Rendcomb College recently celebrated an exciting weekend of sport, hosting two prestigious events: The Issy Bailey Cup for hockey and The Jonny Wilkinson Cup for rugby. Both tournaments were a testament to the college’s commitment to fostering teamwork, perseverance, and excellence in sports.
The Issy Bailey Cup: A Celebration of Hockey
On Saturday, Rendcomb College welcomed teams to the Issy Bailey Cup, an annual hockey tournament named in honour of former pupil and Paralympian Issy Bailey. This event showcased not only the skill and determination of the players but also Issy's inspiring legacy.
With an unbeaten record going into the tournament, Rendcomb’s hockey team carried both high hopes and was under pressure to perform. Their goal was clear: to make their school and Issy proud.
Highlights:
Rendcomb College delivered exceptional performances throughout the tournament, displaying technical precision and cohesive teamwork. The players encouraged and supported one another, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship.
After a string of strong performances, the team advanced to the final, facing a formidable Clifton High School. In a closely contested match, Rendcomb fought hard but narrowly missed victory, losing 1-0.
Many congratulations to Clifton High School on their well-deserved win!
Post-tournament
True to their nature, Rendcomb College’s hockey players showed remarkable resilience after the tournament. Just days later they secured a convincing 2-0 win against Sibford, maintaining their outstanding season.
The U15 squad showed grit and determination in their match against Kingham Hill. Despite trailing 4-0 at halftime, the team rallied in the second half, scoring two well-worked goals from Red G and Chloe H. Goalkeeper Hattie C earned special recognition for her incredible saves under pressure.
The Jonny Wilkinson Cup: A Rugby Showcase
Last weekend, Rendcomb College hosted The Jonny Wilkinson Cup (JWC) rugby tournament, drawing participation from several strong schools and delivering an exceptional display of competitive rugby. The day was filled with excitement, skill, and camaraderie, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Jake Collet, Head of Rugby gives his thoughts on the day:
This was the best performance I’ve seen at Rendcomb College. The boys showcased incredible teamwork, technical ability, and determination.
The squad impressed spectators and opponents alike with cohesion, spirit and collaboration, particularly evident in the seamless efforts of the Years 11,12 and 13 students.
While all players contributed to the team’s success, Year 11’s Wilfred G received special recognition for his energy and exceptional quality on the field. I would like to emphasise that despite some narrow losses, the team’s overall performance was outstanding, leaving a lasting impression on all who watched.
Professional Coaching Boost
Adding to the excitement, Gloucester Rugby player Arthur Clarke visited the college the day before the tournament to provide a professional coaching session. His insights and encouragement helped the students’ motivation and preparation for the intense competition.
Arthur has recently been called up to play for England A, so one step away from representing England at the international level, at the age of 22.
It was truly gratifying to see the boys come together as a team and represent Rendcomb with pride. This was a day to remember and a proud moment for the school’s rugby legacy.
A big thank you to Arthur for coming in and helping the boys prepare for the tournament. We wish him all the best in the future and hope to see him back at Rendcomb College; if his new schedule allows it!
