Despite recent breaks in play for half-term and snowy weather, Rydal Penrhos pupils continue to excel in their sporting pursuits, both as teams and individuals, with several national and international titles either secured or up for grabs.

With the sporting calendar picking back up despite the tricky conditions of late, the school’s sporting stars have produced many amazing feats and achievements that make all of us at Rydal Penrhos immensely proud. With the amazing success we are seeing at all age groups, the school community can be assured that we will see hear many more amazing stories from our talented sportspeople over the coming years.

Hockey

On Monday 13 March 2023, Rydal Penrhos’ U18 and U16 Boys Hockey teams participated in the Welsh National Championships, competing against some of the top teams in Wales. The players were determined to give their best and secure the championship title for their school.

Both teams managed to secure their places in the finals, setting the stage for a thrilling contest to determine the winners of the coveted title. The U18 team faced Ysgol Glantaf from Cardiff and put up an impressive performance that resulted in a 3-1 win. The players played with great maturity, and Year 11 pupil Liam Farrell scored a goal, while captain Alex Starling, a Year 13 pupil and Welsh international, scored two goals on his birthday, playing a pivotal role in securing the victory.

In the meantime, the U16 team was up against Ysgol Bro Caereinion from Powys and emerged victorious with a 4-2 win, securing the national title. The team displayed exceptional skills and teamwork throughout the competition, which helped them achieve their goal.

But the success story did not end there, as on Tuesday 14 March, the U12 girls’ team followed up the boys’ triumph by winning the Plate Competition. The result was a testament to the hard work and skill shown by every single member of the team throughout the competition, which was based in Cardiff.

The achievements of the Rydal Penrhos teams are truly remarkable, considering the level of competition in the Welsh National Championships, where the best hockey teams from around the country participate. These wins represent a significant milestone for Rydal Penrhos’ hockey program and highlight the talent and potential of its pupils.

The school community couldn’t be prouder of the teams’ accomplishments, and their success will undoubtedly inspire future generations of hockey players. This achievement also reflects the school’s dedication to developing its students’ talents and encouraging them to pursue their passions.

We congratulate all the teams involved in securing these victories and commend them for demonstrating exceptional skills and leadership on the field. You are champions!

Netball

At the recent Conwy Netball tournament, the U14 netball team of Rydal Penrhos showcased their exceptional talent by going head-to-head with some of the top schools in the county. Undaunted by the challenge, the team delivered an outstanding performance, recording comfortable wins against Ysgol Eirias and Ysgol Bryn Elian, while also delivering a dominant display against Abergele’s Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan.

The U11 team travelled to Hulme Hall School in Stockport, Greater Manchester as they faced off against some of the country’s best schools in an Independent Schools Association tournament. Doing themselves proud on the big stage, the team battled hard and demonstrated real skill in their play. Unfortunately, luck was not on their side when it came to shooting and ultimately missed shots meant that the team failed to qualify for the knockout stages.

Rugby

On Wednesday 1 March the Rugby Sevens team got some crucial practice ahead of the Rydal Penrhos U16s Rugby Sevens tournament, which has been postponed to later in the month due to wintry weather conditions over the weekend.

Nonetheless, the round-robin competition against Wirral Grammar School, Wrekin College, Shrewsbury School and St David’s College was a very useful learning experience for our team, which is developing strongly under the leadership of Rugby Coach Mr Kirby. Photos from the afternoon were included in our recent deep-dive article exploring one of Rydal Penrhos’ much-loved sports fields, Blackburn’s Piece.

The U13s team braved cold, wet conditions as they faced off against Ysgol Glan Y Mor. Despite an admirable display full of commitment and team spirit, the Pwllheli-based school ran out winners by seven tries to four.

Credit must go to the team to give it their all until the final whistle. In particular, Harry Percy-Hughes deserved praise for a clear Player of the Match performance. Overall, the game suggested that the U13s have a lot to be optimistic about, in spite of the scoreline going against them.

Karate

We are delighted to share the exciting news that Toby Simmons, a Year 9 pupil at Rydal Penrhos, has been selected to represent Wales in the upcoming Karate World Championships and European Championships in Romania. Toby is one of only nine individuals chosen to represent his country in this prestigious international tournament.

At Rydal Penrhos, we are committed to providing a supportive environment that encourages our pupils to pursue their individual sporting pursuits, and Toby’s success is a testament to the importance of this philosophy.

Toby’s selection is a result of his unwavering dedication, practice, and passion for karate. We are immensely proud of his achievements and are confident that he will represent Rydal Penrhos on the international stage with true sportsmanship. We wish Toby the best of luck in his upcoming competition, and we look forward to reporting on how he gets on.

Skiing

We are thrilled to share the news of Year 9 pupil Cameron Pye’s impressive performance in his recent ski competition. Cameron demonstrated his exceptional talent by finishing 17th in the Giant Slalom, ranking 11th among those his age. He later finished 13th in the Slalom, placing him among the top 10 in his age group. He has now secured his place in the Welsh squad for later this year.

Cameron’s dedication and hard work have paid off, establishing him as one of the most promising skiers at Rydal Penrhos. With a wealth of skiing experience gained from competitive events and his attendance at the 18-day British Ski Academy camp in Italy last year, Cameron is undoubtedly on his way to achieving great things in the sport.

We take immense pride in the provision of skiing opportunities here at Rydal Penrhos. Skiing is an excellent activity for young people, offering a range of physical, mental and social benefits. The school’s skiing program enables pupils to develop skills and confidence on the slopes, fostering a love of the sport that can last a lifetime.

This year alone, the school has had two international ski trips. Our Junior trip to Italy was a resounding success, and the Senior trip to New Hampshire is eagerly anticipated for the upcoming Easter break.

Cameron’s success is a testament to his talent, hard work, and the outstanding provision of skiing opportunities at Rydal Penrhos. We are proud of Cameron and wish him all the best as he continues to excel in the sport he loves.

Fives

Many congratulations go to the Year 13 boys and Year 10 girls on their recent Eton Fives victories against Shrewsbury School. Both teams demonstrated exceptional teamwork, skill, and dedication to achieve wins in all their games. Rydal Penrhos has the distinction of being the only school in Wales with Eton Fives courts, a reflection of the school’s history and longstanding commitment to offering diverse sporting opportunities.

Rydal Penrhos has a rich modern day tradition of Fives, with the game inspiring ferocious enthusiasm and commitment from Rydal Penrhos pupils and alumni alike. Our teams’ latest victories are an indicatin that Fives is in a very good place for the future; we look forward to more inspiring performances from our players in the future.

Football

Rydal Penrhos’ U11 girls’ football team became the first side to represent the school in a girls’ football tournament. In an Urdd competition at Llandrillo College, despite near freezing conditions, the team played with smiles on their faces and expressed themselves with determination and flair. Unfortunately, they missed out on qualification to the knock-out section but can be proud of their performances.

To read more about the U11s’ tournament debut, please click here to see our full report.