Writes Scott de Weymarn, Assistant Head of Middle School
On the final weekend of term, forty‑four excited Third Form boys embarked on the inaugural Taylors’ Sports Tour to Bath and Bristol – an experience that blends sport, culture, and team spirit in equal measure. The group departed from school at 6:30am, full of energy despite the early start, and travelled straight to King Edward’s School, Bath, where the first fixtures of the tour awaited. Four Hockey matches were played across the year group, with the boys showing impressive enthusiasm and adaptability in unfamiliar surroundings. The A team were edged out 9–11 in a high‑scoring encounter, while the B team recorded a 4–3 win. The C team produced a strong performance to win 5–0, and the D team rounded off the block with an entertaining 4–4 draw. All matches were played in excellent spirit and set a positive tone for the rest of the tour.
The Rugby festival on Sunday took place at St Brendan’s Rugby Club, where the boys competed in eight short‑format matches against a variety of strong opposition. Wins proved elusive on this occasion, but the boys demonstrated commitment, resilience, and plenty of character throughout. Even the much‑anticipated meeting between Team 2 and Team 3 ended in a draw, much to everyone’s amusement. Despite the tough results, the experience offered valuable learning opportunities and highlighted areas of development for this promising group.
Beyond the sporting fixtures, the tour offered several memorable moments. The boys enjoyed watching a National League match between Clifton RFC and Dings Crusaders, giving them the chance to see the game played at a high senior level. An historic walking tour of Bath followed, led by staff whose knowledge brought the city’s rich past to life. Saturday also concluded with a lively evening quiz hosted by Mr Greenaway, which blended fun, competition, and plenty of laughter.
The inaugural Third Form Sports Tour thus proved a resounding success. The boys represented the school superbly, embraced every challenge with enthusiasm, and strengthened friendships across the year group. It was a weekend full of learning, enjoyment, and shared experience – one that will no doubt become a cherished tradition for future cohorts.
