31 Year 8 netballers and rugby players headed to Cardiff on a sports tour over half term and proved to be excellent ambassadors for the school on and off the pitches, enjoying a busy few days of competitive sport and local activities.Having left Cheam mid-morning, we were hosted at Cathedral School, Llandaff, for an afternoon set of fixtures. We were welcomed with typically friendly Welsh hospitality. The girls played some excellent netball, managing to win both at both A team and B team level, which kicked off their tour in fine style. On the rugby front, the boys ended playing a triangular with Cathedral, and Daneshill, Surrey. It took a while to get the journey out of the system, leading to defeat in the first match, but the boys came back in superb fashion to beat Daneshill in the second game, playing some very spirited and good quality rugby.After a much-needed match tea, the group headed to Cardiff to check in to the hotel, and safe to say there were a few tired bodies, and after a 3-course supper (one of many throughout the next few days!), all was quiet! Saturday saw another action packed day, involving a white water rafting experience for all the tourists, split into girls and boys groups. This was a great way to start the day, and everyone enjoyed the activity, even if the Welsh weather made for a rather cold experience! The boys were lucky enough to train at The Arm’s Park, home of Cardiff Blues, and were put through their paces on the pitch and enjoyed being able to play at a professional ground. The afternoon saw the group have a guided tour of The Principality Stadium by Anne (possibly the world’s finest tour guide!). It is such a special and impressive stadium, and we were blown away by its size and atmosphere (even when empty), also being lucky enough to see inside the Royal Box, changing rooms and media centre. After another much needed sleep, Sunday was our next match day, and it was nice that the girls were able to watch the boys match against Rhiwbina RFC, which turned out to be a bit of an epic encounter. With Cheam leading at half time, Rhiwbina fought back to inch into the lead with only minutes to go, but in the final play, Cheam pressure told, and we were able to grab victory by 4 points. A tough encounter, but a hugely enjoyable one! We then headed on to the girls’ fixture where the boys enjoyed watching the high level of netball being played against the Porthcawl Panthers. The A team dominated their game, with some slick, well-timed movement from the Cheam team, and this was backed up with victory for the B team in a much closer but equally enthralling game. Post match, the group headed for some fun and enjoyment away from rugby and netball at a local trampoline park, followed by 10-pin bowling which was hotly contested by all!After checking out on the Monday, we stopped off in Bath for the netballers to have a coaching session with Team Bath, whilst the boys headed to Bath RFC for a run light training session at The Rec. Both were enjoyed, and capped off what was a hugely enjoyable, busy few days. My thanks to the staff who kindly joined the trip and to all the pupils for playing their part in making the mini-tour such a fun and successful trip.
10 Dec 2024 
