QE SPORTS REPORTS

Compiled by Sports Editor Sophia O., this weekly sports update brings you the latest results, and standout performances across multiple disciplines at Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate in York. With expert coverage from our team of sports writers, we break down the highs, the lows, and the unforgettable moments from the past week in basketball, rugby, football, hockey, netball, cricket, athletics, and more.

From thrilling victories to hard-fought battles, every match tells a story. Follow our teams’ journeys through local, regional, and national competitions.

Stay tuned for weekly updates, player spotlights, and exclusive insights from our sports reporters:

Josh N. - Rugby

Llewe P-Y. - Hockey

Joe H. - Boys' Cricket

Leona R. - Girls' Cricket

Josh T. - Boys' Football

Isabel D. - Girls' Football & Athletics

Daniel B. - Basketball

Sophia O. - Netball

Check back every week for the latest QE sports reports action... because every game counts.

WEEK ENDING 6/4/25

CRICKET

Cricket has been very busy prepping for the upcoming season this summer.

We were lucky enough to be visited by PaceFlow, which delivered a workshop about bowling faster. They helped us break bowling down into biomechanics to bowl more efficiently, they also analysed our actions, which was useful in not only telling us but also showing us how we can improve.

We also had a visit from The Club Cricket Badger and Backyard Cricket! We competed in lots of fun challenges with them to try and win mystery cricket shirts and were featured in their channel. It has been great to be outside in the sun and we’ll keep pushing hard, and hopefully it’ll pay off in the fast-approaching season. 

NETBALL

One last dance.

It was the final match of the season, a bittersweet end to a fantastic year of netball for our 1st team Squad. With more than 12 players ready, we took on Huddersfield College for what was set out to be a challenging match. We took control from the beginning, remaining in the lead throughout whilst trying as many different combinations as possible. Into the last quarter, we had maintained a strong lead and managed to have all of our leaving year 13 players on court for the final five minutes. It was a brilliant way to end the season and wish our leaving year 13s the best of luck!

WEEK ENDING 30/3/25

HOCKEY

After last week’s 5-2 win against St. Aidan’s, the senior girls’ hockey team was eager to carry our momentum into this week’s 7s tournament.

We kicked off the week with a full-body gym session, focusing on team cardio and strength exercises. As a squad, we’ve been putting in a lot of effort in the gym this term, and it’s showing—not only in our recent performances but also in the increased intensity of our training sessions.

In preparation for game day on Wednesday, we worked on set plays, focusing on quick passing connections to create goal-scoring opportunities. When the time came, we played some fantastic hockey, executing our set plays effectively and scoring plenty of goals. This tournament was particularly special for our senior players, as it marked our final home games representing QE.

The atmosphere was incredible, with the whole team coming together for one of the last times. The support from fellow QE teams made it even more memorable.

A special shoutout to Maisie and Mollie, our Year 11 players, who delivered outstanding performances throughout the tournament—Mollie even capped it off with a brilliant goal.

Now, we look ahead to our final game next week against Ripon Grammar, which promises to be an exciting match!

BASKETBALL

QE Senior First Team Highlights

Prem game vs City of Edinburgh 

Facing off against one of the bottom teams in the league, we went into this game with a fiery heart and a drive to win.

• As the game started, we were going back and forth consistently.

• We started this game a bit slow but had mustered enough energy to stay in the game. 

• By half-time we were down two points and needed a big third quarter to level things out.

• After a team talk, we went back out there with renewed energy and put our foot on the gas, and we fought hard, resulting in a nine-point lead.

• But unfortunately, we were unable to finish the job as the opposition kept scoring easy layups, and we ended up losing by four points.

Playoff Game vs. North Hampton School for Boys 

Facing off against our first playoff game opposition we knew we wanted to start the series off well and set the tone as just 2 years ago this is the team that knocked us down to tier 3.

• As the game started, we came out with good energy and played very well on defence to stop them from scoring and also finishing our chances. 

•  We were playing very well and able to create a 15pt lead by the first quarter. 

• Everyone was able to play, and we all contributed well. By half-time we were up 20.

