The day started with a series of inter House football and hockey competitions with students from Years 7, 8 and 9.

The official launching ceremony happened at lunchtime with students, staff, governors and invited guests gathering together up on the pitch.  We were delighted that Mr Gary White, Chairman of Banbury Hockey Club, and an international hockey player was able to join us to cut the ribbon and officially declare the pitch open.

Then in the afternoon there was a football competition for the local primary schools.

Students have been trying out the new pitch since the beginning of term and have given it the thumbs up.   The new floodlit all weather surface will be invaluable to the school providing a safe surface students can play sport on throughout the winter months.

Kineton High School successfully bid for Specialist Sports College funding in 2009 and decided to use the money for an artificial pitch to enhance the provision of PE and Sport at school but also because there was the demand for such a facility within the local community.

The full size artificial turf pitch is now available for clubs and the community to hire along with many of the other school facilities which include fully equipped fitness suite, outdoor swimming pool, gym, sports hall as well as classrooms.  For more information on the facilities for hire at Kineton High School contact Jo Rolls 07984 864200 or email jo@getmeinto.org.

Having finished runners-up in the group, we played the undefeated winners of the other pool, Alcester Grammar. In a pulsating game, AGS took an early lead, Kineton hit back with 2 excellent tries to lead at half-time. AGS then ran in two tries of their own to lead going into the final minute.  KHS rallied magnificently and scored a length of the pitch try with the last play of normal time.  The game went into a ‘Golden Try’ extra time period. Both teams were playing some excellent rugby, and created chances to score, but sadly for KHS, the score came from AGS.  A harsh way for any team to lose, but the boys can be very proud of themselves for an outstanding overall performance throughout the day. Well Done!

The awards recognised students’ dedication, commitment and achievement in school football, rugby, cricket, netball, rounders and hockey.  They also included player of the year awards chosen by the team coaches.

On Tuesday 9th May the Year 10s travelled to Alcester Grammar School  for the Southern Area Rounders Tournament.  They were drawn into Pool B and won all of their games (v St Benedicts, Studley and Stratford High).

 The girls then played in the final v Stratford Girls Grammar School.  SGGS scored 3 and a half rounders in their 21 ball innings,  Kineton girls then came into bat and quickly scored 1 and a half rounders but then a number of players were caught or run out.  In the final 5 bowls Kirsty Taylor scored a fabulous rounder and this was quickly followed by another 2 resulting in the girls winning the tournament!

Fantastic captaincy and vice captaincy from Lucy Marlow and Courtney Bewes, leading by example and playing well in all games.  Emma Heal and Katie Harris were match winners v Stratford High holding up the batting when they were the only players left in for about 7 bowls.  Excellent bowling from Megan Rolls – very consistent.  The rest of the squad also performed very well they were: Poppy Tutcher, Bethany Keyes, Hayley Spencer, Amy Chambers and Daisy Leach.

KHS were unlucky in facing 2 well prepared teams, Warwick and St Edwards, in their opening matches and their training and game plans showed in the scores.  It wasn’t until KHS played Sibford that some opportunities presented themselves and the team got their first tries of the tournament.

The Plate quarter final was a knock out game against Cotswold, they too had been on the receiving end of 2 big losses but appeared to have built up their confidence and were worthy winners in the end.

KHS were looking to improve as the games happened but an obvious lack of training was evident.

Follow this link to see a video produced by Field Sports TV that covers the event.  Fast forward to 13-19 minutes for coverage of KHS.