The Sydenham High motto ‘Fear Nothing’ was front of mind for the school’s sports teams and individual athletes this week as they took on a number of challenges.
First of all, when Sydenham High’s netballers stepped out in the all-Kent finals last weekend they faced tough odds. Not only was the standard exceptionally high but they were the youngest team in this year’s tournament category. Despite playing some of the best netball of their lives, they were denied a medal position. As one proud parent said: “They deserve huge praise for their determination, drive and never giving in with each and every match they played.” They should indeed be proud of their performance as one of the top 8 teams in the county this year.
During the same weekend, students from year 9 attended a successful hockey tournament at The Royal High School in Bath which saw over 250 girls from across the Girls’ Day School Trust competing in a Cup, Trophy and Plate competition. The event was headlined by Kate Richardson-Walsh, Captain of the GB Hockey gold medal winning team at the Rio Olympics. Accompanied by RHS 1st XI hockey captains, Kate visited each pitch during the tournament inspiring the young players with her gold medal and signing a great number of sticks! Kate later spoke to all girls inspiring players and staff alike with her story. The Sydenham High team won their first match but were disappointed in subsequent games, despite playing extremely well. It was a great experience for them and they look forward to competing again next year.
Could fortunes be reversed on Monday for a badminton friendly with Streatham & Clapham High? They could. Five teams (20 girls) from year 7 through to year 11 (incl some GCSE PE players) played a series of matches There were wins in every team with the overall total being 23/25 games won.
In addition, year 10 runner Ellie Osmond clocked up a great time in her latest £10K race which would put her 26th in U17 rankings and 3rd amongst 15 year olds in the UK.
This was followed on Thursday by the news that both Sydenham High’s street dance groups had won through the next round of the Great British Dance Off competition.