• By the 2nd half, nothing changed, and we kept our foot on the gas, and we ended up winning by 35, giving us a good advantage for when they have to come to our court for the second leg. 

Coming up

Second leg of the playoffs vs North Hampton

NETBALL

It's been a very busy time for the netballers!

Our U12 A&B, U13 B, and U15 A&B have all competed in the Harrogate and Craven Area tournaments.

U16 & U18 ISA National finals with both teams qualified for the cup competition but both bowed out at the QF stage.

U13’s have had an unbelievable term:

• IAPS netball qualifier Champions (qualifying for nationals)

• ISA North runners-up (qualifying for nationals)

• Sisters n Sport national final 4 finals

• U16 National trophy- 4th place

• U14 National Vase- 4th place

• U13 National Bowl- Winners!

• U13 iAPs National finals- winners of the group and placed 5th overall

• U13 ISA National finals- runners-up!

And a massive shout out to our North Yorkshire County representatives, we are incredibly proud of you!:

U15- Izzy M

U13- Zita M, Grace R, Fleur F-B, Freja T.

Week ending 28/02/25

CRICKET

We have lots of big news from Cricket recently. 

Our new captains for the 2025 season have been announced as Jo and Leona; congratulations to you both.

We're thrilled that our school has been included in the Cricketer School’s Guide 2025, which is a great honour as it features the top schools for cricket.  

And whilst it was a sad goodbye to former coach Mr Gibbons, it was heartwarming to see Jo deliver a thoughtful speech thanking him for all his help, followed by some cake.

With that, we warmly welcomed our new coach in charge of cricket Shrikant Wagh, a professional Indian Premier League and Vidarbha player. His step-up to the challenge and lead has been a really promising start, and we're looking forward to continuing with him.

The season is now just around the corner, so the team is focusing on increasing the intensity of training to make the most of it.

HOCKEY

Following the half-term break, the team kicked off training with a strong and intense pitch session focused on key defensive principles in 1 v 1 situations. From this practice, we identified that our aerobic fitness needed improvement, so we followed up with a gym session. Each squad member completed one hundred burpees as quickly as possible, did as many sit-ups as they could in 2 minutes, and finished with a team effort on the ski machine.

Later in the week, our senior players had the opportunity to apply their knowledge and experience by coaching. They led drills and conditioned games in the Year 7 boys' PE lessons, helping them grasp the basic rules of the sport and enjoy the game. Both our girls and the Year 7 boys thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, connecting with the juniors at the school and inspiring the next generation of hockey players at QE.

RUGBY

This week in rugby, both the U16s and 1st team had their long-awaited first 7s fixtures. An away day at Leicester Grammar School 7s proved successful for the U16s, as they came away with the plate. Along with the fun day out, Thomas Conway-Allen achieved top try scorer with 5 tries. They displayed a lot of talent for a future in the 1stXV, and we send our pride and congratulations to them!

For the 1stXV, a day at the Scarborough College 7s tournament marked the start of their season. Although finishing seventh, they put up a tight game against schools such as Harrogate Grammar, Woodhouse Grove, and Hill House. Our elected player of the tournament was Toby Easterby-Gray for his commitment to playing almost every minute of every game – a true team player. A majority of the team scored tries throughout the day, with the top try scorer being Josh Norton with six. The day proved to be a valuable educational experience for upcoming fixtures like Leicester 7s, North England 7s, and the finale at Rosslyn Park.

BASKETBALL

QE Senior First Team Highlights

The past two weeks have been action-packed for our team, culminating in a crucial victory against Coventry that has set us up for a playoff push. Our hard work and determination have paid off despite the challenges we've faced.

Vs Coventry college

Our recent game against Coventry City was a testament to our team's resilience and skill. We came out strong from the start, setting the tone for what would be a decisive victory. The team's energy was palpable, reminiscent of our dominant performance against Nottingham Wildcats earlier in the season.

Key Highlights:

• Solid defensive performance, limiting Coventry's scoring opportunities

• Excellent ball movement and team play, leading to high-percentage shots

• Strong rebounding effort, giving us crucial second-chance points

  
  

Overcoming Challenges

Despite the inconvenience of the sports hall being unavailable, our team has remained focused and committed to improvement. We've adapted our training regimen to ensure we're still working hard and making progress, showcasing our resilience in the face of adversity.

