Sports

It has been a hugely successful year of sport at Lansdowne College with students participating in rugby for the first time in a decade and football once again.

Lansdowne entered an independent college 8-a-side football league competing against teams from MPW, Brampton, Hampstead, DLD and CIC. In the autumn league Lansdowne finished second behind DLD after a thrilling finale with both teams level on points but with two games in a week Lansdowne’s fatigue was ultimately their downfall at the final hurdle. With injuries and coursework deadlines fast approaching some students were unable to play causing a depleted squad to lose some momentum which they had been hoping to build upon in the spring league. Lansdowne eventually finish-ing mid-table but with some fine results in the memory. Ed Dodman demonstrated his talent with the ball at his feet and leadership qualities throughout the season and de-servedly picked up the player of the season award. Ollie Hines-Lloyd was also ever present this season and put in many solid performances at the heart of the defense.

Rugby took off in a big way this year and it was a pleasing sight having 18+ students turning up on a Saturday morning in East Acton for training sessions. Back in November Lansdowne finished runners up in the Middlesex 10s tournament to Southgate College, after beating them in the group stages but succumbing in the final. Captain James Hibbert and his deputy Alex Mason must be commended for showing huge enthusiasm and dedication all year which has not gone unnoticed. In a grudge match against Southgate in late March Lansdowne were again undone but not before some gutsy determination saw Lansdowne lead on several occasions, but lack of game experience cost us another famous victory in the end.

There has been a great deal of commitment throughout the College but particular thanks go to Ed Dodman and Tom and Joe Hines have excelled in both sports. I hope the success achieved this year continues into next year and beyond. Thanks to every student who attended training sessions and matches over the course of the year.