www.abingdon.org.uk 19 Abingdon Sport Following on from winning the Oxfordshire League in the summer, our U14 and U16 teams moved onto the regional knockout rounds this term. Both teams overcame the champions of Northamptonshire before going on to face the champions of the West Midlands and Warwickshire respectively. Our U14 team succumbed to a strong KES Birmingham side but their progress still places Abingdon in the top 30 schools in the country within their age group. Meanwhile, our U16 team overcame Rugby School, to secure a place within the top 16 teams in the country and went on to compete in the final 4 of the LTA Midlands region school tennis competition in November. Facing Ellesmere College in the semi finals, all 4 players won both their singles and doubles matches comfortably, progressing to the final against Repton. Unphased by Repton’s reputation, Abingdon won both doubles matches and 3 of 4 singles matches to defeat the Repton team 5 sets to 1, securing their place in the national finals and as one of the top 4 tennis school teams in the country in this age group. Congratulations to Sam, Matt, Cyrus and Dan who went on to compete in the national finals of the LTA schools tennis competition at the Bolton Arena. This was a great opportunity to test themselves against the 3 best tennis schools in the country and play against a number of players ranked in the top 10 for their age group nationally. Our players all represented the school impeccably but unfortunately came up 2nd best in most matches. Tennis Rugby Throughout the term, an impressive total of 390 pupils proudly represented Abingdon in more than 175 exhilarating rugby matches. The season kicked off with the Lower School having 2 intensive weeks of training and the senior rugby team with an unforgettable tour to South Africa. Here, they played 4 action-packed games and also had the opportunity to indulge in some thrilling outdoor adventures, including game drives. The season began on a high note with matches against Magdalen College and St Edward’s, followed by the 1st block match against Stowe. The club’s hard work and dedication shone bright, and it was a momentous occasion when we had the 1st U16 D XV match for 8 seasons. Abingdon played with unwavering determination before the half-term against Cheltenham, RGS High Wycombe, and had a successful U14 half-term tour to Sussex. After the half term break, the team went head-to-head with Eton, Radley, RGS Guildford, Marlborough, and Bedford, displaying remarkable progress and noteworthy performances. The season was a great success on so many levels, and there was much to celebrate throughout the year, culminating in 3 award evenings to recognise and celebrate the team’s achievements and individual accomplishments.
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