Looking Ahead

Our next game is on Sunday against Derby, which promises to be a closely contested match, much like our previous encounter. We're approaching this game with the same intensity and preparation that has fuelled our recent success.

Derby Match Preview:

• Anticipating a tight game based on our last meeting

• Focusing on maintaining our defensive intensity

• Looking to capitalize on our recent offensive improvements

  
  

Playoff Push

With our victory against Coventry, we've positioned ourselves perfectly for a strong playoff run. An Andy Reid quote that works here is, "The timing of their current streak is crucial," and we're embodying that spirit. Our recent form has given us a significant advantage, and we're determined to carry this momentum into the postseason.

As we continue our journey, we're reminded of the importance of each game. Our team's dedication and hard work are paying off, and we're excited about the challenges ahead. 

NETBALL

It was an exciting week as, for the first time, QE's 1st and 2nd teams had been invited to the Annual Sedbergh Netball Tournament, which was set to be an intense competition. We were fortunate enough to enter two strong teams, both of which played excellently throughout the day.

Throughout the group stages, both teams showed great composure and strength, with the 1st team going undefeated into the semifinals. The 2nd team had a great tournament, trying out lots of new combinations and showcasing the practice they'd put in on court finishing a respectable 6th. 

Yet, it all came down to the final, where the 1st team faced the hosts, Sedbergh, with their home team behind them. The girls showed excellent composure and skill, winning the final by six goals.

A special mention goes to the overall player of the tournament, Izzy D., and the whole team is now raring to go for the England Schools Nationals in the coming weeks.

Week Ending 07/02/25

BASKETBALL

QE Senior First Team Highlights

The past two weeks have been filled with games, giving us lots of chances to compete.

Vs Nottingham Wildcats

A good start to the weekend with a blowout win. Everyone went into the game with high energy after coming off a win the week before. Everything was going well, and we ended the first quarter with 40 points. By the end of the game, we had won by 50, giving everyone a chance to play and score.

Vs Aston Manor

Starting the week with a devastating loss to Aston Manor in CBL due to a lack of rebounds and finishing. As the game started, it was close, going back and forth, with both teams getting buckets.

But as the game went on, they started to get more rebounds. Despite two major three-pointers from Romero and Matthew to bring the game back to one point, we sadly couldn’t take the win.

Vs Archbishop Beck

Coming into this game with frustration from the last game, we wanted to make sure we left a statement that we are not to be messed with. During the layup lines, we had a tragic injury to one of our players, who fractured his fibula. This injury caused us to postpone the game for two hours while he was waiting for the ambulance to arrive. We all wish him a swift recovery. As the game started, we were slow, giving sloppy turnovers and not making shots. But after a timeout and motivational talk, we got our heads in the game and turned it around, coming out with the win.

Vs Manchester Magic

We went into this game with a lack of players due to other commitments, so we knew it would be a battle. As the game started, we did our best to play good defense and play for each other.

At halftime, we were only down three points, looking to gain momentum in the second half.

Unfortunately, Manchester started hitting shots and moving the ball well, extending their lead to 30 points.

Vs Trafford Magic

After a devastating loss to Manchester Magic, we were looking for revenge the next day.

As the game started, we had a tragic injury to Alfred, which caused him to sit the entire game out, meaning we had no point guard. But as a team, we all stepped up and played for one another, but by halftime, we were down three points. In the third quarter, we kept pushing and gained momentum, which helped us turn our three-point deficit into a 25-point lead to secure the win at home.

Next Game

Nottingham Wildcats in CBL – if we win this, we will secure the playoffs.

GIRLS' FOOTBALL

This week, the girls' 1st team had a quarter-final fixture of the National Cup against Oxford. This was a long-awaited fixture, having won the previous round before the Christmas break. Straight from the start, the girls managed to keep possession, and with an early goal from Freya, it put them in a great position. An own goal from Oxford then made it 2-0 going into the second half. After a brilliant goal from Oxford to bring it back to 2-1, we then entered the last five minutes of the game, where their player was brought down inside the box, and a penalty was awarded.

