Taylorian

Sport

Football, Cross Country, Swimming and Equestrianism

Football Team Football had its most successful season in over 20 years in 2023; the 1st XI went unbeaten. Led by captain Aran Sangha, the boys achieved some fantastic results against historically difficult sides. The season started with a 2-0 win over UCS, followed by two convincing 3-1 and 3-0 wins. An incredible 4-4 draw vs Mill Hill was a fantastic comeback against a well-drilled side. The last two games saw a penalty shoot-out win vs the OMT XI and a 2-2 draw vs John Lyon. The boys should be proud of their hard work and effort. The 2nd XI had a more disrupted set of fixtures with weather issues; however, they beat UCS 2-1, fought hard in a 1-3 defeat to Mill Hill, and experienced heartache after a last-minute goal from John Lyon saw them lose 3-4. This year has seen one of our best crops of students in years, and many of the U6th will depart having represented the school many times. Football is a lifelong sport; we hope that they continue to play at a high level as they move to their universities. A huge thank you to MIB, JTC, DGR, APC and ZLB for their hard work over the season. Mr M. A. Fothergill Cross Country This has been a mixed season for MTS cross country; the year was defined by very strong results at internal events, but middling standings at external fixtures. House Cross Country was run by all members of the school in October. The day was memorable for its fine conditions, but much more for the array of incredibly fast runs at the top end. Nathan Bridge (4ths, Manor) ran the 10th fastest time ever in the 3k Juniors race (11:16); Tommy Embleton (5ths, Mulcaster) ran the ~5km Inters/ Seniors course in the 19th fastest time ever, and 9th fastest by an Inter (18:28); Finn

Swimming Those choosing swimming as a Games option reap the benefits of our fantastic indoor pool. As a general rule, the Monday session is used for swimming drills and the Wednesday afternoon for water polo, the latter being a favourite amongst students due to its more competitive nature. During these sessions we exercise our fitness, practice dribbling and ball-handling skills, and then finish off with a game. Squad swimming returned to MTS in the Autumn Term after several years of interruption due to the pandemic (multiple schools gathering in warm, enclosed spaces was deemed less-than-ideal at the time!). Students took part in galas at Berkhamsted and St Helen’s, providing an exciting opportunity for competition against other schools. This was especially popular amongst Lower School students. Swimming staff are also keen to provide opportunities for younger students to swim during The Hour in order to further promote interest in and skill at swimming. Mr M. W. Pacey Equestrianism This has been my fifth year as a member of the Equestrian team at Taylors’, and I now hold the title of Captain. We ride at Littlebourne Farm, and often take part in events like (my favourite) the gymkhana, which is comprised of a series of short races such as slalom courses and flag relays. My best showing was sixth place a couple of years ago, and I am the current champion of the lead and rein race, where you gallop the horse to one end before dismounting and sprinting with your horse back to the start. Other events like showing, show jumping, and dressage are also held. Dressage is very elegant, being the purest test of technical riding control and accuracy, but it can be a challenge to keep the horse calm after they’ve been galloping and jumping around the arena!

Combe (U6th, Spenser) won the Seniors race by a clear minute, and with the second fastest time ever (16:36), only 4s off John Fielding’s 2016 record. The cross-country team habitually attends the English Schools Athletics Association (ESAA) Cross Country Cup (team competition) and Championship (individual), before and after Christmas respectively. We took Seniors, Inters, and Juniors to the first round of the Cup at Harrow, and were pleased to see the Inters go through with a strong 2nd place; the Seniors whiskered through in 3rd. The Juniors did not make it through, but have had a taste of competitive running which will hopefully spur them on in the future. The Seniors and Inters both had distinguished performances at the second round in St Albans, but did not proceed. At the Championship, the teams were marred by absences, and though those that attended made the most of a good course, the fixture would be best-described as character-forming. The cross-country team has recently made a few appearances at the King Henry VIII School Relay Race, which brings together the best sporting schools for a short, fast race. Unperturbed by other athletes warming up in England kit, the MTS team performed very strongly against senior and experienced schools. We ultimately came 32nd of 46, although our team contained no Upper Sixth Formers. Over the 2.3mi course it was excellent to see all but two of our runners going sub-14, with Luca Spaccatrosi (L6th, White) clinching the fastest MTS lap (13:12). With plenty of talent surging in the Middle and Lower Schools, the future is bright. Mr E. H. Gazeley

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Taylorian 2023