Sports Highlights Week 17 2026

The U11A hockey team travelled to Bedford School to compete in the regional IAPS tournament, knowing that a top-four finish in a highly competitive seven-team Pool B would be required to progress to the cup competition and keep national finals ambitions alive.

The boys were thrown straight in at the deep end in their opening fixture against eventual group winners Heath Mount. Despite working hard throughout, we were unable to break down a strong opposition and began the tournament with a 0-3 defeat.

There was a clear step forward in our second match against Stephen Perse. The team showed far greater cohesion and intensity, competing well throughout. Although the final score read 1-3, it did not reflect the quality of the performance or the effort levels shown. Sebastian S was on the scoresheet with a well-taken goal. The team truly hit their stride in the third game against St John’s Beaumont, producing their best hockey of the day. Playing with confidence and attacking intent, we secured a deserved and comfortable 3-0 victory, with Kit R scoring twice and Sebastian S adding another.

Game four against Warwick proved to be a tight and hard-fought contest. The boys produced a gutsy and disciplined performance that merited more than the narrow 0-1 defeat they suffered, showing excellent resilience and teamwork. The response to that setback was outstanding. Against St Martin’s, after knocking on the door for much of the match, the breakthrough finally came. Goals from Sebastian S and Oliver VH earned a well-deserved win and kept qualification hopes alive going into the final pool match.

Victory against Merchant Taylors’ would have secured progression to the cup competition in 3rd place. Unfortunately, a difficult start saw us fall 0-2 behind. Despite a goal from Sebastian S and a late flurry of chances, we were unable to complete the comeback, finishing the pool stage in 5th place.

Attention then turned to the plate competition. A 0-2 loss in the semi-final against St Anthony’s set up a bronze medal match against familiar opponents St John’s Beaumont. The boys responded superbly, taking control from the outset and playing free-flowing, attacking hockey. Kit R opened the scoring before Emilio T added a brace to seal an emphatic 3-0 victory.

An excellent achievement to finish the day with medals, and a fitting reward for the boys’ hard work, resilience, and commitment throughout a demanding tournament.

Squad: Sonny M, Enzo S, Thomas S, Lucas F, Kit R, Evan K, Sebastian S, Sammy M, Emilio T, Oliver VH

Reported by Mr Sutcliffe

‘An uphill struggle’ would be a very literal description of our first half against hosts, The Dragon, as our boys had to contend with a significant slope during the first 20 minutes of our match. Despite this, The Beacon played all the football. Their shape was excellent, effort levels were high and the shots rained in on the busy Dragon ‘keeper. Sammy was a constant threat on the right, Enzo likewise on the left. Emir opened our account after 10 minutes and the attacks kept coming – but with our strikes geared towards power rather than placement, we only found the net that once. Until almost half-time, our defence had been rock solid with Theo, Silas and Thomas S looking composed and in control – but with only 17 seconds on the clock, Dragon scored from a rare attack leaving the mood a little muted at half time.

Erasing that moment from our minds helped us refocus on the second half – the message was simple – keep playing as you are – but place the ball rather than power it – and the goals will come. Indeed they did. The first within 30 seconds and the next just a minute after that. Shayan, Rocky & Aleem-Hassan were all on target this half whilst Emir completed an impressive hat-trick.

An impressive first B1 run-out for the boys who can all be hugely proud of their efforts.

Win 6 – 1 to The Beacon.

Reported by Martin Langley

The Beacon U11B2s delivered a well-structured and confident performance in their opening fixture of the season against Dragon School, setting an excellent early standard for the campaign ahead.

From the outset, Beacon looked organised and composed, showing clear improvements in positional awareness and understanding of team shape. This allowed the boys to control large periods of the game, moving the ball with purpose and creating regular attacking opportunities. Their dominance was reflected on the scoreboard as they went into half time with a deserved 2–0 lead.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Beacon continuing to apply pressure and build attacks patiently. Two further goals extended the advantage to 4–0, rewarding the team’s hard work and disciplined approach. On another day the scoreline could have been even more convincing, with several well-struck efforts rattling the woodwork.

Overall, this was a very encouraging performance built on teamwork, confidence, and improved game understanding — a promising start to the season for the U11B2s.

Reported by Mr Harris

The Beacon produced an impressive performance away at Dragon School to secure a well-deserved 2–1 victory. The boys began the match with excellent intensity, pressing effectively and creating early opportunities. Their positive start was rewarded after 10 minutes when Karanveer scored with a fine long-range strike.

Beacon continued to create chances but were unable to extend their, as Dragon grew into the game and struck the post late in the half. After the interval, both sides had opportunities, with Dragon equalising from the penalty spot.

Beacon responded well and dominated much of the second half. The decisive moment came 10 minutes from time when Harry A converted an outstanding free kick into the top right-hand corner. The team showed great composure and discipline to see out the game and secure the win.

Result: Dragon 1 Beacon 2

Man of the Match: Harry A, who delivered an excellent performance in central defence, reading the game superbly and using the ball with confidence.

Team: Arki B, Harry A, Hugo C, Karanveer D, Rocco G, Barney G, Henry M, Seb S, Harry T, Oliver F, Alistair B.H

Reported by Mr Barnett

On Thursday, The Beacon School competed against Chesham Prep in what turned out to be a really close swimming gala.

Isaac K had a brilliant first attempt at 50m butterfly, which is one of the hardest strokes to master. He put in a solid performance and should be proud of himself.

The 100m IM races were highlights of the day. Bertie H dominated the year 5 race, while I managed to win the year 6 event – we both finished about half a length clear of the rest of the field, which felt great.

The relays were exciting to watch, especially seeing some of the year 4 boys racing for the first time. Charlie R, Xander, Amrit and Max all deserve special mentions for their efforts and determination in the pool.

Despite everyone’s best efforts, we narrowly lost to Chesham Prep by just 13 points. It was disappointing to come so close, but the whole team showed great sportsmanship, and we gave three cheers for our opponents at the end.

Overall, it was a competitive and enjoyable day of swimming, and there were some excellent individual performances from The Beacon boys.

Reported by Henry O (Year 6)

After weeks of relentless bad weather and postponed fixtures, it was a huge relief for the Colts C2s to finally got a game this week – on the road away at The Dragon. The match also showed how our squad have embraced the school’s move towards co-ed, taking on The Dragon’s U11 A girls’ team in what proved to be a competitive and well-contested fixture.

From the opening whistle, both sides showed real intent, with the boys working hard to find some rhythm in their passing. The breakthrough came just before half time when Oliver VH finished superbly to give us a deserved 1–0 lead at the interval.

The Dragon emerged strongly in the second half and raised the tempo, putting the boys under sustained pressure. Their efforts were rewarded with a fully deserved equaliser, which briefly swung momentum in the home side’s favour. To their credit, the boys responded positively and started to get their passing game going and improved with their movement off the ball.

Leading by example, the captain for the day stepped up when it mattered most. Raffi K delivered a calm and well-taken finish to restore our lead, a goal that ultimately proved decisive and secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory.

Defensively, Robert F was outstanding, reading the game brilliantly and making several crucial interventions to keep The Dragon at bay. In the second half, Bryan L injected much-needed energy and drive, helping to lift the team and regain control during a demanding spell.

Overall, this was a pleasing performance and a very welcome return to match action.

Well done, boys.

Reported by Mr Powell