from the head master - merchant taylors' school · for the autumn concert last night was a...

Merchant Taylors’ School Weekly Newsletter01 November 11 2016

Merchant Taylors’ School Issue 145

Scissorum


MTSThis Week

It has been a week of contrasting emotion. We closed with a poignant and evocative commemoration of all those OMTs who gave their lives in The Great War. The boys observed the two-minute silence on this the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, following the playing of The Last Post. Yet this week our school both paid its respects to our honoured dead and celebrated the vistas of the future that open before the boys today.

For the Autumn Concert last night was a most impressive occasion — a musical feat — showcasing, amongst other highlights, Dvořák’s eighth symphony. As ever, I was most impressed by the verve and exuberance of our boys’ performances, moderated by episodes of great warmth and sensitivity. I extend my congratulations and appreciation to all those performers and to those teachers who have so meticulously nurtured them.

This same spirit, so central to the work we do at Sandy Lodge, characterised the visit of benefactor Alexander

Preston OMT to his old school, where he talked with current pupils as well as with his former teacher, Mr Coleman. Most generously Alex has made the gift of two metalworking lathes to the Design Centre, which will be a tremendous resource for our budding craftsmen and engineers, inspiring them in turn as he was so inspired.

Finally, may I draw your attention to Rugby Week, which kicks o� in earnest on Monday. We are delighted to be hosting guest coaches and a number of local preparatory schools, and on Tuesday England and Wasps star James Haskell will discuss his life and career in the Great Hall — tickets are available via the Events tab on the school website.

From the Head Master

Autumn Concert


MTSThis WeekMemorial GardenTo commemorate the loss of 43 former pupils in the Battle of the Somme, the School and the Merchant Taylors’ Society commissioned a memorial garden which was opened today. A short service was held to dedicate the garden which

remembers all those from the Merchant Taylors’ community who fell before their time. We are profoundly grateful to Head Groundsman Richard Ayling and his team (pictured bottom left) for their outstanding work on this project.


MTSThis WeekRemembrance ServiceFriday morning saw the school hold its annual remembrance service: a sombre event, honouring the fallen of the nation and the school. The service began with members of the JCR reading psalms in both English and in foreign languages: Hebrew, French, German, Italian, and Arabic. Father Bond led the school in prayers, the Head Master Everson delivered the Kohima epitaph, and Mr Taylor spoke on the ongoing school commemorations for fallen boys and masters. His message was that whilst the world can seem a divisive place at the moment, it can fl ower and grow better through perseverance

and self-sacrifi ce. The Last Post and two-minutes silence were followed by a rousing rendition of “I Vow to Thee My Country”, the whole school community in unison remembering OMTs past and a� rming our present bond through song. Teachers, boys, OMTs, as well as current armed services members, created an atmosphere of remembrance and love through prayer, song, reading, and silence. “We will remember them.”

Jake Keisner (Upper Sixth, Manor of the Rose)


MTSThis WeekRemembrance Service


MTSThis WeekAutumn ConcertThe Autumn Concert on Thursday, November 10th, was a resounding success for our musicians, as well as for the younger singers from the prep school who joined forces with the MTS trebles and altos to sing John Rutter’s ‘For the Beauty of the Earth’. The tenors and basses came next, o� ering a rendition of Morten Lauridsen’s atmospheric “Sure on This Shining Night”. The full choir then came together to perform “Adiemus” by Karl Jenkins. The Vocal Ensemble, under the baton of Duncan Saunderson, sang a programme ranging from sixteenth-century Spanish music to twentieth-century pop. There were some superb instrumental performances

too, including lively jazz arrangements from the Swing and Dixieland Bands. Young string players in the Sinfonia charmed the audience with Boccherini’s elegant “Minuet” and the Wind Band gave a lively rendition of “Shut Up and Dance”. Taylors’ Brass played “La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin” by Debussy with great sensitivity. The climax of the evening was an accomplished performance of Dag Wirén’s “Serenade for String Orchestra” from the Chamber Orchestra and the Symphony Orchestra’s account of the “Adagio” from Dvořák’s eighth symphony. This was a magnifi cent evening of music-making.


MTSThis WeekAutumn Concert


MTSThis WeekRugby Week

Programme of Events

Monday 14th November U13A Team vs Chesham Prep 6pm Kick O�

U14A Team vs Mill Hill 7pm Kick O�

Tuesday 15th November James Haskell Talk and Book Signing 6pm Great Hall

U15A Team vs Mill Hill 7.15pm Kick O�

Wednesday 16th NovemberU16B Team vs St Columba’s 2.15pm Kick O�

3rd XV vs Reading Blue Coat 2.30pm Kick O�

2nd XV vs St Columba’s 5pm Kick O�

U16A Team vs Skinners 7pm Kick O�

Friday 18th NovemberStephen Wright Cup Match

1st XV vs Shiplake 7pm Kick O�

The school co� ee shop will be open before all matches and

match teas will be provided afterwards for spectators.


