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On Tuesday 21st January the Year 10 Handball Team represented our region in the Birmingham School Games. Overall, it was a great day with nailing biting moments as well as disappointing moments. At first, I think all were happy to leave school so early, so we left school at around 09:20 and made a short journey to PlayFootball in Birmingham. As soon as we were registered, we got straight onto some practice but not too hard to conserve energy. We had a quick talk about the rules with the one of the referees and was very serious about people going against his decision. We then started our game straight on against the University of Birmingham School which ended in a disappointing last-minute draw 7-7 with the opposition scoring seconds before the whistle. It was acceptable as it was our first game and we were warming up. The next game wasn’t for a while, so some had a snack, others went and watched the girl’s competition. Our next game was up against Small Heath School who unfortunately did have the weakest team with big lads defending but poor passing and shooting so we mainly looked at this game to take advantage and gain some goal difference points. Mr Gallagher being the good coach he is, exploited weaknesses and composed different tactics and to attack and defend as a team. This did end up in our favour with a solid 8-2. The next game was against Plantsbrook School which finished with a close 6-5 victory, with Maneet making excellent saves as usual, Nathan screening defenders and Yaseen towering over the opposition’s defence. This team had good co-ordination and exploited the wings however failed to deliver the goals needed. Now that we had successfully placed top of our pool and firmed our place in the semis, all were looking for the trophy. Despite our ongoing streak of being undefeated, this game was not the nicest. We had an advantageous lead of 5-3 against Bartley Green until our team fell apart, all were tired, Taylor had a cramp in his calf and their attack was unpredictable and so the game ended in a disappointing defeat of 8-6, and so we knew our chance for the trophy had gone. Enlightened was with the fact that we could still go home with something: 3rd place medal. With our team saddened but determined, we came out with a crushing victory of 7-0. Regardless of missing out on taking a trophy back to school, we won something. All-inclusive, I think all had a great time, learnt something and would love another experience like such to occur again.

(Full team: Maneet Khera, Faisal Jajeh, Jake Gloag, Taylor Bewry, Chabota Changula, Yaseen Ahmed, Nathan Mhlanga, Zakir Khan, Karanjit Virdi and Rahim Ali)

Karanjit Virdi (10 Henry)