not due to any lack of enthusiasm on the part of the players. Everyone concerned played with great spirit and if this spirit can be continued we are bound to be more successful in the future.

 

Senior XV: Smith, Abbott, England, Newman, Crowe, Searle (Capt.), Madley, Fullelove, Cole, P. Niklaus, Whitton, J. Niklaus, Brownjohn, Greenaway and Uglow.

 

Junior XV: Kelly, Drummond, Hardy, Prew, Clark, Maers, Newman, Josey, Penwill, Thompson, Dunscombe, Ball, Campbell, Dixon, Wilson, Smith and Cooke.

 

In the Spring Term the seniors played seven-a-side Rugby and this time we were a little more successful. The first seven beat Trojans, but lost to Corinthians and Spartans, but both of these Houses had very strong teams. The second seven beat Spartans but lost to Corinthians and Trojans.

 

The Juniors played fifteen-a-side Rugby again this term and once again lost all their matches, although they must be congratulated on trying very hard against teams which were largely composed of much bigger players. Our final position in the Rugby competitions was fourth.

 

Senior 1st VII: Whitton, Niklaus Searle, Uglow, England, Crowe and Newman.

 

2nd VII: Burrows, Fullelove, Cole, Madley, Abbott, Brownjohn and West.

 

Junior XV as in Autumn Term.

 

Cross-Country Run.

 

Our team won the Senior Cross-Country run owing to a fine performance by Burrows, the captain, who came first, and consistently good running by the other members of the team.

 

Team (with positions): Burrows (Capt.), 1st; Birch, 7th. P. Niklaus, 11th; Jennings, 13th; Searle, 14th; Fullelove, 18 th; Brown, 20th ; Brownjohn, 21st.

 

Our Junior team did not do so well and was placed fourth. Never mind, Juniors, you will do better next year if you keep trying!

 

Team (with positions): Maers (Capt.), 10th; Smith, 12 th; Kelly, 19th ; Hardy, 20th ; Dunscombe, 29th ; Rixon, 31st ; Searle. 43rd.

 

Verse Speaking and Prose Reading.

 

In this competition the House was very successful and all who took part deserve the proverbial "pat on the back". Let us hope that this success will quickly spread to the other House competitions:

 

Results – Seniors:

Verse Speaking: Position 2nd.

Team: L. Collins, Whitton, N. Timewell and Simmonds.

Prose Reading: Position 1st.

Team: D. Widdecombe, Searle, A. Blackman and Abbott.

Final Position: 1st.

 

Intermediates:­

Verse Speaking: Position 1st.

Team: E. Chadwick, Crowe, J. Vivian and Smith.

Prose Reading: Position 1st.

Team: Jackson, A. Walton, R. Cotton and Lunnen,

Final Position; 1st.

Juniors:

Verse Speaking: Position 2nd.

Team: J. Lewis, Moist, H. Cole and Wilson.

Prose Reading: Position 2nd.

Team: A. Morley, Rixon, M. Pond and Hardy.

Final Position: 2nd.

 

Athletics.

 

Our final position in the School Sports was third, but on this occasion it was the Juniors and Intermediates who put up the best show, and the Seniors were "tail-end Charlies". The Juniors and Intermediates were both placed second, but the Seniors were placed fourth, the combined position being third. Everyone gave of his best, and whilst it is impossible to mention everyone who took part we must specially thank W. Swain, who won three events, P. Hurst, A. Jennings, Brownjohn, England and Burrows, all of whom represented the House very ably.

 

During the Spring Term Daphne Widdecombe became the girls' vice­captain, succeeding Nova Timewell who left to join the W.R.A.F., and we wish Nova all the best of luck in her future career.

 

Finally, on behalf of all the House, I should like to thank Vivienne Dunham and John Searle, our House Captains, Daphne Widdecombe and Paul Niklaus, our Vice-Captains, and Miss Bedford, Miss Ellis, Mr. Driver and Mr. Carswell for all the work they have put in, and all the enthusiasm they have shown for the House.

 

CORINTHIAN HOUSE

 

House Masters: Mr. Beresford-Williams Mr. Bevan.

House Mistresses: Miss Tucker. Mrs. Williams

House Captains: Warren. Mary Passmore.