MTSLooking Forward

Merchant Taylors’ School Weekly Newsletter10 October 14 2016

MTSParent 2 Parent

As part of Rugby Week at Merchant Taylors’ School,

we welcome England and Wasps star James Haskell.

Tuesday 15th November 6.00pm

James Haskell has become a cornerstone of the England side

and was man-of-the-series in the record breaking 3-0 win in

Australia. He will be speaking about his life in rugby, especially

his international career and time at top clubs in England,

France, New Zealand and Japan.

Tickets cost £10 and

include a signed copy of his new book:

Introduction to Becoming and Remaining RugbyFit

Tickets can be purchased at www.mtsn.org.uk/events

An Evening with James Haskell

Tuesday 15th November 6.00pm (Doors Open 5.30pm) in the Great Hall Merchant Taylors’ School, Northwood, HA6 2HT

Tickets

www.mtsn.org.uk/events


MTSThis WeekRFU tribute to the OMT Rugby players of World War OneAs part of its World War I Commemorations, the Rugby Football Union commissioned a series of three fi lms telling of thousands of players who left rugby pitches for the battlefi elds, many never to return.

The fi lms feature rugby heroes and the bonds between rugby, rugby values and the military, with narration from Lewis Moody, RFU Great War Ambassador, who interviews, among others, Martin Johnson, Neil Back and Rory Underwood in telling the stories of three England internationals who died: Ronnie Poulton-Palmer, John King and Cyril Lowe.

As part of the fi lm, Lewis Moody visited Merchant Taylors’ School and Old Merchant Taylors’ RUFC.

Part one of the three-part series, which includes the visit to Sandy Lodge, launched to the public on Monday 7 November 2016. President of the Old Merchant Taylors’ Society, Philip Newfi eld, and Jonny Taylor on behalf of the School were part of the invited audience.

The fi rst fi lm can be seen here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNJy-ZvkLJw, with Merchant Taylors’ featuring at 11m 50s.

The picture shows President of the OMT, Philip Newfi eld, MTS History Teacher Jonny Taylor and ex-England Rugby Captain Lewis Moody outside the Rose and Poppy Gates at Twickenham.


MTSThis WeekJeffrey Archer On Friday evening, about 300 guests were treated to a short talk and a highly entertaining question and answer session with writer Je� rey Archer. He spoke mainly about how he writes his best-selling page turners but did leave us with a

very valuable thought: talent plus e� ort will be successful; little talent but plenty of e� ort will be successful. However, talent with no e� ort will not.


MTSThis WeekBook Boffz Is Back!The Thirds’ and Upper Thirds’ book group got o� to a fl ying start with the customary paper plane challenge last Friday.The boys shared their favourite books, challenged themselves with quizzes and word searches and of course ate biscuits.The next meeting will be on Friday 25th November in the Library Meetings Room. New members always welcome.


MTSThis WeekChild Language Acquisition CourseThis week, some of our 6th form English Language students went back to reception to learn how to read. This is part of the Child Language Acquisition course for A level and the boys were lucky enough to watch the younger children at the Prep school learning their phonics.


MTSThis WeekHouse Maths Final In possibly the closest match seen in the House Maths Competition, Clive and Walter went head to head on Thursday to fi nd out who would be the House Maths champions. Scoring equally for the fi rst round, Walter drew ahead by one question in the ‘Mental Maths’ round and maintained their lead

through the ‘Geometry’ and ‘Calculator’ rounds. However, in the ‘Race’ round, Clive’s 4th former managed the only correct answer levelling the fi eld and resulting in a tie-break at 26 points all. After much nail-biting, Clive went on to win the competition!

Thank you to Miss Peers for being

quizmaster and well done and congratulations to both teams:

Walter (runners-up): Anuj Bhalla, Cameron Iggulden, Shaan Ali Ramani and Eshan Vadgama

Clive (winners): Mikhail Datoo, Alfi e Collins, Jayme Patel and Moses Ng.

