Rounders Area Match

On Wednesday 3rd May, the Year 11 girls and I travelled to Queen Mary’s School at Thirsk for what would be the students’ last opportunity to represent Richmond School in a sporting event. Spirits were high and the girls were very excited. The students played in a triangular tournament against Easingwold School and Queen Mary’s, each game comprising of two innings of fifteen minutes. The first game was against Easingwold where the students played with passion, commitment and an excellent tactical approach. Hannah Speakman performed some excellent bowling and she, Rachael Smith and Ruby Frankland made a great trio, combining backstop, first base and bowler, not allowing the opposition to get past first base. Imogen Thornton, Georgia Tuft and Jerusha Pealing fielded really well and backed up the big hits. Tori stopped a number of rounders being scored, with support from Becca at fourth and deep field. The game was close and we won by 14 rounders to 13.  The second game was the significant one, against Queen Mary’s. The girls’ confidence was high after winning their first game and Captain Hannah Speakman decided to make only one change in fielding positions. We fielded first and with some excellent reactions and skill got out several key opposition players early on in the innings. Some great high and hard catches from Jerusha and Becca, together with Tori’s quick thinking in throwing to Ruby saw the team get several of QM’s players out at first base. The opposition eventually finished on 14 Rounders. In Richmond’s batting innings, Ruby Frankland put the first points on the board with a hit into space.  Although Queen Mary’s fielding was tactical and made it difficult for Richmond to score, Imogen Thornton had Amber Prior running for her due to injury and the pair managed to get 1½ rounders between them.  This was down to Imogen’s big hit and Amber’s quick-off-the-mark sprint around the posts. Jerusha Pealing’s backhand hits were excellent, the tactical stance in the box and the power behind her hits allowing her to get around to third or fourth base every single time.  Becca McIntosh’s hits were so powerful that the opposition fumbled every single one. The ‘secret assassin’ Alanna Roche, who coyly stepped into the box, was referred to as a ‘big hitter’ and was able to remain ‘in’ as our last woman in the innings due to her powerful and tactical batting. The game was nail biting, and both teams played with a great sense of maturity, experience and passion. The final score was Richmond 14½ Rounders to Queden Mary’s14 Rounders, Richmond School are Area Champions – What an excellent way to finish secondary school on! Well Done Girls – You did it! One very proud PE Teacher Miss Harrower