 

We must first of all congratulate everyone on a very fine effort, which has left the Corinthian House ahead in the House competition. At the end of the Spring Term we had a considerable lead over the Athenians and Spartans who were second. The sorry affair of Sports Day has altered this position somewhat, but we still have a small lead, and a good chance of winning the competition at the end of the year.

 

The Senior Rugby XV played excellently, winning all three matches. We were glad to have enthusiastic support from the touchline. Our victory over the Spartans, which was quite unexpected to everyone but ourselves, was by the sound margin of 13 - 6, and the others were beaten even more decisively. In the Spring Term the Senior Rugby VIls maintained their good record, suffering only one narrow defeat, and one draw, the other four being won, The seniors who played were: Bastin (capt.), Bannister, Alderman, Cowd, Denner Gibson, Horn, Hutchings. Lucas, Johnson. Mascall, Robertson, C. Thomas, R. Thomas, Warren,

 

The senior girls played six hockey matches, three in each of the two terms. Their final tally was two won, two lost, two drawn. They came second with 161 points. Both wins were against the Trojans, one by 6 - 0, the other four matches were very close, yielding two draws, and two losses by 0-1. E. Archer and G. Hookway both played well, and the teamwork was excellent. They were well captained by A. Milverten. The team was: E. Archer, J. Veness, M. Howton, E. Whidden, A. Cooksley, G. Hookway, M. Passmore, A. Hunkin, F. Bradford, C. Game.

 

The Junior Rugby team played six matches, coming second equal with the Trojans. The outstanding player was A. Thomas, and Baldwyn did a good job as captain. The team was: Baldwyn (capt.), Thomas, R. D. Tozer, Smith, Vinnicombe, Clarke, Dovauo, Field, Burch, Lashbrook, Partridge, Pearcey, Pengelly, Rodgers, Thomas, A.

 

The Junior netball team performed creditably, coming second. Four matches were won, and the two defeats were by narrow margins. The team was: F. Pearce (capt.), D. Southall, B. Pearson, M. Wilmore, D. Hallett, C. Johnson, A. Giles, Z. Warren, V. Sanders.

 

In the cross-country run, held for the first time last term, the House fared reasonably well, coming 3rd with 8 points against the Athenians' and Trojans' 9 points each. The Juniors ran excellently in their section, coming in first with an overwhelming lead. Four were in the first ten: Smith, Clarke, Thomas, A. and Rodgers. The others who gained a place were Lashbrook, Pearcey, Pengelly and Watson. The Seniors were not so successful, coming 3rd. Bastin and Kite both ran very well. Others placed were Denner, Thomas, C., Warren, Robertson, Alderman and Johnson.

 

Special mention must be made of our efforts in the Verse and Prose Speaking Competitions. We gained four firsts in the Verse Speaking: Eden, P. Sargeant, B. Pearson and S. Lake, and altogether we showed ourselves to be highly capable in this kind of competition. In the English competition this term, although the results have not yet been published, I feel sure that with the great enthusiasm and colossal number of entries we have again maintained an extraordinarily high standard.

 

I need hardly mention Sports Day. We came a miserable last, which was no fault of the girls, who were runners-up for the Girls' Shield. Those who did run well were Bastin (who had the unenviable job of selecting the boys' team), Fulls, and the girls' relay team, A. Milverton, A. Hunkin, G. Hookway and A. Cooksley, who also performed well in other races. Bannister jumped well and E. Archer won the Hurdles.

 

So far, support for the House has been very enthusiastic and we hope it will remain so. Our House masters and mistresses have done a great deal to inspire the House success.

 

Finally, I am sure that the House will join in thanking Bastin and Warren, on the boys' side, and Annette Milverton on the girls' side, for their able leadership this year.

SPARTAN HOUSE

 

House Masters: Mr. Ellis, Mr. Finn.

House Mistresses: Miss Bardens, Miss Yelland.

House Captains: Wiggins, Judith Walls.