Winners


MTSThis WeekList of distinctions from the fi rst half of termThe following were awarded Distinctions by the Heads of Section for their academic performance in the fi rst half of the Autumn Term:

Aggarwal, Sachin (A)

Aggarwal, Sameer (A)

Atkinson, William (MU)

Bailey, Thomas (WA)

Bannon, Tom (MA)

Brook, Harry (MA)

Brown, Patrick (S)

Bub, Zac (WH)

Byrne, Dylan (MA)

Caricati, Enrico (MA)

Carter, Ben (C)

Clark, Harry (MU)

Collins, Alfi e (C)

Corbin, Rahsaan (MA)

Datoo, Mikhail (C)

Dattani, Seyan (S)

Eid, James (C)

Eid, Mark (C)

Florent, Felix (WA)

Fraga, Javier (S)

Gohil, Sayen (MU)

Gould, Liam (MU)

Haskurti, Ronan (H)

Haynes, Thom (WH)

Ho, Aidan (WA)

Holt, James (S)

Horne, Nathan (A)

Huda, Zach (C)

Hunt, Ben (MA)

Iggulden, Cameron (WA)

Jehan, Bhavan (C)

Judge, Taran (C)

Kandala, Abhi (MU)

Karurkar, Ishan (S)

Kawaguchi, Oto (H)

Keener, Patrick (MU)

Khatri, Ashutosh (WH)

Kheder, Omar (WH)

Kotecha, Dhruv (MU)

Lavelle, Oliver (MU)

Lavington, Oscar (WA)

Leadbetter, Max (WA)

Lee, Dong Ha (H)

Lehmann, Daniel (S)

Lehmann, James (S)

Levy, Ishy (WA)

Lovegrove, Elliot (WA)

Ma, Tianyue (A)

Mandair, Kabir (WA)

Manzur, Hassan (C)

McDermott, Charlie (C)

Michaels, Toby (WH)

Mohindra, Aakash (S)

Moore, Joe (MA)

Morgan, Joseph (S)

Nayrouz, Thomas (S)

Ng, Moses (C)

Nichols, Mark (WH)

Patel, Jayme (C)

Patel, Kailen (C)

Patel, Rohan P (C)

Patel, Ryhan (H)

Patki, Siddhant (A)

Pattni, Rishi (S)

Puri, Rohan (MU)

Rehman, Ghazi (C)

Remani, Shaan Ali (WA)

Rodriguez, Issey (C)

Ryde, Sam (WH)

Salkeld, Joe (MU)

Sardana, Samir (MA)

Sasitharan, Aran (MU)

Satra, Mitul (MU)

Shah, Shaan (MU)

Shah, Syan (WA)

Sharp, Ben (S)

Skovron, Nicholas (WH)

Smart, Benjy (A)

Smith, George (C)

Smyth, Jordan (A)

Solomou, George (S)

Soneji, Shivam (WA)

Szostak, Thomas (MU)

Taylor, Tommy (A)

Thorpe, Luke (WH)

Tillotson, Alexander (H)

Vadgama, Eshan (WA)

Viyaijen, Aathavan (WH)

Waddington, Charles (H)

Warren, Nathaniel (C)

Whiteside, Angus (S)

Wickramarachchi Appuhamilage, Shan (WA)

Wilkinson, George (C)

Wright, George (S)

Wu, Jack (H)

Yip, Max (MU)

Zamin Ali, Jawwad (S)


MTSThis WeekList of distinctions from the fi rst half of termThe following were awarded Distinctions by the Heads of House for their overall endeavour in the fi rst half of the Autumn Term:

Alvi, Bilal (H)

Bailey, Thomas (WA)

Brook, Harry (MA)

Combe, Finn (S)

Cox, Marcus (A)

Davies, Jonny (A)

D’Costa, Liam (A)

Eid, Mark (C)

Grewal, Govind (WH)

Gurav, Rahul (WH)

Hassan, Caspar (A)

Iggulden, Cameron (WA)

Jebanesan, Jeshuran (WH)

Kawaguchi, Oto (H)

Kejriwal, Amit (MA)

King-Cline, Toby (WH)

Kumaradas, Ramith (MA)

Lavington, Oscar (WA)

Leadbetter, Max (WA)

Lehmann, James (S)

Levy, Ishmael (Ishy) (WA)

Lovegrove, Elliot (WA)

Mangat, Tunveer (WH)

Mansfi eld, Basti (MA)

Ng, Moses (C)

Nichols, Mark (WH)

Pindoria, Dilan (MA)

Popat, Rohan (WH)

Quraishi, Aadam (C)

Ragudasan, Sayjohn (WH)

Remani, Shaan Ali (WA)

Robb, Harrison (MA)

Rozanski, Aaron (H)

Rushanth, Rush (MA)

Sheard, Will (WH)

Smart, Benjy (A)

Sofat, Karan (S)

Soneji, Shivam (WA)

Vadgama, Eshan (WA)

Viyaijen, Aathavan (WH)

Wickramarachchi Appuhamilage, Shan (WA)

Winyard, Joshua (S)

Worthington, Luc (S)

Poetry – in tutor period!The theme of inclusivity has taken the shape of poetry in Ms Kotsuba’s tutor group. Below is the group e� ort realised within 15 minutes.

