On Thursday, Carisbrooke College’s sports teams were once again in action, with impressive performances from both our U16 badminton team and Year 7 basketball team.

The U16 boys travelled to Christ the King to compete in the Isle of Wight Schools Badminton Finals, facing strong opposition from Christ the King, Cowes, Ryde School and The Bay. The team made an excellent start to the competition, with Charlie setting the tone by winning all of his singles matches in the opening three fixtures. Liam followed suit with a convincing singles victory, while Dan and Jack dominated in the opening pairs matches. As a result, matches against Cowes, The Bay and Ryde School were all wrapped up in straight games.

This left Christ the King as the final hurdle between Carisbrooke and qualification for the Hampshire finals. Having narrowly lost 3–2 to CTK in the qualifier the previous week, the boys knew improvements were needed and they delivered. Extra training sessions in the lead-up to the finals clearly paid off. Charlie continued his outstanding form, maintaining a 100% singles record with his seventh consecutive victory over the past two weeks. Liam then secured the second singles win of the match thanks to coming through under pressure in some very challenging points, meaning Carisbrooke needed just one more win from the remaining doubles matches.

Dan and Jack ensured there was no doubt, producing a superb comeback from 3–0 down to win their fourth pairs match of the evening. This remarkable effort meant the team had played 12 games on the night and won all 12, securing the championship title and confirming their place at the Hampshire Finals next month. A fantastic achievement and a true reflection of the boys’ hard work, determination and teamwork, well done to all involved.

A special mention must go to Charlie who has represented the school for the last five years in all badminton competitions and will leave us this year as the last in a long line of siblings who have represented the school with pride and been the backbone of our badminton teams for the best part of 9 years.  Your family name will always be remembered as the badminton powerhouse of the Carisbrooke community.

Meanwhile, our Year 7 boys basketball team appeared inspired as they produced one of the most complete performances a Cougars team has delivered in years, taking on Ryde Academy in their second game of the season.

From the opening tip-off, Carisbrooke set the standard defensively, with Albie, Reuben and Joshua applying relentless pressure, while Jack and Jake ensured nothing came easily in the backcourt. Numerous interceptions in the first quarter allowed Carisbrooke to build an early 8–2 lead. Joshua opened the scoring with a confident drive to the basket, finishing with a neat finger roll, before Jack added a basket of his own and Albie contributed four quick points late in the quarter.

As the game progressed, Carisbrooke maintained their intensity. Joshua added two free throws after attacking the basket under pressure, while Seb, Sullivan, Jenson and Reuben all got on the score sheet through excellent team play. Jake once again led the way on the rebounds, supported well by Joshua, Albie and Sullivan, allowing Carisbrooke to create multiple scoring opportunities. Thomas also impressed with his anticipation, repeatedly intercepting long passes and reading the game superbly and as Jenson brought out the American Football style touchdown throws Carisbrooke benefited from some fast break points.

Despite the growing scoreline, Ryde Academy showed great resilience and promise for such a young team. Carisbrooke eventually secured a convincing 32-4 victory, demonstrating significant improvement from their previous outing especially on the offensive end of the game.

Scorers: Joshua (10), Jack (6), Albie (4), Jenson (4), Reuben (4), Seb (2), Sullivan (2)

Leading rebounder: Jake
Leading steals: Thomas

Well done to both teams for outstanding performances and exemplary teamwork, a fantastic week for Carisbrooke College sport.