This term has kicked off with fantastic energy across all our sports teams, with students excelling in a wide range of competitions and practices. Here’s a look at the highlights from the first half of the term and a preview of what’s to come after the break.
Lacrosse
The lacrosse season started with a bang, with a remarkable turnout at practices—more than fifty girls in each year group from the Middle School are participating. Four friendly fixtures have already been played this term, showcasing impressive wins across all age groups. Particularly notable were the victories against Abbots Hill and Kings, Canterbury. Next term, the U15 and Senior teams will face tough competition in the Tri County tournaments, as well as friendly matches against Walthamstow Hall and St Paul’s.
Cross Country
The Cross-Country season is off to a flying start with 40 students eager to represent the school. All teams performed admirably in the first round of the ESAA Cup, and special congratulations are due to the Intermediate and Senior teams for qualifying for the Regional Round, which will take place after half-term. We wish them the best of luck!
Skiing
The Annual British Indoor Ski Championships, held on October 6 at Milton Keynes, saw a strong showing from our school. Fifteen girls competed across five teams, with some outstanding individual performances. The teams are already looking forward to next term, when they’ll compete in the British Schoolgirl’s Races in Flaine.
Netball
Netball continues to shine with all teams from Year 7 to Seniors competing in the SNS National Competitions. This year, Years 7, 8, and 10 are participating in the School Magazine Cup for the first time, with Year 10 already advancing to the second round. The U15 and Senior teams have qualified for the Middlesex Finals Tournament in March, and the Year 7 and 8 tournaments will follow in the spring.
Special congratulations to Jeslyn, who has been selected for the London Mavericks U17/19 National Performance League (NPL) squads, and to Mia and Ore, who have been selected for County Netball. A huge shout-out also goes to Miss Adio, who has been chosen to tour with the England Roses for the Jamaica Series next month.
Badminton
Our badminton teams have had a strong start to the season, with six wins out of eight matches across the middle, upper, and senior school levels. The Year 11 and Senior tournament saw the NLCS team secure a 2nd place finish. Open badminton sessions have also seen great attendance, with many students honing their skills to earn a spot on future squads. After half-term, we’re set to compete in the National Competitions, hoping to surpass last year’s impressive performance by our U14 teams.
Football
The footballers have also made an exciting start to the term. Practices have been well attended, with many new students joining from Year 7. The team participated in an U12/13 tournament at South Hampstead High School and played a close U13/14 fixture against SHHS, resulting in a draw and a narrow loss. Despite the outcomes, the team has shown great teamwork and should be proud of their efforts.
Cricket
Not even the rain could dampen the enthusiasm for cricket at NLCS this term. Despite the wet weather, students from the middle and upper schools have been diligently attending Friday after-school sessions, where they’ve been sharpening their skills, particularly in hard ball cricket. The new Year 7 cohort has shown tremendous interest in the sport, and we look forward to competing in the MCC Indoor Tournament at Lord’s after half-term.
Dance, Cheer, and Gymnastics
The artistic sports have made a lively start to the term, with the Senior Gym Squad training hard on Monday evenings to perfect their skills for upcoming competitions and a showcase later in the year. The U13 and U15 teams are gearing up for the ISGA competition in November, while the U14 squad prepares for the BSGA competition in January. Our Cheer Squad remains as popular as ever, with 35 athletes already training for their first competition in December.
Dance has been bustling with activity across the school. Year 7 is rehearsing for the annual Dance Display in December, alongside the Middle School Commercial Squad and Upper School Lyrical. As the year progresses, both the Upper School Commercial and Middle School Lyrical squads will begin preparations for ‘The Great Big Dance Off’ competition. After half-term, Jazz Club will also begin rehearsing, with dance development sessions led by our Senior Dance Captains.
It’s been an outstanding start to the term across all sports, and we’re excited to see what the rest of the year brings.
Geraldine Castle, Director of Sport