What you don’t see at night is

light in wait ready to fright

the monsters, hungry as ever,

who never sleep, never!

You don’t see the sun come up

or the moon go down,

distinct colours that danse and disappear

like moving pictures ;

the animals who hunt

shadows in the moon light

What I’ll really see tonight

is the blinding light.


MTSSocietiesLinguachefFaut-il manger pour vivre, ou vivre pour manger?

Friday 1.50- 2.20 MLSR

Come and learn how to cook whilst practising some French. 3rds, U3rds and 4ths only. Places limited to 10. Sign up by Thursday am.

This term has seen an exciting new venture in Modern languages with the creation of a weekly Linguachef club. Each week a few budding cooks and intrepid linguists have learnt how to prepare some simple dishes and practise their language skills with the assistants. So far they have produced gazpacho andaluz, Deutsches Gebäck and last week tapenade provençale under the watchful eyes of our four resident language assistants Danilo, Victor, Angéline and Marion. We very much hope that we can extend this to all year groups in the school and prove the maxim that the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!


Junior Geography

MTSSocieties


MTSMusic


Berlin Art TripMTSTrips

Joe Ricciardiello (Fifths, Hilles) writes:

A group of 16 boys and 3 teachers from 5ths to upper 6th travelled to Berlin to explore and absorb the culture in a city which has been dubbed the “most artistic in Europe”. We arrived at the aptly named Hostel Berlin, which provided warm sanctuary after the long days. Equipped with a sketchbook, pencils and pastels we were given free reign to channel our creative outputs on the page and be inspired by the huge collection of classical and modern art in the city.

The fi rst day was spent in the decidedly less attractive East side, which had visibly su� ered after the infamous Soviet blockade but despite the ruin of the buildings, it housed some of the most inspiring and brilliant pieces of street art any of us had ever seen. We were led by our eccentric guide Rob, who put meaning into the seemingly spontaneous erratic sprawl of street art

covering the walls, and we were even allowed to have our own turn at creating spray paint pieces. We journeyed to Checkpoint Charlie and the Topography of Terror on the second day, to give some cultural insight and nurse our academic curiosity on Berlin’s complicated pre and post war history, which was followed by a visit to various classical galleries to bulk up our books. The third day followed a similar trend of visiting lots of galleries however these were far more contemporary and proved much more accessible.

We were exceptionally well fed with high quality meals consisting of huge chunks of roasted pork, the all-time classic currywurst and possibly the best burgers any of us had ever eaten. The success of the trip was down to the amazing guidance of Mr. Rogerson, Ms. Lumsden and Mr. Leech and of course our wonderful tour guide Bernt, who played an integral role acting as the compass in the large expansive city of Berlin.


MTSTrips


MTSActivitiesEquestrianRiding at Littlebourne Mondays and Wednesdays as part of the boys’ MTS games option. We are lucky to learn how to ride at one of the most established and best riding schools. Thank you, Caroline Dent, the owner and thank you, all our instructors!


School Play: Dr FaustusDivisions boys have been rehearsing their roles this week as the Seven Deadly Sins in Christopher Marlowe’s classic, Dr Faustus; this years Senior School play, showing Thursday to Saturday, 1st, 2nd and 3rd of December, 7.30pm in the Studio Theatre. Tickets are available from Mrs Sansom ([email protected]). Our concept for the play is that Faustus is a young surgeon in training, turning to the dark side, under the infl uence of Mephistopheles - himself a fallen surgeon, from a dark part of history. The history of medicine becomes an alluring backdrop as the drama unfolds, with plague doctors, and other unwelcome masked creatures, stalking the stage.

MTSDrama


MTSDrama


MTSOMTsAlex Preston OMT returns to MTSOn Thursday 10th November, OMT Alexander Preston (1984-1991) visited MTS to see his DT teacher, John Coleman, his former tutor Dr Tim Stubbs and to deliver a talk to the Lower 6th as part of their lecture series. Alex spoke with disarming honesty about his time at school and his career, passing on the advice he would like to have given himself when he was in Lower 6th. Speaking very personally about the highs and lows of running his own business, his talk provoked brilliantly insightful questions from the boys who were clearly keen to learn from a man who has achieved so much and yet was in their position not so long ago.

