Sports Highlights Week 6 2026

The U11A football team travelled to Loughborough for the Midlands IAPS Regional Qualifiers with one clear objective: reach the final and book our place at the National Finals in November. With just 12 minutes per match, the manager’s pre-tournament message was simple: start quickly, set the tempo and give the opposition no time to settle. In true Sir Alex Ferguson fashion, the standards were set before a ball had even been kicked.

Group Stages: Relentless from the Start

Our opening fixture against Stephen Perse Cambridge was a statement of intent. We flew out of the blocks and delivered an emphatic 8-0 win, with Sebi W and Harley G both helping themselves to hat-tricks, alongside goals from Maxim M and Teddy S-S. It was the sort of attacking display reminiscent of Manchester United at their free-flowing best under Ferguson, when opponents could barely catch their breath before the ball was back in the net. Eight goals, a clean sheet and a perfect start.

The Croft arrived late onto the pitch for our second fixture, meaning we began with a 1-0 advantage. Rather than allow the unusual circumstances to disrupt our rhythm, we remained professional, applied consistent pressure and added two more goals to secure a 3-0 win. Sebi W and Maxim M found the net, and the job was done. Not quite a last-minute Ole Gunnar Solskjær winner, but a useful head start all the same!

Winterfold House provided our first real test. Clearly intent on frustrating us, they adopted a resolute defensive shape, seemingly determined to park the bus and leave with a 0-0 draw. We dominated possession and searched for a breakthrough, but a penalty struck the post and our chance to snatch victory disappeared. It was a frustrating moment, reminiscent of those afternoons at Old Trafford when United threw everything at a stubborn opponent but just couldn’t find the decisive moment. We had to settle for a point, but remained top of the group.

There was no panic, though. Like Ferguson’s United sides, we knew that a disappointing moment should never define the next performance. Against our final group opponents, Pownall Hall, we rediscovered our shooting boots and secured a comfortable 2–0 win, with skipper Teddy S-S scoring both goals. Our captain led from the front, producing the kind of midfield authority that only Roy Keane would be capable of. Two goals, another clean sheet and top spot secured.

We finished the group unbeaten and headed into the quarter-finals with momentum firmly on our side.

Quarter-Final: Swanbourne House – No Mercy

Familiar opponents Swanbourne House stood between us and a place in the semi-finals. We controlled proceedings from the outset, dictating the tempo and showing the composure of a team that knew exactly what it wanted.

Our finishing was ruthless, and a convincing 4-0 win sent us through. Maxim M and Sebi W got on the scoresheet, while Teddy S-S added two more, including an emphatic penalty. Our skipper was beginning to look like a combination of Bruno Fernandes’ attacking contributions and Keane’s leadership, driving the team forward when it mattered most.

Four goals, another clean sheet and a semi-final place booked. The National Finals were now just one match away.

Semi-Final: Solihull Prep – A Night in Barcelona?

Solihull Prep proved to be our toughest opponents of the day. We found ourselves on the back foot as they applied pressure, and a shot from outside the box struck a hand that we felt was in a natural position. The referee pointed to the spot, and Solihull converted to take a 1-0 lead. Far from ideal.

With only seven minutes remaining, the situation was far from ideal. We needed a moment of magic, something special to turn the game on its head. Fortunately, we had our very own Cristiano Ronaldo waiting in the wings.

Harley G collected the ball on the right wing, breezed past his defender and unleashed an absolute rocket. The ball soared above the goalkeeper’s left shoulder at the near post and into the roof of the net. 1-1! It was a finish worthy of Ronaldo at his spectacular best, bringing our side roaring back into the contest.

Suddenly, confidence was flowing. With just a couple of minutes remaining, we pushed forward again. Harley G picked up the ball on the right, beat his man for a second time and delivered a pinpoint cross towards the back post. Sebi W arrived to turn it home, sending the team into delirium.

2–1. A winner right at the death.

If that sounds familiar, it should. The late drama, the belief and the refusal to accept defeat had shades of Manchester United’s famous Champions League triumph in Barcelona in 1999. Just when it seemed the clock might beat us, we found a way.

