Rugby

After an enthralling match Gordon’s managed to hold on, despite a late Wellington fightback, to beat Wellington College 20-13.

The Gordon’s players who ran out to the pipe and band were clearly pumped and raced into an early 10-0 with tries from Louis and Xavier. The second try from Xavier being particularly impressive as he rose to the skies to a claim a box kick from Will F before running through and scoring. The Gordon’s faithful were up for the game cheering on the boys with passion and enthusiasm. After a lengthy delay towards the end of the first half due to an injury for a Wellington player Wellington scored a penalty to close the half at 10-3 Gordon’s.

Early in the second half Gordon’s and Wellington exchanged tries and penalties to leave the game delicately balanced at 20-13 with 10 minutes remaining. Gordon’s defensive resilience really shone through as several times they made key turnovers in their own 22 to prevent Wellington scoring. A huge 50-22 kick from Will F with 1 minute remaining sealed the game for Gordon’s.

The atmosphere and performance were neatly summed up by Cam Yr 12 who described it as “The best game I’ve watched all year.”.

Charlie Yr 12, who played in the game, said, “Definitely our best team performance of the season. It felt really good to get one up over a private school especially since I am friends with many of the Welly players”.

The whole event really demonstrated how the whole school can come together to support and cheer on a team and really push them to their limits in order to get over the line. What stood out most to me was the Gordon’s team resilience, who despite dominating the game and feeling they should be further ahead, managed to dig deep and make crucial defensive turnovers in the dying moments which ultimately proved crucial in getting the win.

The moment that really summed up the whole day, was at the final whistle the outpouring of emotion from the players and fans, with Yr 13s, many of whom this was their last match, falling to the floor in happiness and the eruption around the Bradwell Pitch as the spectators roared their approval at the teams performance.

– Marco

Football

After the 3-1 loss last game, Gordon’s hit the ground running with high hopes for this game. It was a very tense, close game with many highlights for the Gordon’s side, however unfortunately the result was not one that we hoped for, with a 2-0 win for Wellington.

Gordon’s fought hard and with passion, one player in particular to point out being centre midfielder Stanley, who put in many great tackles throughout the game, winning Gordon’s back the ball and leading to many attacking opportunities. The atmosphere was unmatched, tension riding through the minds of not just the players but also the crowd of spectators.

A couple particularly memorable moments were centre forward Charlie’s free kick in the first half, whipped over the wall and just missing the top corner, hitting the post, centre back Archie’s header off a set piece corner which swung into the side netting, narrowly missing the left corner of the goal, and centre forwards Charlie’s narrowly missed shot in the second half, once again hitting the post.

Quotes (Student Voice)

1. How did it feel to take part?

“It’s always an honour to be able to represent Gordon’s senior team on any occasion, but this game specifically was very special to me. As we narrowly lost to Wellington in the league just a few weeks ago, and were playing at home with a big crowd, for me I would say it was a mix of nerves and excitement.” – Marco

2. Are you disappointed with the result?

“Obviously it would have been ideal to win the game, however I’m still very proud of all the boys for their performance, as it was obvious from the team mentality and atmosphere that we all put everything into the game, and were there for each other, and you can’t ask for anything more than that. Next time, we’ll get them.” – Lyall

3. What was your favourite moment?

“I would have to say that my favourite moment was Stan’s slide tackle in the first half of the game, not only because it was a great tackle, or that it led to a good attack for us, but the team’s response itself was amazing. Everyone was fighting for the win, just after another close chance with Charlie’s free kick and a win still seemed on the tip of our fingers, and everyone’s hype reaction to Stan’s tackle and to good play for our team in general was great.” – Noah

Outcome / Closing statement

Even though the result didn’t go our way with a final score of 2-0 to Wellington, the team still played to a superb standard, utilising their fine-tuned set pieces, fitness and individual talents to create many close chances, and were unlucky to have not come out victorious against this top side.

As the final game with Mr Nash before he continues his coaching journey elsewhere, the team were all disappointed to have not brought him home a final win, but still proud of each other for their efforts and to represent the school on such an occasion.

Overall, this event brought the school community together to celebrate all four of the major first teams, and with 2/4 wins, it was still a great success and achievement for the school, showing that they can compete against the highest level of schoolboy and schoolgirl sports in the country.

• Adam