Alex Preston OMT with Mr Coleman, standing next to the lathes that Alex kindly donated to the new Design and Technology Department. Mr Coleman taught Alex back in the days when they had ‘thous of an inch and four by twos’.


MTSParent 2 Parent

Merchant taylors’ school

invite you to their

Christmas fairChristmas fair

RAFFLE 1ST PRIZE: £500 SHOPPING VOUCHERS

MANY STALLS INCLUDING FOOD, BEAUTY

PRODUCTS, CRAFTS & GAMES

SCALEXTRIC COMPETITION

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY CORNER

FATHER CHRISTMAS

REFRESHMENTS

Adults £2.00, children 50p, under 5s free (all proceeds to NEW HOPE, WATFORD)

Free parking & disabled access (Satnav postcode: ha6 2ht sandy lodge, Northwood)

Northwood.

Saturday

19th November 2016

1.00 – 4.00 pm

12345 12345

5887 20,000/10


Name ..........................................................

Address.......................................................

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Tel...............................................................

Cash, counterfoils and unsold tickets tobe returned to the promoter at School

Reception by Thursday 17th November.

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Merchant taylors’ schoolRegistered Charity No. 1063740

Christmas Charity Raffle(Proceeds to New Hope, Watford)

1st Prize: £500 retail Vouchers of your choice2nd Prize: Fitbit charge hr3rd Prize: Mercedes World Driving experience4th Prize: christmas hamperand many other prizes

To be drawn on Saturday 19th November 2016at Merchant Taylors’ School, Sandy Lodge, Northwood, HA6 2HTPromoter: Mrs V Everson, c/o Merchant Taylors’ School, Sandy Lodge, Northwood, HA6 2HTRegistered with Hillingdon Borough Council PLEASE RETAIN THIS PART OF TICKET

Tickets£1each


MTSParent 2 Parent


Merchant Taylors’ School & Merchant Taylors’ Prep School

CHRISTMAS FAIR 2016 SATURDAY 19th NOVEMBER

1.00 – 4.00PM at MTS

All proceeds to New Hope, Watford We would sincerely appreciate donations for the following:

o Silent Auction – In the past, parents have offered the hire of a

Maserati; a professional family photo shoot; time in a holiday home; retail vouchers; vouchers for beauty treatments; tickets for sports matches; TV shows and theatres – in fact, anything for which you would want to bid!

o Bottle Tombola – Donations required for wine, spirits, soft drinks, shampoo or anything in a bottle.

o Craft stall – Are you creative or could you donate a few Christmas decorations?

o Home Produce stall – Homemade cookies and cakes, jams, preserves, chutneys or any food item nicely presented (please write ingredients on packaging).

o Beauty Products/Accessories. - Any spare, unused items will be gratefully received. We also need empty baskets/gift boxes for packaging and empty hamper baskets.

o Sweets and chocolates – Donations required for our Chocolate Tombola.

ALL CONTRIBUTIONS MAY BE LEFT AT MTS RECEPTION

GIANT 8 TRACK SCALECTRIX to be run by MT Prep School If you would like to sponsor a car sporting your company logo, please contact: [email protected] Individuals and school teams can take part in races on the day. Would you be willing to have a Robson’s Estate Agent board on your property advertising the fair? Would you be interested in running your own stall at the Christmas Fair for a donation of £30? Please contact [email protected] for further information or offers of help.

MTSParent 2 Parent



Christmas fair

Supporting

The Ladies’ Association (with help from Merchant Taylor’s Prep Parents’ Association and the School Charity Drive) look forward to welcoming you to the Christmas Fair on

Saturday 19th November from 1.00 – 4.00 pm.

Donations are still needed for: The Bottle Tombola (not necessarily alcohol), The Chocolate Tombola The Beauty/Toiletries Stall Homemade cakes

If you have access to a suitable prize for the Silent Auction we would be most grateful.

Please leave all donations at Reception marked 'Christmas Fair'.

Thank you for your help in supporting this very worthwhile charity.for your help in supporting this very worthwhile charity.

MTSParent 2 Parent


MTSParent 2 Parent


MTSSportSupport the boys tomorrow!

