abingdon.org.uk/prep 17 SPORT It has been another excellent term for APS in Sport. RUGBY: There has been much to celebrate on the rugby field this season, whether it was witnessing pupils play their first competitive fixtures in Abingdon Prep colours or working their way up the teams following continued hard work and commitment. Highlights include: hosting Taunton Prep on their mini tour to Oxford, and our first Abingdon Foundation match with pupils from Year 7 at both APS and Abingdon joining forces to train together and compete against RGS Guildford. There have been some excellent close matches against a number of schools and it has been fantastic to witness pupils enjoying the touch rugby version of the game, offering them access to rugby and all the skills associated with a team evasion game such as running, passing, catching and decision making. IAPS FOOTBALL FINALS AUTUMN SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS CROSS COUNTRY: Throughout the term, the team of Max, Becket, Arthur, Noah, Josh and James have been competing in the English Schools Athletic Association Cross Country Cup Competition. Schools from across the country compete in two rounds of qualifying races (county and regional), for a place at the National Final which was held at Woodbridge School. The team performed superbly well, winning the county round and placing 3rd at the regional one, qualifying them for the National Final. The team placed 20th in the country, and special mention must go to James who finished in a remarkable 28th place individually. BRANCHING OUT: This term has seen pupils competing for the school in over eight different sports including basketball, squash, table tennis, rugby, football, cross country, biathlon and swimming. It has been fantastic to see so many pupils giving their best and enjoying sport in all forms! Congratulations to the eleven pupils who have been selected to represent the Prep School Lions squad this season. Pupils attended trials at Wellington College and had to battle it out against over 600 students to be selected! We wish them the very best of luck for the upcoming season which will see them play against district teams and academies, as well as the chance to represent England at the Gothia Youth World Cup. PREP SCHOOL LIONS SELECTION In October, the Abingdon Foundation welcomed schools from across the county to Cox’s Field to compete in the 1st round of the English Schools Athletic Association Cross Country Cup. It proved to be a successful afternoon of racing with both Abingdon Senior School and Abingdon Prep teams qualifying for the regional round of the competition, due to take place at Stowe School later in the term. Juniors (Years 7-8) • Abingdon Prep School – 1st • Abingdon School – 3rd Inters (Years 9-10) • Abingdon School – 2nd Seniors (Years 11-13) • Abingdon School – 1st Well done to all involved and thank you to the attending schools for a competitive afternoon of racing. ESAA CROSS COUNTRY CUP In September, APS welcomed Steve Bates and Simon Brown who put our Year 7 and Year 8 pupils through their paces during a rugby coaching masterclass. Pupils learned the correct body position for scrummaging and how to make the most of space in open play. Steve Bates, who works at Abingdon Senior School, is a former Wasps and England scrum half who later became Head Coach at Newcastle Falcons and England Saxons and was instrumental in the development of Jonny Wilkinson amongst many other players. Simon Brown is a former Harlequins, Bedford and Barbarians front row forward, who more recently has been Director of Sport at Rugby School and now works in conjunction with Oxford University. RUGBY MASTERCLASS
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