This week has seen a number of fixtures taking place, reports of these fixtures can be found below:
Monday 6th October: Year 8 Football vs St Edmunds
On a beautiful sunny Autumnal day the Year 8 football team played their first game of the season in the Herts County Cup V St. Edmonds college in Ware.
We started really well in a traditional 4-4-2 formation and went 1-0 up with a great finish from Heritage U. From there St. Edmonds came back in the game and equalised with a good finish from the edge of the box. They then capitalized on a mistake to make it 2-1.
Then two goals in quick succession made it 4-1, but we did not get deflated and a great strike from Hercules K ensured we went in at half-time just two goals behind.
We asked the team to be calm and not panic and continue to play as we had as we were creating chances. Our third goal came with 10 minutes to go with a second from Heritage U and from there it was game on. A tactical shift saw us go to a back 3 and then with 3 minutes to go a back 2 as we looked for the equalising goal!! However, our hopes were dashed when the opposition broke away and scored a 5th.
I could not have been prouder of the efforts of every single member of the team. They played in true Townsend spirit and kept working right up to the final whistle. We now move into the plate competition where we will look to progress as far as possible.
Squad: King-David O, John P, Hercules K, Shakeeb K, Eliza-Mae M, Xavion C, Heritage U, Kyron H, Kaiden C, Miroslav S, Christopher J, Bradley B (Captain), Joseph P, Daisy-Mae D.
Mr D Hawkins
Tuesday 7th October: Year 7 Football vs Ashlyns
The Year 7 Football team played their first ever match on Tuesday 7th October in the first round of the National Cup. Drawn away to Ashlyn’s School near Chesham, it was always going to be a tough fixture but with this year group being blessed with a number of talented players anything could happen.
The first half was a tough, physical, competitive affair with Dario P and Trey B-L keeping the opposition midfielders honest with their work rate, strength and technical ability. Townsend had the first clear openings after some wonderful passes from Trey B-L found captain Josh N out wide only for their goalkeeper to make two superb saves. Sadly, a couple of defensive errors led to Ashlyn’s taking a 2-0 lead before Nathan P deservedly pulled a goal back with a clinical strike after some excellent dribbling in the opposition penalty area to generate space for the shot. Townsend could have gone in level at half time but for a worldly of a save from Ashlyn’s player of the match, their goalkeeper, denied Sid M-C.
Although the second half remained a competitive encounter the balance of play shifted a little towards Ashlyn’s School as tired legs set into the Townsend players who were giving their all. Ashlyn’s were clinical in taking their chances despite Mason H, who was given Player of the Match by both teams, making a number of outstanding saves.
The game ended 7-1 to Ashlyns School but as their coach was keen to point out at full time “that was not a 7-1 game and was a lot closer in reality”. The future looks bright for the Year 7 boys and with a few more games under their belt learning how to play together and who is best suited to what position, their first win won’t be too far away.
Next fixture – Monday 20th October away to The Highfield School (11 v 11 friendly)
Mr P Dawson
Tuesday 7th October: Year 10 Football vs Parmiters
The Year 10 football team kicked off their season with a County Cup fixture against Parmiters School.
Townsend started the game really well with some good attacking play but unfortunately went 1-0 behind due to a lack of concentration in defence. Townsend did not let this bother them though and continued to create a number of attacking opportunities. Once Townsend got 1 goal, they did not seem to stop and Luke M went on to get 5 in total before half time.
The team spoke at half time and knew the second half would be extremely challenging. Despite warnings, Parmiters got back into the game and it was level at 5-5. Townsend kept going and Ellis M-B popped up with a header before Luke M lobbed the goalkeeper from 35 yards to give Townsend a 7-5 lead heading into the final 5 minutes.
Unfortunately, Townsend could not hold on and an own goal shortly before the end meant we went to penalties. Townsend were rather deflated at letting such a lead go and missed their first two penalties of the afternoon. This was certainly a crazy game to be involved in, and Parmiters progressed with a 4-1 on penalties.
Townsend should be very proud of their performance and use this as motivation for their next game. Well done to all involved, POTM Luke M.
Mr A King
Tuesday 7th October: Year 10 Basketball vs Marlborough
This week the Year 10 basketball team faced Marlborough in one of their district league fixtures. The team, Shane F, Masimba M, Aks P, Lucas H, Zamir L, Nathan T, and Sebastian B, put in an outstanding performance, showing excellent teamwork, determination, and skill throughout.
Their hard work paid off with an impressive 44–23 victory. The boys continue to go from strength to strength this season. We’d like to thank Marlborough School for hosting the fixture and look forward to seeing them again soon when our Year 9 team takes them on.
Player of the Match: Aks P for his fantastic all-round performance!
Mr B Hill
Wednesday 8th October: Seniors Football vs NBS
The senior football team travelled to NBS on Wednesday for a friendly fixture between two consortium schools. What followed was a lively and competitive encounter that showcased plenty of attacking football and determination from both sides, although Townsend ultimately fell to a 5–1 defeat.
Townsend started strongly, creating several early chances and dominating much of the opening spell. Despite their positive start, a fortunate break for NBS saw the hosts take the lead within the first 20 minutes. Two quick goals shortly after, both stemming from brief lapses in concentration, meant Townsend went into the half-time break trailing 3–0.
The second half began with renewed energy and belief from the visitors. Maziah T-N produced a fine finish to pull one back for Townsend, sparking hopes of a comeback. As they pushed forward in search of more goals, space opened up at the back, allowing NBS to take advantage and score twice more. Townsend were then awarded a penalty that could have narrowed the deficit, but the NBS goalkeeper made a strong save to deny them.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives to take from a spirited team performance and strong individual displays.
Final Score: NBS 5 – 1 Townsend
Player of the Match: Maziah T-N
Mr M Tominey
Look out for our next set of fixtures next week:
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Tuesday 14th October: Year 10 football (friendly) vs Hitchin Boys
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Wednesday 15th October: Year 10 District Netball Tournament @ STAGS
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Wednesday 15th October: Seniors Basketball vs St Albans School
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Thursday 16th October: Year 8 Girls Football vs Samuel Ryder Academy
Miss M Jones
Head of PE
