On Sunday 17th May, a group of 45 excited Carisbrooke College students set off bright and early at 9:30am for an unforgettable trip to the British Basketball League Play-Off Final at the iconic O2 arena in London.

From the very start, the atmosphere was brilliant thanks to our legendary bus driver, Ben from Leicester, who kept the journey fun, relaxed and full of laughs throughout the day. 90S dance music was also very welcomed, even if not by the students.  

There were certainly plenty of memorable moments along the way! Logan somehow managed to conquer FOUR bacon baps on the ferry, a feat that may never be repeated. Epic games of Impostor (phone game) at the front of the bus in which Mr Peake was clearly the champion despite Mr Lyle, Nell, William, Archie and Logan constantly cheating.  William proudly showed off his extra-large foam finger for most of the day, while Oscar decided the crowd entertainment needed improving with some very questionable dance moves of his own. Before long, Sullivan joined in and suddenly, most of the Year 7 boys had formed their own unofficial dance troupe, meaning the cheerleaders were almost out of a job!

Oscar also attempted to “borrow” the mascot’s outfit at one point, although thankfully security intervened before he could make his debut appearance on court, which was just the distraction for Jake who somehow transformed himself into the event paparazzi, even managing to get onto centre court while the women’s champions, the Sheffield Hatters, lifted their trophy.

The basketball itself was incredible. Students witnessed the London Lions win the men’s competition in emphatic style, with high-flying dunks, unbelievable long-range shooting and an electric atmosphere inside the arena. For many students, this was their first experience of live professional basketball, and it is safe to say it will be one they never forget, even if it was for the £17 three pieces of chicken and chips.

A huge thank you must go to Mrs Peake, Miss Harris and Mr Lyle for supporting the trip, keeping students entertained and ensuring everyone was looked after throughout the long day. Special thanks also go to Mr Briscoe for staying up late as our home contact and making sure everybody arrived home safely before midnight.

An exhausting but absolutely explosive day full of sport, laughter and memories that will last a long time!

Thank you to all the students who were an absolute credit to the school from beginning to end and represented Carisbrooke College superbly.  Special well done to each and every one of you for making it into school the following day despite the lack of sleep.