Saturday 12th November

Rugby v Cardinal Wiseman Home: U16B, U15B, U14B (10.30)

Rugby v Bloxham Away: 1st XV, 2nd XV, 3rd XV, U15A, U15C (13.45)

Rugby v Bloxham Home: U16A, U16C, U14A, U14C (14.30)

Hockey v Kingston Grammar Home: U12A, U12B, U12C, U12D (11.00)

Hockey v Reed’sAway: U13A, U13B, U13C (11.00)


MTSSportRugbyv Reading Blue Coat 1st XVWon – 19-0Tries: Aarons (Andrewes), Anthony (Hilles), Mahon (Walter)Cons: Warren x 2 (Spenser)MOM: Hugo Anthony

After a long bus journey, morning kick-o� s can be di� cult. Taylors’ game management and defence was, however, outstanding. Skovron on his debut teamed-up with Heenan-Jalil in the centre, who closed down the opposition’s options and left them with little choice than to smash forwards into our ‘black wall’ defence. Aarons and Seabrook provided excellent turnover at the breakdown, which gave good platform for Bannon and McDermott to win the lineout ball. Warren and Aarons kicked away most of our ball and allowed the defence to do its job. Reading’s kicking was smart, but even with good kicks they struggled to control Captain Anthony at fullback. This was an all-round team performance!

2nd XVLost – 17-25Tries: Alex Kerley (Clive), Will Sheard (White), Max Nimmo (Hilles)Con: Tom Steene (Andrewes)MOM: Charlie Jervis (Spenser)

It would be easy to assume that a game with a penalty try and four yellow cards was a feisty, unpleasant a� air but in truth it really wasn’t like that at all. Two well-matched and enthusiastic teams played out an exciting game, whenever it was possible in a game punctuated by far too much whistle-blowing. With several players promoted to the 1st XV, the 2nds welcomed three U16s for a taste of senior rugby and each acquitted himself well. But the MOTM this week goes to Charlie Jervis, who really lifted his game. The 2nds will no doubt recover from this

minor setback in the knowledge that between the innumerable blasts on the whistle they once again played some very attractive rugby.

3rd XVCancelled

U16AWon – 48-0Tries: Kantaria (Clive), Leathem x 2 (Hilles), Fitzgerald (Clive), Mansfi eld (Manor of the Rose), Milbank (White), Deane (Andrewes), Clarke (Walter)Cons: Leathem x 4 (Hilles)MOM: Mansfi eld (Manor of the Rose)

The fi rst game back after half term is a crucial one as the two-week break can often undo progress and set them back. The U16As set this straight with a very convincing win against Reading Blue Coat. Unfortunately for RBC they were only able to bring 13 players, however three boys from MTS agreed to represent RBC to try and make the game more competitive and get more boys playing rugby. There were some very strong performances within the squad on both sides and some enjoyable rugby to watch. The game ended up being one sided but it was a good game to keep the momentum for rugby week and the Skinners school who will be much more formidable opponents.

U15ALost – 0-17MOM: Cameron Byrne (Manor of the Rose)

Bonfi re Night is traditionally associated with fi reworks yet this match proved more of a damp squib as the U15As fell to defeat by a streetwise, functional Reading outfi t in an error-strewn performance. The forwards won plenty of ball and were well-marshalled by the Puckish fi gure of Cameron Byrne at scrum half. They won the lion’s share of the ball at

the ruck and even made good ground against bruising, raw-boned opponents. However, the backs too frequently crabbed sideways in attack, not wishing to draw and fi x their opponents before passing to the supporting runner. This meant they failed to break the gain line when launching attacks and too often were they smothered and snu� ed out by a su� ocating home defence.

U15BLost – 14-19Tries: Alvi x 2 (Hilles)Cons: Woolley (Mulcaster), Lavelle (Mulcaster)MOM: Bilal Alvi (Hilles)

The boys started slowly after a long journey, conceding an early try after a scrappy fi rst fi ve minutes. However, they re-grouped, gained focus, and made some excellent tackles so that by the start of the second half they were the team that most wanted the victory. Two tries, superbly ran in by Man of the Match Bilal Alvi, came close to levelling the score. Despite a defensive e� ort, of which they can be really proud, victory was not to be theirs and the fi nal whistle just came too soon.

U14AWon – 46-5MOM: Sean Duggan (White)

The U14As were unsurprisingly rusty after four weeks without playing a match. Thankfully, their second half performance was physically dominant enough to guarantee the win. However, with more competitive fi xtures on the horizon, they will have to be more switched on mentally and play together more as a team.

