A Busy Week of Sporting Success

Our cross-country teams excelled at the ESAA Regional Finals, securing top spots and setting their sights on the Nationals in December.

The 1st XI football team continued their strong season with a 7-0 win in the ISFA Trophy, while Veer Singh (Sixth Form) claimed third place in the competitive Dubai Hills Amateur Open golf tournament. Additionally, our Fifth and Sixth Form rowing crews kick started their season with impressive performances at the Docklands.

ESAA Cross Country Cup – Provisional Results from Regional Finals

Our Intermediate and Senior teams delivered a fantastic performance at the Regional Finals, hosted by Dulwich College earlier today. After qualifying 2nd and 3rd in the Middlesex round at Harrow at the end of September, this event was a significant step up in competition, with only three schools from a field of 16 eligible to qualify for the Nationals on Saturday, 7 December.

Highlights:

The Intermediate team took 1st place overall, surpassing Grey Court (the winners at Harrow), with a series of outstanding performances: Leau (Fifth Form) came 3rd (narrowly missing 2nd), Charlie (Fourth Form) placed 6th (likely the top finisher in his age group), Alfred (Fifth Form) took 11th (improving from 14th in the previous round at Harrow), Joachim (Fourth Form) came 29th in his debut for the Senior School, and Laith (Fourth Form) pushed through despite a knee issue.

In the Seniors race, Benjy (Upper Eighth) won in a thrilling sprint finish with an impressive time of 17:07 for the 5.3K course. After contending with the lead pack, he ultimately went head-to-head with a particularly confident rival! There were also strong performances from Sai, Luke (making his debut at the Seniors level), Amaan (Upper Eighth), and Alex, whose friendly rivalry promises to keep future races exciting!

A big thanks to Ms Khan for her support escorting the team, marshalling at the chilliest and most remote spot on the course, and capturing photos of the runners!

Rowing

After several cancelled regattas last half term, the Fifth and Sixth Form rowers finally had their first race of the season at the Docklands Head on 10 November. Racing in small boats early in the morning, the J16s claimed two wins: the J16 single sculls for Guy Parson, and the J16 pairs for Alex Schwimmer and Henry Bennison. Everyone then raced in the eights category later in the morning, with the matched J16 eights finishing 1st and 2nd in their category and 4th and 5th overall in the head. There was also a closely-fought race between the J15A crew and a very strong J16C crew.

Football

The 1st XI football team continued their strong start to the season with a 7-0 win over Claremont Fan Court in the U18 ISFA Trophy competition. The St Paul’s attack was formidable, creating numerous chances due to a robust midfield and excellent athleticism. Man of the match Joaquin Birts (Upper Eighth) was outstanding, driving from left-back and challenging defenders across the field. The midfield duo, Tom Falconer (Lower Eighth) and Tommaso Beber (C) (Upper Eighth), displayed exceptional consistency and skill, threading passes through the long grass to striker Moyo Lawani (Upper Eighth), who scored a hat-trick. We look forward to welcoming Bedales to St Paul’s in the next round.

Goal Scorers:
Lawani (3) (Upper Eighth)
Falconer (Lower Eighth)
Birts (Upper Eighth)
Baghai (Upper Eighth)
Own Goal

Golf

Dubai Hills Amateur Open Tournament

Veer Singh (Sixth Form) participated in the Dubai Hills Amateur Open tournament (mixed adults) on 2 November, scoring a gross score of +7 over two days and a net score of 3 under with a handicap of 1.3, securing him third place in the Men’s Net division. The tournament featured a competitive field of 65 adults with a handicap limit of 1.5, and Veer was one of the youngest competitors. Many congratulations to Veer!