 

Autumn Term

 

Neither the girls' hockey nor netball teams did very well this term, although everyone tried hard. The individual hockey results were as follow:

 

Spartans

v. Athenians                                             Draw 1 - 1

v. Corinthians                                            Lost  0 - 1

v. Trojans                                                 Draw 0 - 0

 

The Under 15 netball VII played well but could only manage 3rd place in the final result. Individual results were:

 

Spartans

v. Athenians                                            Won 18 - 4

v. Corinthians                                           Lost 7 -12

v. Trojans                                                 Lost 4 -12

 

A House competition was run in the Autumn Term with a Verse Speaking and Prose Reading section. The Spartans did not do too well, but we are hoping for better results in the written section. Our final position was third and the section results were as follow:

 

Senior Verse Speaking: Position 3rd.

Speakers: J. Walls, S. Mears, Crocker, Vernon-Roberts.

Senior Prose Reading: Position 3rd.

Readers: A. Gosney, S. Hudson, Jones, Wiggins.

 

Intermediate Verse Speaking: Position 3rd.

Speakers: A. Farrent, G. Foster, Bond, Kindell.

Intermediate Prose, Reading: Position 3rd.

Readers: D. Norton, C. Routledge, Haysom, Hill.

 

Junior Verse Speaking: Position 4th.

Speakers: C. Davey, C. Lawson, Morris, Walton.

Junior Prose, Reading: Position 1st.

Readers: B. Brain, D. Roe, Vernon-Roberts (ii), Watkins.

 

B. Brain is deserving of special mention as she came top of her section.

 

Spring Term

 

The games results of the girls this term cannot be said to be brilliant, but were at least average. The hockey team did quite well to come second in the final placings, for which they are to be congratulated. Individual results were:

 

Spartans

v. Trojans                                                 Won 1 - 0

v. Corinthians                                           Won 1 - 0

v. Athenians                                              Lost  1 - 2

 

The teams for both this term and the Autumn Term were chosen from: E. Johns, J. Marks, P. Davis, S. Maden, S. Robinson, P. Palmer, V. Shute, J. Sentinella, J. Griffiths, J. Walls, F. King, A. Farrant. The good play of E. Johns and J. Marks is worthy of special note, and also that of S. Robinson who shot all the goals.

 

The Under 15 Netball team did not do quite so well and came third. However, better luck next time! Individual results were:

 

Spartans

v. Trojans'                                                Lost 5 - 14

v. Corinthians                                           Lost 7 - 12

v. Athenians                                            Won 13 - 5

 

The team (again for both terms) was chosen from: J. Till, G. Fester, S. Nicholls, B. Jennison (capt.), J. Wilson, S. Large, D. Hayward, J. Maden, A. Wright, J. Grigg.

 

The boys' Rugby teams, however, fared better and had a great season. There were two Senior VIIs. The "A" team played brilliantly, winning all three of their House matches and only losing to the Staff by three points. Their success was largely due to the two Bamseys, and to Dowell. The "B" team did not do so well and only managed to secure one of its three matches.

 

The success of the Junior XV is phenomenal. The team, ably led by Pearson, won all three of its matches. Luxon, also, played well and deserves notice.

 

Those who played were:

Juniors: Watkins, Haysom, King, Pearson, Pratt, Luxon, Vernon­Roberts (ii), Luggar, Coombes, Goodyer, Birch, Jeffries, Clarbull, Parsons, Pearson.

Seniors: Crowhurst, Skinner, Bamsey (i), Jones, Hill, Bamsey (ii), Wiggfns, Wilkinson, Hines, Green, Wheeler, Haysom, Crocker, Vernon­Roberts (i), Dowell, Harris, Mears, Webber, Binmore.

 

The Cross-Country team was not so successful although there were some good individual efforts. The Juniors were third in the final result and the Seniors fourth.

 

Summer Term

 

Both boys and girls did exceedingly well in athletics this term and are to be congratulated. The House carried off two shields at Sports Day, both boys and girls taking first place. Special mention must be made of B. Jennison, Bamsey, P. (who broke two records), Bamsey, M., and Pearson.

 

Well done! Let us maintain this standard next year. Much of the credit for our successes must go to our various captains whom we would like to thank J. Walls, P. Palmer, Wiggins, Vernon-Roberts, Bamsey, P. However, we would like to see greater support for all activities and practices. This would greatly improve our chances of success in all fields.

 

During the year we lost one of our House mistresses, Mrs. Bevan, who has now given up teaching. We would like to thank her for all the work she has done in the past and wish her good luck for the future. We welcome back Miss Bardens in her place from a very brief retirement. Finally, I should like to thank her, Miss Yelland, Mr. Finn and Mr. Ellis on behalf of the House, for the untiring work they do for us at all times.