U14BWon – 29-24Tries: S Constantine (White), Patel , De Bruijn (Spenser), A Aina (Hilles), Shah


MTSSportCons: Horridge x 2 (Spenser)MOM: Flanagan (Andrewes)

With more scrap than an episode of Robot Wars, MTS dispatched another team on home soil, maintaining fortress Sandy Lodge. It was clear to see that after a lackadaisical fi rst 15 by MTS of which they let in three soft tries, the U14Bs roared back into the game. Punishing the opposition with hits that would not be too dissimilar to Sir Kill-a-lot the house robot, Dylan Flanagan repelled wave after wave of bulldozing attackers, returning them from whence they came, and depositing them squarely on their rump. The rest of the MTS boys took large amounts of inspiration from

this display: the passes began to stick, the running lines were more plentiful and thusly the score line looked more bountiful. The tries dotted down by MTS were a mix of the poetry-in-motion team scores and individual brilliance such as Constantine’s snipe down the blindside (a move that Connor Murray would be envious of), catching Reading napping, and De Bruijn’s canter to the line emulating an antelope evading its predators and reaching the expansive savannah ahead. A great opener to the second half of the season when the weather may try to suppress the talent of the U14Bs, but it will take more than a bit of wind and rain to quell the running rugby on display.

U14EWon – 39-15Tries: Ullah x 3 (Clive), Berenzweig (Andrewes), Cortesi (White), Ranauta (Hilles), Rowlands (Spenser)Cons: Whistler (Andrewes), Rowlands (Spenser)MOM: Ullah (Clive)

MTS went into a two try lead thanks to strong running from Backs and Forwards, but once Reading got the ball they were able to expose defensive weaknesses, not helped by injuries to Rowlands and Lawes. A strong second half performance with Ullah dominating from the back of the scrum saw MTS run out comfortable winners.

Rugby


MTSSportRugby


MTSSport


MTSSport

Footballvs St Columba’s College1st XI Lost 2-1

In a very one-sided a� air, sadly the better team did not return victorious. MTS were beyond unlucky not to win the fi xture by 4 or 5 goals! From the start the MTS team were tenacious and looked like a winning team. They were particularly defensively assured with Selvan and Sam Kaye patrolling the ranks. In midfi eld the pairing of Bull and Arnaldi were creating chances and with Ashley Patel marauding down the middle it was only a matter of time... or so we thought. After a fl urry of chances from Patel and a header from Kaye it was a scru� y St Columba’s goal which opened the scoring. In the second half, it was more of the same with more penetration down the wings and a few more chances with Patel and Arnaldi forcing saves. Some good pressing from the

striker allowed Rohan Sharma to nick the ball from the opposition and feed Arnaldi, who calmly turned and picked out the bottom corner. A world-class double save from Seddon kept it at 1-1 until the dying moments. A mix-up from the under-utilised defence allowed St Columba’s to snatch victory. It was a disappointment for the boys but the new fi tness regime seems to be paying dividends. Roll on next week!

2nd XI Lost 2-0

In a game that was closer than the score line suggests, Taylors’ squandered numerous chances which prevented them from securing a draw which would have been a fair result.

From kick o� it was Taylors’ looked the more likely to score, with Harris going close in the

second minute. However, with St Columba’s playing a high line with a sweeper keeper, Taylors’ struggled to create many clear chances. As the match progressed, Taylors’ dominance started to slip and St Columba’s looked the more likely to score, with Obatusin’s one-on-one save keeping the scores level at the end of the half.

The second half started in a similar fashion, with Taylors’ playing some good football and creating a number of chances. But, with 10 minutes to play, some sloppy defending from a cross saw the St Columba’s striker free at the back post to fi nish easily past the stranded keeper. Then, a couple of minutes later, a 40 yard lob saw Taylors’ go 2-0 down.

Whilst the boys never gave up, if they had converted any of their earlier chances the game may have fi nished very di� erently.


MTSSportHockeyv UCSU13BWon – 3-0Scorers: Amaan Patel (Mulcaster), Zayd Ahmed (Clive), Dylan Patel (Mulcaster)MOM: Suraj Shankar (White)

The MTS side took control of the game from the start however they struggled to generate the intensity, defensive pressure and ball pace required. There were a number of circle entries from the right hand side of attack, through Aaman Patel, however the fi nal fi nish or pass lacked the precision needed. The second half saw the MTS side increase their level with goals from Zayd Ahmed, Dylan Patel and Aman Patel. Man of the match went to Suraj Shanker for some excellent wide leading, creating space and opportunities for the MTS attacks.

U12BWon – 1-0Scorer: Puneet Patel (Andrewes)MOM: Rishi Thapar (White)

It was a chilly morning for the match versus the UCS U12A team. Taylors’ dominated the play with Oluwatimayomikun combining well with Michael-Daniel (MD) to create lots of chances but the UCS keeper was having a belter of a match and we couldn’t break the deadlock. Four minutes before half-time, it took a hammer of a strike from Puneet Patel to fi nally do so. The second half was one way tra� c once more with multiple shots from Taylors’ who just couldn’t seem to fi nd the next goal. The fi nal whistle blew to signal a well-earned victory.

