Brentwood District Cricket Champions

We took two teams to the Brentwood District Dynamo Cricket tournament on Tuesday 13th June. This was a bit of a risk when considering that the Rounders B team beat the A team, meaning that we didn't win the tournament overall, but they just love playing cricket and they are good at it too!

Both teams started well, winning every match in the initial round. They were confident and communicated very well. This meant that in the final round, they would play each other and St Peter's to decide who the overall winner would be. The first match was St Mary's B v St Peter's; St Mary's won. The second match was St Mary's A v St Peter's'; St Mary's won. Therefore, St Mary's would win the tournament, but which team? In the end, the outcome was clear with the A team taking a lot of wickets, which in this game gives them 5 extra runs on the total.

So, congratulations to the A team for coming first and the B team for coming second. We were also very proud of our children who behaved impeccably and played fairly throughout.

Mr Gunn, the organiser informed Mrs Taggart that this is the 20th year in a row that Shenfield St Mary's has won this competition! 

U11 Essex County Schools' Football Association Parish Trophy 2023 Winners

The Parish cup is a nine-a-side football Essex wide football tournament.  This year's Year 6 team beat Benhurst Primary 7 - 0 and George Carey Primary 2-0 to reach the quarter finals.  They then met St Thomas and beat them 2-0, meaning that they reaching the semi-final without conceding a goal.  In the semi-final they were tested by Brightside Primary, the outcome: 3-2 to St Mary's, taking them to the final against Northbury Primary School. 

The final was played at the Aveley ground.  It started to rain as we arrived but in no time the sun came out and shone down upon us. The boys battled hard throughout the first half, having possession of the ball the majority of the time, but no goal came. The second hard commenced and the same pattern emerged but finally a goal came to St Mary's! The rest of the game followed in the same vain, with St Mary's being clearly on top, but not quite reaching the net. Northbury School did not give up, they were determined to equalise and nearly did.

Shenfield St Mary's were the eventual winners and the boys celebrated in style. We are so proud of them; what an excellent end to the season.

Thank you to Mr Clark, the coach, for training them throughout their time in our school and to Mrs Farqhar for being such a positive and supporting sports LSA, organising the matches and taking them to events.

Cross Country Success

In March, Essex Cross Country finals were held at Garon Park in Southend. The individual runners travelled with their parents (thank you) and the year 4 girls team travelled together in the minibus. All of the children put in 110% effort and never gave up. Our year 3 girl participant came a wonderful 40th out of 120. The year 3 boys came 8th and 20th out of 120 runners and the year 4 girls team came 6th out of 20 teams! Our year 5 girl led the course and came an excellent first place with the whole crowd in amazement of how far ahead she was. 

So very proud of every single runner out there on Wednesday, in very tough races with a fair amount of 'argy bargy' as one child put it! But our children showed resilience, determination and success. Well done everyone!

Also a great result at the National Primary Schools Champs in Loughborough on Saturday for one of our year 5 girls - silver medal! Just beaten towards the end after leading for most of the race in the Year 5 girls event. She is now the second fastest year 5 girl in the country! AMAZING!

Year 6 National Rounders Championship Silver Medal Winners 2022

National tournaments for primary age pupils are very rare indeed, very few sports offer this opportunity. Therefore, to be able to represent Essex primary schools at a national rounders tournament was an honour. We set off around 6pm on Tuesday for Leicester, staying overnight, with parents to help, in a hotel nearby the Leicester University Playing Fields. The children were just a little excited and somewhat nervous too.

The competition started with a group stage. The top two from each group would go through to the semi-finals. In the first match, the children got four of their opponents out from the first eight good balls, keeping their total run score down to 3. The batting then went well, scoring 13 rounders off 18 good balls. This match set the tone for the rest of the group stage, being tested slightly by just one team. This confidence and accuracy continued into the semi-final, when they played like a well-oiled machine, conceding 5 rounders from excellent hitting and reaching 11.5 rounders themselves.

