St Mary's Calne
This term has been an exceptionally successful one in our sporting calendar, with 176 matches across a range of sports. From lacrosse to netball, swimming, equestrian, and cricket, we've seen incredible performances and continued growth across all areas. Here are some of the key highlights from our sporting achievements this term.
Cricket
Our SMC cricketers enjoyed competitive indoor matches this term with both U13 and U15 teams reaching the Area Finals in Chippenham. Throughout the Autumn and Spring Terms girls have been able to access weekly indoor training, including understanding the biomechanics of bowling, batting confidence with the bowling machine and indoor cricket fielding practice. We look forward now to the Summer Term where we can continue our partnership with Avebury Cricket Club for our home matches, evening training and working with their overseas player/coach for our lunchtime sessions at St Margaret's cricket nets.
Cross Country
Well done to the eight pupils who represented North Wilts at the County Cross Country trail. Despite the cold and frosty weather, there was 156 girls overall, spread across the age groups. Huge congratulations to Charlotte P who finished 10th in the year 7 race and progressed to the Southwest Regional Round where she finished 55th out of 75 runners.
Equestrian
The Equestrian team had another successful term! We kicked things off with our annual school show at West Wilts, where we saw girls and teams qualify in every class for the National Championships, which will take place in October. This term, our riders represented the school in dressage, show jumping, and arena eventing, with the term concluding this weekend at Rectory Farm. Octavia S-P secured 6th place in the 70cm, while Willa R achieved 2nd in the 90cm. Many girls rode new ponies and horses, and we're excited to see what the upcoming year holds!
Lacrosse
National Schools Lacrosse: Seven of our teams competed at the National Schools Lacrosse competition, with outstanding performances across the board.
1st Team: Had a stellar term, securing dominant wins against Marlborough College and Sherborne. They successfully retained their top 16 finish at nationals, showcasing consistency and strength on the national stage.
2nd Team: Had a remarkable run, reaching the Quarter Finals at Nationals, securing a spot among the top eight teams. They finished as runners-up at the Charlie Waller Tournament, demonstrating resilience and skill.
Netball
This term has been exceptionally busy, with more than 120 fixtures played across 22 teams, totalling 2078 goals scored and 1458 conceded. Some of the standout moments include:
• Our involvement in the Monday night Ladies League has been a huge success, with our teams winning the competition for the 2nd consecutive term.
• The U14 and U15 teams had an amazing experience on tour at Condover Hall. The U15 team emerged as winners, following some tough competition. The U14s came runners up in their age group.
• The LVI team triumphed at the Bristol Grammar School Netball Tournament, showcasing fantastic teamwork and determination to take home the title. Well done to all involved!
• A trip to see Team Bath v Manchester Thunder was an invaluable experience, offering a unique opportunity to see how the professional’s play.
The Friday night super league ended with a thrilling contest, with the UVI Baldwin Ballers emerging as champions.
Skiing
In January, seven girls travelled to Flaine for the British Schoolgirls’ Ski Races. Despite tough conditions, the team showed exceptional perseverance:
• Hettie won gold in both the U21 Unregistered Slalom and Giant Slalom, claiming the overall combined U21 Champion title.
• Lieve earned silver in the U18 Giant Slalom. The team demonstrated fantastic skill and teamwork, finishing strong in every race.
Swimming
This term in the pool has been full of high energy, sportsmanship, and fun, with girls participating in competitive swimming, water polo, rookie lifesaving, and intercompany events. The SMC swim team excelled, achieving numerous personal bests, while the U12 team won the Downe House Winter Meet trophy. Several swimmers, including Florence P, Florence B, and Ava F, shone at Wiltshire Counties, with Florence B dominating her events. Water polo was a hit across all ages, showcasing teamwork and stamina, while rookie lifesaving taught water safety skills in a fun and engaging way. The intercompany swimming event ended with Poore taking the top spot.
Huge congratulations to Isabella who qualified for the National Schools Biathlon, finishing 28th overall.
Finally, to conclude this celebration of our term’s successes, Sports Colours were awarded to pupils who have shown exceptional commitment, skill, and leadership in their respective sports.
Helen Turley - Head of Sport