U12CWon – 11-1Scorers: Angus Whiteside x 3 (Spenser), Shivam Desai x 2 (Mulcaster), Syan Shah (Walter), Matthew Lurie (Walter), Reuben Baxter (Walter), Zack Huda (Clive), Quasim Haider (Andrewes) and Joe Marsden (Walter)MOM: Syan Shah (Walter)

The U12C team won 11-1 against UCS. It was a fantastic team e� ort where nearly all players scored. MTS dominated from the outset, with excellent attacking play from Syan Shah and Angus Whiteside, supported by some strong running from Matthew Lurie and Joe Marsden. The team kept their shape despite UCS retreating into their own D and playing defensively. The ball was moved around successfully, culminating in a hat trick for Angus, two for Shivam Desai and one apiece for Syan Shah, Matthew Lurie, Reuben Baxter, Zack Huda, Quasim Haider and Joe Marsden. Tayvon Folami deserves a special mention for stepping in as goal keeper at the last minute. Man of the match goes to Syan Shah for his tireless attacking.

Hockey v Haileybury U12A Lost – 3-4 Scorer: Oscar John x 3 MOM: Oscar John (Manor of the Rose)

Despite a three goal brace from Oscar John, the U12As battled to a 4 - 3 loss away at Haileybury on a bitterly cold Wednesday afternoon. After a slow start, the boys began to realise that avoiding the physical tussle of the centre of the pitch and utilising the width of the playing surface was key to breaking down the Haileybury defence. By utilising their tactical knowledge, the midfi eld line were able to exploit gaps in the host’s defence and slot home two goals before half time. Haileybury bounced back strongly after half time and took the game to Taylors’, hitting the defence hard and hitting three quick goals. Despite the boys’ best e� orts, the game fi nished 4 - 3 to Haileybury, though the team remained upbeat and keen to avenge the defeat at the return fi xture just before the Christmas break.

U12C Won – 6-0 Scorers: Syan Shah x 3 (Walter), Rayen Ghandi (Mulcaster), Mat Lurie (Walter),

Joe Marsden (Walter)MOM: Syan Shah (Walter)

Another scintillating performance on a frosty afternoon proved not even the elements can hold back the turbo charged Cannons. Fresh o� the back of a record breaking 11 - 0 win at weekend; the Cannons now take their goal tally for the season to 17. A crushing victory; another hatrick. On this occasion it was the unlikely menace, Syan Shah, a silky right mid-fi elder who meanders through opponents with an essence of cheek, charm and class. With two goals inside the fi rst two minutes, it was inevitable how the afternoon would unfold. A new formation saw Laurie take charge of mid-fi eld, and control he commanded from the word go, setting up Shah for his fi rst. Laurie for his e� orts was eventually rewarded. A reverse undercut in the goal’s left side netting saw the newly positioned Laurie make his mark on the turf of play. Have you ever seen an 11 year old execute a reverse undercut? It is, and was, magnifi cent.

Captain Joe Marsden partnered Tayvon at the back, letting little through and making piercing runs leaving opponents in his wake. Marsden’s strong leadership was rewarded two fold, both in the form of goals, one for himself and one for the newly promoted Ghandi; selected for promotion from the Bulldogs’ eleven.

It wasn’t long before we entered the closing stages of the game, the Cannons had 6 on the scoreboard but with multiple missed opportunities, e� ectiveness in front of goal will be something Coach will want to put right in the 6am classroom session on Saturday morning. The weekend provides a real test with KGS waiting to claim the sort-after scalp of the Under 12 Cannons. Just how the Cannons will prepare themselves, only the Cannon Camp will know, what you can be sure of however is…. for the second consecutive weekend…. there will be fi reworks. GO CANNNONS!


MTSLooking Forward


MTSNoticesSchool Photographs

Team Photographs

School photograph order forms given to boys (orders sent directly to photographers – all queries direct to them)

Photograph can be viewed and ordered on line

www.gillmanandsoame.co.ukLogin: 314243

Password: 272786

Instructions for viewing & purchasing Team Photographs

•Go to www.montysphotography.co.uk •Click on 'Order Photographs' under the CONNECT menu (top right of page) •Select ‘Merchant Taylors School' from the drop down menu and click 'Go' •Click 'Access' for the Team you would like to view •Enter the password: Lfoot If preferred, orders can be made on 01279 651109. For orders that require International delivery orders must be made by telephone.

Team Photographs

www.montysphotography.co.uk


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