The team went into the final match with confidence, having been accurate and sound in the field, they opted to field first having won the toss. The other team had also cruised through the group stages and semi-final, and it showed. They were big hitters and after a few unforced errors from our fielding team due to nerves, they scored a massive 11.5 rounders for us to then chase. This proved to be a tall order. Our team did score 10, which is a massive score, but couldn't quite get the 12 required. Hoebridge School proved to be excellent opponents and the better team on the day; worthy national winners. We are of course proud to receive silver 'medals' (or rounders balls on a piece of string in this case). The team played so well.

U11 Essex Jim Smith Boys' Football Champions 2022

Our U11 boys made their way to Aveley FC to take part in the Boys Essex Football Cup Final having beaten Plumberow, St Aubyns and George Carey primary schools to get there.  

A goalless first half showed our team putting 100% into the game and looked the stronger side, having the potential to win just needing to put a goal or two in the net!

Well those (2) goals came in the second half with the team giving it their all!

Well done to Brentwood School for a great final and well done to all of the boys who took part and for most of them what a great way to end their football journey at St Mary’s being well deserved Essex champions!

This part of the newsletter could not go by without saying a massive thank you to Julian Green, who has coached the boys to victory, not just this year but for many years gone past and once again a great way to end your time with us at St Mary’s. A huge thank you Mr Green who coached the team this season, with Mr Desmond as his able assistant.

Essex County Rounders Champions 2022

We arrived in north Essex with no expectations, having only played matches in the one tournament and at school. The boys and girls have great skills and have developed a strong awareness of tactics of the game, of which there are many, but they had no idea if they were a strong team or not. They know now.

The competition consisted of four groups in the initial stage. The group winner then moved to a final knock out group, to decide who would win the overall tournament.

In the initial stage, our team was convincing, to say the least. They fielded like a well-oiled machine, getting their opponents out and keeping rounders down to a minimum. When it came to batting, we were outstanding, hitting well into the distance in the gaps or, taking full advantage of errors in fielding.

In the semi-final, the team met its match - almost. Our opponents made 7.5 rounders, which is a high number to chase when we came into bat, they had made a strong start. Then all of our players raised their game, exceeding the other team's total, taking us to the final. By this time, the team was determined. They only allowed the other school 1.5 rounders, making the batting less challenging, but a few risks were taken and we had only scored 1 rounder with 7 balls to go, we were getting a little worried. No need, in the next 9 balls they took 5.5 rounders, giving them the win overall. Congratulations boys and girls!

We are Essex Rounders U11 Champions, next step the national finals on Wednesday 29th June, wish us luck!

Brentwood District Cricket Winners 2022

Our two mixed Year 6 cricket teams arrived at the South Weald cricket ground with great confidence, feeling prepared and ready to play. They were a little nervous however when they looked at the trophy, which only has one school's name on it: ours. Then they saw the team from St Peter's South Weald; seven out of eight were wearing Essex kit, all seven currently playing for Essex. The confidence went down but both teams were relieved not to be facing this team in the group stages.

Both of our teams won their groups with confidence, not being stretched particularly but enjoying the play. In the final group to decide the overall winner, there were three teams: Shenfield St Mary's A, Shenfield St Mary's B and St Peter's South Weald. Each team had to play each other and the team with two wins would be the overall winners, if each team won one match it would go down to wickets scored in this group.

The B team played St Peter's first. The B team certainly felt the pressure and were a bit overwhelmed by the excellent bowling of the St Peter's team, who took an amazing number of wickets. Runs were scored but not many, leaving the B team a lot to do. Their fielding was excellent and they kept the runs down but simply couldn't overcome the points lost due to the wickets taken by St Peter's. Unfortunately, during the match, one of our opponents received an injury, making them a 'man down' going into the match against the A team.

St Mary's A team won the toss, choosing to field first. They kept the runs tight, not allowing 4s and 6s, but St Peter's made excellent choices and slowly the score crept up. There were a few wickets but when we came into bat, there was still a lot to do. This was when they really raised their game. Due to strong batting and sensible choices, very few wickets were lost and the runs came in. Sadly, with a player short, fielding was challenging for the St Peter's and we recognised that the outcome may have been different with 8 players.