The penalty was then converted to level the score.

As we entered extra time, the scores remained level until the last few minutes, where Oxford won a free kick, which was struck into the top corner, giving them the win as the full-time whistle blew.

The girls played really well, made improvements from previous games, and applied the goals from training during the week.

A special mention to Freya and Ruby, who had standout performances, and to all the girls for a strong effort in the cup.

NETBALL

U13s had their IAPS qualifying tournament at Sedbergh School, where they went unbeaten to be crowned winners against Rossall School, St Peter’s, Sedbergh, Repton, Mowden Hall, & Stonyhurst.

They will now go on to the National IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools) National Finals in Surrey on 17th March.

U12 & U13B played friendlies against their counterparts at Gateways School, with a win for U12 and a loss for U13B.

U12, U14, and U16 enjoyed a friendly against Huddersfield Grammar, with three out of three wins and some great netball.

Week Ending 31/01/25

NETBALL

Netball 1st Team

On the Wednesday, the girls travelled down to Huddersfield New College for the next match in the Yorkshire championship. The girls took control from the beginning, welcoming Freya A back from injury after a break from playing. Many combinations were tried and tested successfully on court and the lead progressed as the match went on. The game finished 54-20 and was a brilliant chance for the girls to practice before the regional round of the National Schools competition this weekend.

U15s

The girls played Gateways this Thursday and were dominant throughout court from the start. This allowed the team to try many combinations, especially in defence which worked very hard. Through court was a massive improvement from their hard work at training. The game finished 29-9 with the player of the match going to Nelisa.

U13s

The U13's played Saddleworth School in the QF of the School sports magazine National cup and gave them a great game but lost out to a very strong team.

FOOTBALL

Boys 1st team

Over the past week, the boys 1st team had a week of rest due to a tough run of games against Bradfield and UFCA.

Against Bradfield, the team made the two-and-a-half-hour travel down to Loughborough University to meet halfway. After a difficult first ten minutes and going 1-0 down, the lads persisted and kept threatening the Bradfield net. As we went into half time, the team knew that there was a chance to come back. A blistering second half start led to defenders Josh and Freddie both scoring from set pieces to bring us 2-1 up. With our super-sub coming off the bench, he made a massive impact on the counter attack, scoring two more and helping QE beat the national champions 4-1.

This previous week we have been preparing for the tough friendly against Repton at home, which will be a good challenge for the lads.

CRICKET

This week it was exciting to see both boys and girls competing in games.

The U13 girls had a great tournament finishing top of the table with 3 wins and 1 loss.

It was great to see the 1st team starting the season with a win against Huddersfield in the cricket Dome, with some tactical twists.

We were also visited earlier on in the week by our former head boy, Clarke, to deliver a talk on opportunities on playing cricket abroad post QE.

It was a busy and emotional week as they were the last games with head coach Mr Gibbons. His contributions to the cricket here and all the teams' successes are immeasurable, and he will be missed.

We all wish him luck at his new job and fantastic opportunity in Warwickshire!

Week Ending 13/12/24

NETBALL

1st Team

The QE netball first team took a journey down to Pontefract on the Wednesday, to play New college Pontefract in the next round of the AOC national netball cup. Despite missing key players, and having only one substitute, the girls took control from the beginning of the match with everyone hitting the court. The final score was 50-23, therefore advancing QE to the next round of the cup with Izzy D as Oppositions Player of the Match.

2nd Team

Another game commenced on the Wednesday, with the 2nd Team playing at home against the New college Pontefract’s 2nd team. Miss Rankin oversaw the team, who were brilliant throughout.

Skills from training were displayed on court with lots to still improve on. Communication between all players was excellent, with some that have not played in the 2nd team before. Overall the team put out a superb performance, winning 47-6!

U13 Netball squad

The U13s have made it through to the QF of the School Sports Magazine National Cup with a 39-33 win against Teesside High School in a highly competitive match. Player of the match- Zita M

The U13 squad have also made it through to the semi-final of the Sisters and Sport North Bowl competition after another convincing win on the road against Easington Academy. Very successful week for the girls!