Harley G played the role of match-winner in the making, Sebi W delivered the decisive touch, and the whole team demonstrated the character that defines the very best sides. The final whistle confirmed it: we were through to the National Finals!

Our place was secured at Danes Hill on Saturday 7th November, where we will compete against 19 other schools for national honours. The dream was alive.

The Final: Ruthless

There was still one more job to complete. Wellingborough awaited in the final, and with the pressure of qualification lifted, the team could play with freedom and confidence.

We produced another assured performance, securing a 2–0 win to claim the gold medals. Maxim M and Harley G scored the goals, capping off a fantastic day of football. It was the sort of professional performance Ferguson would have demanded after a dramatic semi-final: enjoy the moment, but be ruthless and finish the job.

The final whistle brought a fitting end to a remarkable tournament. Unbeaten throughout, dominant in attack, resolute in defence with our very own Ferdinand and Vidić partnership of Wilf W and Ronan W, and Mateo C in goal with a clean sheet record only comparable to the great David De Gea.

What’s Next? The National Finals Await

Massive congratulations to this formidable side. It was a true team effort, playing some mesmerising football throughout the competition.

Like the great Manchester United teams of years gone by, this squad continues to push itself, set exceptionally high standards and find another gear when it matters most. The resilience shown following a frustrating match against Winterfold, the comeback against Solihull Prep and the composure in the final all point to a team with real character.

The regional champions have been crowned, the gold medals secured and the tickets to Danes Hill booked, looking to go one better than our U11s who were silver medalists in 2023. Now comes the chance to test ourselves against the very best in the country… as the great Gazza once said, “I’m now away to get me suit measured!”

Reported by Mr Sutcliffe

Last Friday, Beacon U10s produced an excellent response to the previous week’s defeat against Davenies, securing a hard fought 25–15 victory over Chesham. It was a fiercely competitive match and a great spectacle, with both teams battling throughout.

Mateo was deservedly named Man of the Match, making two outstanding try saving tackles after brilliant recovery runs. The whole team, however, deserves huge credit for their determination, competitive spirit and refusal to give up the fight. A fantastic team performance!

The team: Oliver C, Kian F, Mateo G, Charlie J, Tomas M, Dion T, Oliver H, Guy B, Gethin W

Reported by Mr Barnett

Last week, The Beacon U10B hockey team enjoyed a fantastic tournament, coming out on top to be crowned champions! The team showed great determination, teamwork, and skill throughout the competition, taking on The Beacon C, Belmont and Chesham Preparatory School.

The players worked brilliantly together, demonstrating excellent passing, strong defending, and some exciting attacking play. Their hard work, communication, and determination helped them rise to the challenge in every match.

Facing a range of opponents tested the team’s abilities, but the U10B squad rose to the occasion, supporting one another and showing great sportsmanship along the way. Their enthusiasm and commitment were clear to see as they battled for every ball and worked together as a team.

The tournament was a wonderful achievement for the whole squad, and winning the competition was a well-deserved reward for their efforts.

Reported by Mr Wright

The Beacon U13Bs enjoyed an excellent afternoon of touch rugby at Oratory School, playing three closely contested matches. Our players showed some of the best handling on display, creating space and scoring some well worked tries. With one win, one draw and one defeat, the team competed brilliantly throughout, demonstrating great skill, teamwork and sportsmanship. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon for all!

The Team: Oliver C, Thomas G, Jacob H, Alex C, Joel M, George T, Sahaan D, Henry W (Capt), Leon K

As the saying goes, you wait ages for a bus and then two come along at once! That certainly summed up our week, with two fixtures in quick succession, starting with a tough trip to Belmont on Monday before heading across to Caldicott on Wednesday.

Monday’s match against Belmont was a tough and physical encounter, with the boys finding themselves two tries behind before they really got going. Once they settled into the game, however, some of the attacking rugby on display was fantastic to watch. Maxwell S crossed the line twice with two excellent tries, while Matteo P added another impressive individual effort to keep us firmly in the contest. At half-time, the score stood at five tries to three, leaving everything to play for.

