Sports Update

Maisie W – Quietly superb Yr10 England football star!

With her trademark modesty and determination, Maisie W shone once again during her latest England call up in Turkey. Across four high intensity on pitch training sessions and fixtures against Denmark, Spain, and the USA, Maisie proved exactly why she continues to earn national recognition.

Tenacious in every challenge and fully committed to her development, Maisie put heart and soul into every minute. Unfortunately, that commitment also saw her collide heavily in the closing stages against the USA, resulting in concussion and a period of careful recovery. She has now returned to us—positive as ever—and has already brushed off the incident with her usual resilience.

We are incredibly proud of Maisie’s sporting talent, professionalism, and friendly presence around college. Keep an eye on this young player—she’s going places, and fast!

Sam P – Yr8 brilliance on and off the Badminton court

Sam continues to represent Devon county juniors to a very high standard, most recently competing against the Berkshire and Wiltshire U19 squads on the same day. He secured an excellent win over Berkshire and pushed Wiltshire in several highly competitive, hard fought games — an impressive effort against older ages, up to 6 years his senior!

He has also enjoyed a brilliant start to the year on the tournament circuit. In February, Sam competed in the Junior Ellis Tournament at the Life Centre, winning both the U14 Singles title and the U16 Doubles with his partner, Joel.

Building on this success, Sam entered his first adult tournament in the Plymouth League restricted event, where he reached the quarter finals in doubles and surprised the field by winning the singles title — an outstanding achievement for a newcomer to the adult game.

Alongside this, Sam is in his debut season playing adult league badminton for the Nomads B team, gaining valuable experience and continuing to grow as a competitive, committed player.

A superb year so far — and plenty more exciting performances to come!

Yr7 Football

Two very different wins, one very confident team

Devon Cup

Eggbuckland booked their place in the next round of the Devon Cup after a tense, hard fought win over Hele’s that went all the way to penalties. It was a tight contest throughout, but Eggbuckland carved out the better chances and controlled long spells of the game.

It remained 0–0 at half-time, but less than a minute into the second half Ben L finally broke the deadlock, finishing calmly to give Eggbuckland the lead their pressure deserved. Hele’s struck back late on from the penalty spot, forcing the game into the dreaded shootout.

That’s where Isaac F stepped up and became the hero, saving two penalties with brilliant reactions. With Ben L and Blake W converting confidently from the spot, Eggbuckland sealed a dramatic victory and marched into the next round.

Plymouth Cup

Eggbuckland made it two cup wins from two over Stoke Damerel this season with a blistering, breathless performance that was effectively over before anyone had time to settle. Two minutes in, it was already 2–0, the tempo electric and the intent unmistakable: quick, direct, incisive football — but none of the route one stuff that Wimbledon made infamous in the 1980s. This was sharp, purposeful, and relentless.

Eight different players found the net, but the spotlight shone brightest on Ollie A, who rattled in five with ruthless composure. Every attack looked like it might end in a goal and credit to the opposition who kept going. In midfield, Jack M was immense — a driving force who snapped into challenges and carried the ball with purpose.

With momentum building and confidence sky high, the Year 7s now turn their attention to Torbridge in the Plymouth Cup semi final as well as awaiting the winner of Tavistock v Ivybridge in the Devon Cup.

Yr7 Girls Plymouth Schools League

The Year 7 girls team travelled to Plymstock School for the Plymouth Schools League. The team played 2 games against Sir John Hunt and Coombe Dean. The first game against Sir John Hunt finished 2-1 with Dulcie getting both of the goals. The second game the girls played some great football, learning their positions and playing some nice passing football. A hattrick for Dulcie and a great team goal finished by Willow saw ECC winning 4-1. Two wins in a row and looking to put on a similar performance next week.

If anymore girls are interested, please see Mr Parker and Mrs Sprake in the PE office.