At this stage, two different teams had won one match, meaning that if St Mary's B beat St Mary's A, the total number of wickets would be counted to ascertain who the overall winner would be. The answer was clear: St Peter's. Therefore, the match was tense. The B team definitely played to win and did give the A team a run for their money but the overall result was that our A team won the overall title and retained the trophy. Well done to everyone who helped to make this happen: our coaches Joseph Parry and Tom and the whole cricket club.

District Rounders Winners 2022

Over the past eight years we have built up quite a passion for rounders in our school, this has resulted in some amazing successes pre-Covid. We have reached the national finals twice, the first time coming second overall and the last time, winning! The pressure is now on. This is the first time we have been able to compete since 2019 and on Tuesday we entered the District Rounders Tournament. We have so many children who are keen and also very good, we requested that we could take two teams. Initially, this was turned down and then a school pulled out. Therefore, we took an A and a B team. They played in two separate groups.

The A team won each of it's four matches, topping the group. The B team won 3 and drew 1, which was exactly the same as Ursuline Prep. The final was to be played from the winners of each group. Who would go through? The Shenfield Sports Partnership leaders calculated the rounders scored v rounders lost for each team resulting in the B team coming out top of the group. This meant that it was an all St Mary's final.

Both teams were determined to win, knowing that the winning team would represent Brentwood in the Essex finals. The B team batted first and made 5 rounders, with Phoebe being the star player, scoring 2.5 from excellent shots. The A team then came in to bat. There were a few reckless decisions but in the end the A team scored just one more rounder to win the match; it was by far their toughest match of the tournament.

Therefore, we are off to the Essex Rounders Finals. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you to Mrs Jessop, Miss Judd, Mrs Gupta and Miss Rogers who have all helped to get the team up to speed.

Double Champions: Year 6 win both the Langhelt and Whiskerd Cups in the Brentwood District Cup.

Double winners; we couldn't quite believe what happened on Tuesday 29th March at the final of the Langhelt Cup (Brentwood District Boys' Cup) and the final of the Whiskerd Cup (Brentwood District Girls' Cup), the joint result was truly amazing.

Both our girls' team and boys' team kicked off at exactly the same time against strong teams from Brentwood Preparatory School.

The boys dominated from the start, putting constant pressure on their opponents, aiming at the goal repeatedly. By the end of the first half the score was in our favour, with three shots on target and a clean sheet by our goal-keeper. We tried to keep the boys' excitement down at half time, but needn't have worried. Brentwood Prep continued to work hard, trying to break through our defences and did give our team a few challenges, but couldn't get the ball on target. Our team took advantage and scored one more goal. The final outcome was Brentwood Prep 0 v 4 Shenfield St Mary's. It was a totally deserved outcome for an excellent season; just the Essex Cup to go!

Not to be outdone by the boys, the Year 6 girls raised their game into another level to push aside a dogged Brentwood Prep girls team. The quality not just on the pitch but on the bench was outstanding, the whole team played their game in a totally committed way. Such an outstanding group of girls gave their all for Shenfield St Mary's to bring home a double treat so girls join the boys in local history. Brentwood Prep 2 V 4 Shenfield St Mary's.

To top off the celebrations, the medals and trophies were awarded by Lukasz Fabianski, the West Ham goalkeeper, much to the excitement of our pupils and many of the supporters. Brentwood Prep welcomed us very warmly and looked after us so well too, it was a great event, not just because of the outcome; our thanks go to the team at the school.

Key Stage 1 Physical Education, School Sport and Activity Award 2019

Until now, there hasn’t been any official award to recognise excellence in the delivery of school sport and physical education at Key Stage 1.  Active Essex announced at the end of last year that they would be opening applications for all primary schools to apply for this award. In September, Miss Chandler completed an online application to be considered for the KS1 Physical Education, Sport & Activity Mark. Application were assessed by a panel assembled by Chelmsford School Sport Partnership and Active Essex.  The award will last for two years. 

Shenfield St Mary’s were successful in their application and representatives from the staff and pupil representatives will attend a ceremony to collect the award on Thursday 16^th January 2020.

District Kwik Cricket Champions 2019

It has been wonderful to see the standard of cricket improving year on year across the Brentwood Schools.  This year was no exception with two other schools fielding excellent teams.

