Taylorian

Sport

Equestrianism and Tennis

Thanks to Ms Udell and the School, I have gone from a complete beginner to someone who has competed in races and events; it has also been a pleasure to see Ollie Costigan progress from beginner to galloping by my side in races. This year, the speed at which our newest members have progressed has been impressive: Zachary Scott and Henry Carpmael are cantering really well now! I would like to give special thanks to Ben Mitchell-Winter, Yard Manager and our riding instructor, and to Caroline Dent, proprietor of Littlebourne, for all their help this year. Equestrianism is a Games option for Divisions, Fifth and Sixth Forms, but is a Friday afternoon activity for Thirds, Upper Thirds and Fourths. Riders of all levels are welcome, from complete beginners to advanced riders! As well as the riding lessons, a few of us have elected be a part of the BHS, the British Horse Society, to gain our formal riding theory qualifications. This year we were given our Silver Awards and we are now studying for Gold. These can be useful in becoming a riding instructor or in pursuing equine veterinary sciences. I want to give special thanks to Chloe Shiner, our BHS instructor. Finally, thanks must go to Ms Udell and Mrs Stubbs, who not only drive us to and from Littlebourne, but also ride and

MTS then took on Dr Challoner’s with Amrit, James, Theo and Lasen all winning their singles matches. Amrit peppered the lines with some booming serves and volleyed confidently, while James used the drop shot effectively to wear down an athletic opponent. Theo and Lasen were both impressive winners, covering the court well and showing excellent consistency off the ground. Niam and Oscar were a little unlucky to lose heavily – both fought hard – while Jim played tenaciously to win an entertaining singles and Saamir still hit some fine shots in a losing cause. With such strong performances in the first round, the top four boys were able to relax more in the doubles, hitting some spectacular winners, while Jim and Saamir showed real fighting spirit to win 7-6. Overall, MTS won 9-3 in a match played with fine sportsmanship on both sides. MTS experienced contrasting fortunes against Westminster as we played as separate U15 and U14 teams. In the U15 singles, Amrit, James and Theo all won convincingly, with Jim unlucky to lose in a tight encounter. Amrit and James’ win in the doubles saw MTS win 4-1 overall – Amrit’s serve and James’ booming forehand often surprised the opposition. In the U14s, Niam fought exceptionally hard to win a titanic battle 7-6, which proved to be our only win. Upper Third Former Anish

Chatterjee made a promising debut and showed that he will be a fixture in MTS tennis teams in the years to come. Against UCS our first pair of Amrit and James enjoyed some explosive exchanges but needed to find a little more consistency. Amrit struck the shot of the day in his singles, hitting a lacerating off forehand that grazed the point of baseline and sideline – one to remember! With MTS slightly initially, it fell to Theo, Lasen, Niam and Jim, all of whom won their singles and doubles to salvage a creditable draw. A mention in dispatches also for Daniel Ashton who made a strong debut at 7 and was unlucky to lose in another close game of singles. Overall, MTS tennis is in rude health and it is especially encouraging to see so many Fourth Formers coming through. Many thanks to Dr Lohr, Mrs White and Mrs Solomon for their help in running the option and our coach, Anjan Chowdhury, for training the boys so well. Mr J. M. S. Rippier Squad: Amrit Sharma (Divs), James Gent (4ths), Lasen De Silva (4ths), Theo Hancock (Divs), Niam Shah (4ths), Jim Garvey (Divs), Oscar Frenchman (Divs), Andrea Galli (4ths), Saamir Deen (Divs), Daniel Ashton (Divs), Anish Chatterjee (U3rds)

compete with us! Tim Lowes (L6th) Tennis

Our first match saw us host John Lyon. Given the close nature of a number of matches – possibly as a result of early season rustiness – it was appropriate the the overall result was a draw. Particular credit must go to Lasen, Niam, Oscar and Jim who all won their singles – Niam did especially well to come back from 5-1 down. In the doubles, honours were shared: while Amrit & James and Jim & Andrea came out on the losing side, the MTS pairs of Lasen & Theo and Niam & Oscar both came out on top.

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Taylorian 2023