Chronicle Summer 2024

66 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

coming years. This year we introduced private tennis lessons during the term in collaboration with our tennis coaching provider. This proved extremely popular and the feedback from pupils has been very positive. I will be looking to build on this further to give even more pupils access in 2025. The Fifth Form played a select number of fixtures before their GCSEs, with the boys picking up a good win at Marlborough and the girls wins against both Cranford House and The Oratory. In the Shell, Carter Tocknell has been a key player for the boys and Sofie Barr for the girls. Romy Hunter and Freya Powell stepped up to lead the Fourth Form girls as Millie Tan moved into the senior ranks. The Fourth Form girls picked up impressive wins against Tudor Hall and Headington in the LTA Aegon Division 1 Competition. They also played well at the St Helen and St Katharine invitational, in two separate groups against five other schools. Romy Hunter and Freya Powell had good wins against Oxford High and St Helen and St Katharine, finishing in third place. Lydia Arnander-Richings and Elsa Brandler also finished third, picking up a win against Matthew Arnold. The doubles partnership of Nico Balke and Ferdie Oakes in the Fourth Form looks to be a promising one, with the boys showing huge improvement this term. They played at the MCS invitational along with Ludo Sears and Jasper Vaughan. Wins on day one from both Ludo and Nico weren’t quite enough to get them into the main draw of the competition but nonetheless it was a great experience for all of the boys. Other highlights of the season for the junior boys include wins over The Oratory, Eton and Bloxham. The junior girls picked up wins against Oxford High and Cheltenham College As the season comes to its end, I would like to personally thank Zac Orr-Ewing (Captain), Arthur Manson, JJ Orr-Ewing, Boo Haigh (Captain) and Tessa Challis for their contribution to the Tennis Club over the last five years. During the time I have known them they have all been outstanding and much of the Tennis Club’s success is down to their dedication and commitment. They have inspired others and shown what can be achieved through hard work. I wish them all the best of luck in their next chapter and hope to see them all at an OSE tennis event in the future.

Bradfield Mixed Doubles Invitational

Saskia Davies