On arrival to the tournament held in Southampton we all realised that this was probably going to be the last big tournament that we played in together representing our school. This gave us the determination to finish the tournament on a high using our abilities and skills. There were about 40 schools there from around Hampshire.

Once warmed up we were raring to start and there were nerves and exhiliration felt by all the players. Knowing the games were only 7 minutes one way added to the pressure. This was heightened when our first game was against Farnborough Hill, one of our main rivals. But, with optimism and structured passes we out did their skills with a good win of 6 - 2. We then continued in the first round with 3 more wins and 2 losses.

This time this team started well and this continued through the game. All players were working more consistently and therefore creating more passing options. Once again the shooters were fantastic, rarely missing an opportunity. A win of 17 - 9. Player of the Match - Tabetha.

Although the weather was not promising in the morning,  the school was on fire with anticipation for the House football Gala in the afternoon. There were two pools with each House having 2 teams consisting of all of Yr 6 and guests from Yr 5.

In the pool matches there were some glimpses of scintillating stuff on the pitches with some of the girls showing up the boys. One pool match had to go to golden goal between Augustine Cherries and Paul's Bananas. Excellent and brave goal keeping by Katya kept the Cherries at bay. However some excellent lead up work Rebecca and Zoe saw Josh slot the goal that mattered. In the other pool Natalia and Rebecca H of the Chantal Marshes kept all other teams at bay to reach the final; and what a final it was.

U12A - The second match for these two teams. Once again this team started slowly with the lack of practice due to the half term break showing initially. but,once again they then got their acts together and started working as a team with improved passing and shooting. Indeed the shooters did a fantastic job with a guaranteed goal once in our attacking circle. Final result a win of 14 - 7. Player of the match - Harriet
U12B - Again a solid game for this promising B side. The whole team showed fantastic teamwork and court spacing to ensure good possession and passing. Result a win of 7 - 2. Pla

The weather and pitch was poor. The team’s morale fair. Coach always grumpy and demanding. With these conditions how could the opposition fare against ACS. Alton started out in full command with Francesca having her shot squeezed passed the Dunhurst goalie. This was quickly followed by two further goals from Josh and Matthew. Solid defensive work by Harry “the Colonel” and Harry “Chippy” kept “Captain Jack” kicking leaves. Strong tackling, gaining possession and superb passing saw Alton with plenty of attacking moves. Sean White playing his first ever match played beyond his inexperience.

These games were friendlies but they are always competitive. The “Bs” charged gung-ho into the game with many chances did not score. Daneshill made a break and shot from a long distance and the ball squirted through Ivor’s legs to bring up the first goal. This made Daneshill confident, but the duo of Gabsie and Kiara knocked them back while Oliver and Tristan in the midfield fed Ben and Matthew up front. Matthew was tireless in his endeavour. However it was Ben who secured the victory with two well taken goals with final score Daneshill1 Alton 2.
The “A” fixture was a different story with Daneshill always in the ascendancy scoring a very good team goal.

U12A - This was both teams first match since their new teams were formed. The A team started with a great deal of nervousness. They initially went 4 - 0 down! At last they started to show the talent they had in team practices and managed to get it back to finish a 6 - 6 draw. Player of the match - Tabetha and Harriet
U12B - This team started with more confidence which lasted throughout the game. Dunhurst piled on the pressure but Alton were not to be outplayed. Final result a 6 - 5 win for Alton. Player of the match Aislinn and Georgia

The ISA Regional Swimming Championships were held at the Garrison Olympic Training Centre on Thursday 16th October. ACS sent of a team of very excited and nervous girls. Most had never experienced such a venue before and I have to admit many of us would feel as daunted as they did. The girls were magnificent both in the pool as well as out.We did not have any fantastic results however you could never tell due the noise they made when each girl finished their race. Tiana Francis gained a creditable 3rd in the Yr 5 backstroke as compared to 6th last year. Lottie Fellows won her heat in Yr 5 freestyle and we await to see if her time is good enough to get into the Nationals. The yr 6 girls worked hard in their races and a special mention needs to be to said about Grace Jenner who stepped up to swim the butterfly leg of the medley relay despite it being her weakest stroke. The ACS team were a credit to both Mrs Cowle and myself and to the parents who sat through 5hrs of races, well done all!
Just a footnote to say that Alton Convent is not a swimming school (far more recognised for our x-country and athletics) as compared to the majority of the 19 schools competing, however we do participate and compete. This area of sport is a work in progress and it takes time and careful thought and planning to become better. In the mean time I am very proud of the swimm team and their efforts this year.

Kingscourt have emerged as the "dark horse" of the Wessex League this year. We knew we could underestimate them. Well, all I can say is that they have been the most complete team we have played. In the first we have to admit Alton were asleep and they had scored 5 goals before half time.And they were well worked goals. Jack did a stirling restricting the scoreline. Josh R gave some respectability with a consolation goal, however it was a nightmare start.
It was a story of two halves as Alton started playing the football they are capable of with stout defending from Francesca and Josh P. Josh R increasing his workrate and seemed to be everywhere.