By Mrs Mason-McLeod (Director of Sport)

On one of the hottest days of the year, over 125 enthusiastic tennis players from Year 3 to Year 12 competed in the BGS School Tennis Championships on Saturday 29th June.

The day began at 8:30 AM with group matches followed by knockout rounds for Years 3, 4, 5, and 6. The level of tennis was outstanding, with matches both competitive and played in a wonderful spirit of sportsmanship.

The youngest competitors set a high standard early on. In Year 3, Evangeline Folson narrowly clinched victory in a closely contested final against Innayah Kaur. Year 4 saw Emilia Breeze emerge victorious over Felicity Chrusciak after several well-fought points. Claudia Guru from Year 5 demonstrated impressive tennis skills to defeat Darcey Steele in their final. Joelle Hall won an incredibly close final against Daisy Rees in Year 6.

As the day heated up, Years 7 and 8 played their matches under the midday sun. Esmé Wood in Year 7 displayed fantastic tennis, securing the championship title with Ana Palmer as the worthy runner-up. In Year 8, Jemima Sivills survived three sudden death matches to reach the final but narrowly lost to Milla Schreyer, the new Year 8 champion.

The older year groups continued to showcase their racket and ball skills. In Year 9, Rosie Brierley had a close game against Isabella Davis, who made a strong comeback in the second tiebreak, with Rosie winning. Rhianne Noor of Year 10 played exceptional tennis to defeat Flo Sibbald in the final, marking Flo’s first appearance in a final.

The seniors' competition, particularly well-supported by Year 11 students who had just completed their exams, was characterised by camaraderie and long-standing tennis rivalries. Esmée and Alice Challacombe reached the semi-finals, with Molly Brierley completing a family double success by defeating Izzy Wright in a closely fought final.

Many thanks to our catering team for the delicious strawberry cupcakes, sausage rolls and cheese straws, which added to the enjoyment of the day.

View photos here.