The players tightened up their defence after the break and worked hard to get themselves back into the game. Unfortunately, a few handling errors at crucial moments prevented us from making the most of some promising opportunities. Belmont managed to grab a try just before the final whistle, leaving the final score at 6–3 to the home side. Despite the result, there were plenty of positives to take away, particularly the attacking rugby we produced once we found our feet.

Wednesday saw us travel to Caldicott for a triangular fixture against our hosts and Oratory Prep. After a short training game against Caldicott, we took on the Oratory A team and produced an outstanding performance, winning by an emphatic seven tries to nil.

Rocky D crossed for two tries, while Maxwell S continued his scoring streak, despite a golf buggy getting in the way of an earlier opportunity! Xander T-O finished brilliantly in the corner, Emilio T got a well-deserved try, and Kian C finally hit his stride with two excellent scores.

It was a superb team performance, full of attacking intent, determination and confidence. Our team played some excellent rugby and, most importantly, maintained their intensity from start to finish.

Two matches, two very different challenges, but plenty of progress to celebrate. Well done, t! Enjoy the break.

Reported by Mr Powell

The U9C hockey team headed to Gayhurst for their first away fixture, ready for another exciting opportunity to put their developing skills to the test.

After a difficult first quarter, the team showed fantastic resilience and determination to fight their way back into the game. The second quarter saw a brilliant response, with Kiran A scoring twice to bring the team back into contention. Kiran had a fantastic game, leading the line and playing a key role at the heart of our attacking play.

The team continued to battle hard throughout the match, showing great teamwork and plenty of attacking intent. Harrison R added another goal, but despite their best efforts and a spirited performance, the team were unfortunately beaten 5-3.

There is so much to be proud of, particularly the tremendous progress the players have made with their stick skills since the start of term. Considering many had never played hockey before, their development has been remarkable! Their growing confidence, determination and willingness to keep learning are fantastic to see.

Well done to the whole team for showing such resilience and enthusiasm in their first away fixture of the term!

Reported by Mr Sutcliffe

Our U10C team travelled to Chesham Prep last Friday, 9th October, for an exciting and competitive fixture that saw some excellent rugby played by both sides.

The game got off to a great start, with both teams showing plenty of enthusiasm, determination and attacking intent. Our team moved the ball well, looked to create opportunities and were rewarded for their efforts with some well-taken tries. At half-time, we held a 4–2 lead, with Patrick G, Theo B, Jakey H and Xander G all getting on the scoresheet. It was an encouraging first-half performance, although there was still plenty to work on.

During the half-time team talk, we focused on improving our defence by working better as a group, supporting one another and making it harder for Chesham to break through. I also challenged the boys to be more clinical in attack and make the most of the chances they created.

The response after the break was fantastic. Chesham raised their game and added another three tries, making for a closely contested second half. However, our boys rose to the challenge, showing great character, resilience and a real appetite to keep attacking.

Theo B was particularly impressive in the second half, proving unstoppable as he crossed the line three more times to complete a superb four-try performance. Patrick G also added his second try of the match, while Hari K got in on the action with a well-earned score of his own.

The players should be very proud of the way they responded to the half-time feedback and continued to play positive rugby under pressure. There were plenty of encouraging signs in attack, with several players contributing to a strong team performance.

The match finished with a fantastic 9–5 victory on tries, reflecting the team’s attacking quality and determination. A great effort from everyone involved, with plenty of positives to take into the next fixture!

Well done, team.

Reported by Mr Powell

Our visitors this week really did experience a game of two halves as Claire’s Court faced one mixed Beacon C/D team in the first half and a different C/D team in the second. Both teams acquitted themselves brilliantly, each one securing a win. Our strong running and competitiveness at the ruck were key factors, with everyone contributing in a most encouraging manner. Setting a particularly good example for their teams were Farid A, Phoenix F, Oscar H, Edward M & Robin B.

We rounded off the afternoon with a very close Beacon v Beacon game, which was a real showcase of the developments the children have made in this first half term of Rugby. Super effort and good fun.

Reported by Mr Langley