Yr 8 Devon Cup – Eggbuckland 5–2 Tavistock

Eggbuckland powered into the next round of the Devon Cup with an impressive 5–2 win over Tavistock. A recycled ball back into the penalty area from a corner allowed Theo W to ‘thunder’ a header above and out of reach of the ‘keeper. Ben L doubled the lead with a calm, clinical finish before Seb B capitalised on a bouncing ball the defender struggled to deal with to make it 3-2.

Blake W was ‘felled’ in the penalty area and confidently dispatched the resulting penalty. Theo W rounded off the scoring with a well placed cross-come-shot from a free kick. From 50 yards the ball curled and skidded off the wet surface leaving the goalkeeper no chance. A strong all round performance and a convincing victory for the Yr 8s.

Yr10 Basketball

The independently coached Yr10 basketball squad have been testing themselves against combined Yr10/11 teams from across the city—Plymstock, Coombe Dean, Plympton Academy, ASAP and TBH—and have emerged with an impressive 3–2 win–loss record so far.

The season opened with a competitive loss to a physically imposing Plymstock side, a tough but encouraging start that showed the team’s potential. Confidence grew rapidly, and the boys followed up with a composed and well deserved win over another tall outfit from Coombe Dean. MVPs: George H. and Elliot F.

Momentum built with a comfortable victory over Plympton, showcasing slick movement and improved team chemistry. Highlight was less basketball and more action film, as Jack H literally put his body out the door and on the floor to keep possession and scoop MVP.

A planned fixture against ASAP became a practice game after they were unable to attend, giving the squad a useful chance to sharpen their structure.

The final match of the run was a thriller. Despite dominating possession and leading in shooting attempts, some hurried passes and rushed shots kept the game tighter than needed against a powerful but raw TBH Yr10/11 squad. In a nail biting finish, TBH managed to edge ahead late on, taking the win 32–31. MVP for creating most chances: Will S

The team now look ahead to their season finale: a tough away fixture against DHSG, where sharper shooting and a touch of good fortune could help close the campaign in style.

Yr7 & 8 Indoor Athletics

Sprints and middle distance events using reversa-boards saw a combination of determined and talented running with the field jumps and throws being a new venture for some athletes. With good planning, we arrived early to practice and this helped confidence and technique in the more unfamiliar events. Our favourite was the obstacle sprint with all athletes taking part in mixed relays to test their agility, coordination and speed.

Our brilliantly tenacious and compassionate combined Yr7/8 team bridged the year gap divide to cheer each other on and push themselves to gain 2nd position and silver medals. Great work!

Yr10 Football

It’s been a challenging but determined competition for our Yr10 squad in the Plymouth Central League, as we’ve continued to mix A and B players —often meaning results haven’t gone our way, but performances have stayed strong.

The boys opened with a narrow 1–0 loss to TBH, despite dominating possession from start to finish. Player of the Match: Matti P.

A friendly fixture against Stoke followed, ending in a hard earned 0–0 draw, with resolute defending and a standout display from Player of the Match: Dudley N.

Against ASAP, the team battled bravely but slipped to a 2–1 defeat, with Eduard L. producing the moment of the match—a superb low, dipping free kick that left the keeper rooted.

The final outing of the week saw another tight contest, falling just short against St Boniface despite multiple chances to take the win. Player of the Match: Rio B.

The squad now look ahead with real optimism: next up is the Plymouth Cup v Coombe Dean, followed by the final round of the Plymouth League—this time with two full strength teams aiming to finish the competition on a high.

Yr11 Football

The Yr11 squad delivered a strong performance in their Plymouth Cup quarter final against Coombe Dean, producing some slick football, sharp passing and calm build up play to take a 2–0 lead, with Ethan J finishing both chances with real composure.

Perhaps sensing the job was done a little early, the team eased off and allowed Coombe Dean back into the tie, conceding twice to make it 2–2. The setback, however, worked as a wake up call. The boys reset, rebuilt their rhythm, and once again began to control possession.

Their renewed focus paid off as Caleb LS restored the lead, before Ethan J completed his hat trick to seal a deserved and ultimately comfortable victory.

A confident win and a place secured in what promises to be a tough semi final against Lipson.

Well played, boys