Our first team won their group with confidence, meeting Ursuline Prep in the semi-final.  This was a tough match, with both teams fielding convincingly and batting well.  Shenfield St Mary's had to find one run on the final ball to draw; and this did just that.  This meant that the winner would be decided on wickets taken; St Mary's 6, Ursuline 4.  We won, but only just.

The final was against Long Ridings Primary School.  They played brilliantly too and again, the match was pretty equal.  This time, Long Ridings had to find 12 runs on the last 12 balls, but they didn't quite get there, leaving St Mary's winners of the tournament.  

On to the Essex Country Finals on 2nd July.

District Rounders Winners 2019

The Rounders club is over subscribed, with 45 members and 15 further on the waiting list.  Miss Butler, Mrs Gupta and Mrs Taggart are very proud of the focus and determination of the pupils to learn the vast number of rules and tactics.  This certainly paid off, with a convincing win at the Shenfield Sports Partnership tournament.  The team came top of their group with excellent fielding, continuing with a win in the semi-finals against Herrington House and reaching the finals to play against Woodlands Hutton Manor.  This team certainly tested them more but the team came out winners.  

This took them to the Essex Country finals where they reached the semi-final.  They came up against Earls Hall, who pipped us to a win by only half a rounder.  Earls Hall went on to be County Champions; definitely worthy winners!

ACTIVE BRENTWOOD YOUNG SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2018 - WINNER SOPHIE WILLSON

Sophie is an all-round sports person and excellent team player. Despite her amazing skills across a wide range of sports and achieving a high level of success, she always remains humble and celebrates the achievement of others. She certainly plays to win and is desperately sad when defeated, but continues to praise those around her, she is a good sport!

At her time at Shenfield St Mary’s, Sophie excelled in a wide range of sports.

She reached the Essex cross country county finals every year she took part, which was in every junior school year.

She started to play football at school in Year 3 and went on to captain the team to be the local league winners in Year 6, narrowly coming second in both the Chelsea and West Ham Primary Stars regional tournaments. She played U12 Southend United Community Academy Girls team, where she was playing up a year and she was the team captain, until recent times, now playing for Hutton FC. We have recently heard that at her new secondary school, she plays in the year 8 team, leading them to victory from the start. However, football has had to take a back seat for now due to another passion.

In Year 5, Sophie was the only player of her year to play in the school rounders team, where, at first post she got out many players across Brentwood, then Essex and finally in the national finals, where the team came second. The following year, as team captain, Sophie led the team to victory with confidence and enthusiasm, this year coming home national champions. Throughout every match, Sophie reassured her team when mistakes happened and celebrated when other team members did well. She was an excellent captain.

Her passion and true strength lies in cricket. Sophie is a fast bowler, a really fast bowler. Her skills have gone from strength to strength, aided by natural ability but improved by sheer determination – practice pays off! Sophie has been spotted at the nets honing her skills on many occasions. As a result, her all-round excellence in cricket has been picked up. Here are some of her achievements:

She has played U12 Essex County Girls team - she was playing up a year with all the other girls being Year 7s. She usually opened the batting and was a regular bowler, played U13 Essex County Girls team - was asked to play up at U13 a couple of times with girls who were Year 8. She also played U11 Shenfield Division 1 Squad - Sophie was the only girl in the team. She often opened the bowling and sometimes the batting. With her Shenfield team they were U11 Division 1 League Champions and they came 2nd in the U11 CEDCB Cup Final. And she played U13 Hutton Girls in the girls league. Sophie has recently been awarded U12 Essex County Batswoman of the Year 2018 and the U11A Shenfield Club Player of the Year 2018.

Most importantly, Sophie is, and I am sure will continue to be, an excellent sporting role model for girls in our community. She is respectful, courteous, resilient and perseveres throughout. This is why I am nominating her to be the Young Sportsperson of the Year.

National Rounders Champions 2018

We couldn't be prouder!  Due to practice, determination, tactical awareness and excellent team work, this wonderful team won the National Rounders Year 6 Tournament, held in Leicester, for 2018.  

They were amazing and we could not have been prouder of them.  

Rounders forever!