Friendlies

On Saturday our U12’s, U14’s and U16’s played some friendly fixtures as we welcomed Hull KR and Harrogate Phoenix netball clubs to QE. Some fab games played in good spirit with the girls taking every opportunity to play that they had. A big thank you to both clubs for making the journey to QE and making it such a fantastic day.

And a big well done to Izzy, Claudia, Freya, Alice, and Sophia for being selected by Leeds Rhino's Netball.

Also a huge congratulations to Martha for being selected for Manchester Thunder Under-19s team.

BASKETBALL

Senior First Team

Sadly, this week our opponents Coventry had to cancel the game. Whilst this was upsetting for our players as we were excited for the game, Mr Hylands set up a game for us playing our own QE second team.

After we started it was a close game but at the second quarter we got comfortable as a team and everything started to click into place leading to a comfortable win for us.

Up next…

We're looking forward to the first day back of half-term when we will be playing against City of Edinburgh, which should be a good competitive game.

RUGBY

This week in rugby, hard training has continued to round off the year as we have had no fixture, but we continue to prepare for upcoming AOC league games in the new year as well as a friendly against Scarborough College.

Although we had no chance to shine in-game, we shone on TV. On Tuesday, Sam G and Mr Rawlinson appeared on the ITV Calendar News after signing the wall at the new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds, which we are all proud to be a part of as a rugby community.

This weekend, Josh N plays Cheshire for Yorkshire U18s, travelling with the rest of the team by coach to Lymm.

FOOTBALL

Girls 1st team

This week, the Girls 1st team travelled down to Loughborough High School for the next round of the National Shield.

After a strong start, we went 1-0 up straight from the kick off. We continued this drive throughout the first half scoring a further 2 goals before the half time whistle blew.

In the second half, we scored another 2 goals, then shortly afterwards we conceded 2, but that wasn't enough for them.

Following a strong team performance the game finished 5-2 (Isabella 3, Isabel 1, Freya 1) with Crystal being awarded the player of the match.

We now await the draw for the quarter final, taking place at some point in the new year.

Boys 1st team

Last Friday we played South Shields in our big ESFA Super League match, with a win allowing us to progress to the national knockout game.

After a good start from the team during the first ten minutes, we looked to threaten the South Shields backline. Despite this, we went 1-0 down just after the 15-minute mark. This gave South Shields the momentum to go and score an extra two, leaving us a tough mountain to climb at 3-0 heading into the second half.

Desperate for a much better performance and much more spirited second half, we still lost 4-0 which would knock us out of the tournament.

On the 12th, we played Stokesley at home in the county cup looking to bounce back big time.

This first term has been challenging for us, especially with the amount of injuries we have had. However, despite this, we believe that we have done a good job and are confidently looking forward to the second term.

HOCKEY

This week, as hockey doesn’t have a game until after Christmas, we have focused on our fitness and promoting hockey at QE.

At the start of the week the team completed a Tabata session, which is our favourite workout to do as a group, as it mimics hockey's high intensity and allows us to work together and push each other.

We also completed our S&C sessions in the new gym, as when we return from Christmas we want to ensure our fitness is good enough to come back strong and continue winning games in the second half of the season.

On Tuesday we gave up our time to work together in shifts serving our peers lunch in The Undercroft - from Chapter House to Yr11. We did this to act as role models - raising awareness of healthy eating habits and to promote our weekly hockey clubs, encouraging younger students to pick up a stick and play.

We set an example of working hard, with humility, for the good of the school community.

The team really enjoyed working alongside the catering staff, experiencing the challenges they face on a daily basis, cultivating respect for them and their efforts.

It was a really worthwhile collaboration between the sport and catering departments that created a strong sense of togetherness.

SWIMMING

Well done to Amaja, Dacil and Poppy who represented the ISA North Swimming team in the National Championships down in London at the Olympic pool. Together they come away with an amazing medal haul!

4 Gold.

4 Silver.

1 Bronze.

Well done girls!!