 

TROJAN HOUSE

 

House Masters: Mr. Amor, Mr. Millier.

House Mistresses: Miss Timms, Miss Pocock.

House Captains: Squire, Sandra Lethbridge.

 

Rugby.

 

This has generally been a disappointing season for the Rugby teams, which is a pity, as the lethargy mentioned in the previous report appears to have been eliminated to a considerable extent. This is particularly noticeable in the junior ranks of the House where the general keenness is commendable.

 

In the Juniors, Davies as full-back was outstanding, catching and kicking the ball well. Tate, as captain, and Hill did well in the three-quarter line, and Moore, although small, set an example with his tackling. These players were backed up well by the rest of the team. Of the six matches played, three were won and three were lost. Let us hope that next season you achieve results compatible with your enthusiasm and attain victory in all your matches.

 

The Senior XV, although producing poor results, played with great determination against teams which, in two of their matches, were overwhelmingly powerful and which gained their victories by large margins. The results of the three matches played wore two losses and one win.

 

The first Senior Rugby VII, although losing all three matches, played well as a team and many times shook the opposition with strong tackling and ferocious forward play. Lack of weight handicapped us in the scrums and line outs. The three-quarters' speed was thus nullified by lack of the ball. Maylor, Stuart and Gaunt are to be mentioned for their good work in the team.

 

The second seven possess a better record and were unlucky not to win all three matches. They had, however, to be content with only two victories, but it is hoped, not complacent. Worthy of mention for their good play are Selway, Parsons and Rowland.

 

Hockey.

 

During the past season, the Senior hockey team had a series of disappointing results. Of the six matches played, five were lost and one was drawn. This, however, was not due to lack of effort. The forwards never gave up trying and persistently attacked the opponents' goal, but despite their ardour they were unable to coordinate their efforts and make a decisive break through. We just lacked experienced players.

 

Netball.

 

The Junior netball team proved to be the indefatigable standards of the House, remaining undefeated in all their matches. This success was due both to the good passing and marking of the team, coupled with the enthusiasm with which they played. Special mention should be made of G, Brown and P. Dart for their qualities as shooters. This was a great effort by a fine team. Well done!

 

Athletics.

 

The Cross-Country race at the end of the Spring Term was a success for the House. We obtained second position in both the Senior and Junior sections. Trojan House entered more competitors in the combined Senior and Junior sections for this race than any other House. The fact that all these runners were volunteers is another sign of the increasing keenness within the House.

 

Sports Day proved to be a successful break with what was almost becoming a Trojan tradition. We have, owing to the prolific efforts of our Seniors, obtained first position in that section. Well done, Stuart, Maylor, Lindsey-Halls and Squire for breaking the relay record. This year we gained eight firsts, four by the girls and four by the boys. The Intermediate and Junior teams did not do so well as the Seniors and gained third places. Both the boys' and girls' Intermediate javelin were won for the House by Hine and G. Brown, respectively. In the Junior section of the House, good efforts were made by P. Drew, M. Peaker and Jarvis in the sprint races.

 

Prose Reading and Verse Speaking.

 

Of the six sections in the competition, we were bottom in four and gained second and third positions in the remaining two. This is a deplorable state of affairs, our only redeeming feature being the second position attained by the Seniors in the Prose Reading section. However, those who represented the House tried hard and many obtained good marks. Notable were H. Leamon, S. Lethbridge, B. Ellett, T. Bull, C. Dadd and A. Leamon, all of whom were placed in the first six of their respective sections. There was, however, a marked prejudice in certain sections of the House against this form of competition, and one or two group leaders had difficulty in procuring a complete team of competitors. Let us hope this attitude will die a speedy death!

 

Finally, the members of the Trojan House would like to thank Mr. Amor, Mr. Millier, Miss Timms and Miss Pocock for their unfailing help and support throughout the year, and also Miss Chaffe, Miss Beer, Mr.. Fudge, and Senior girls for arranging and umpiring matches.

 

The House mistresses and members of the Trojan House thank Brenda Hann for her good work as vice captain, and wish her every success in her career.