Cundall Manor is proud to announce that its U13 girls’ hockey team has successfully progressed to the North Yorkshire County Finals following an exciting preliminary tournament hosted at the school this week.

After a challenging start, the girls quickly found their rhythm, combining sharp finishing from short corners with excellent teamwork. Their consistent performance throughout the day saw them build momentum and deliver some thrilling matches.

“The team showed real determination and skill in every game,” said [Coach/PE Department Name]. “Their hard work, focus, and team spirit have earned them a well-deserved place in the county finals. We can’t wait to see them continue their success at the next stage.”

Cundall congratulates the U13 team on their achievement and wishes them the very best as they prepare to compete at the North Yorkshire County Finals.

Loretto Rugby Sevens & Hockey Tournament

Cundall Manor’s U11 and U13 rugby and hockey teams enjoyed an exciting and successful day of competition at the prestigious Preparatory Schools & Clubs Rugby Sevens and Hockey Tournament hosted by Loretto School. With 24 teams from across Scotland and the North of England taking part, the event provided an outstanding opportunity for pupils to test their skills, work as a team and enjoy competitive sport at a high level.

The girls’ hockey teams delivered some of their best performances of the season. The U11 girls showed remarkable progress throughout the day, finishing 5th overall and being crowned Bowl winners. The U13 girls were in superb form, winning their opening matches convincingly and battling hard against strong opposition to reach the plate final, where they narrowly missed out 0–1 to finish 4th overall. A highlight of the tournament was Florrie’s recognition as U13 Player of the Tournament, chosen from all participating teams – a fantastic achievement.

On the rugby pitches, both the U11 and U13 boys demonstrated excellent teamwork, resilience, and improvement as the tournament progressed. The U11 boys grew stronger with every game, while the U13 team started with a strong win before narrowly missing out in the Bowl final.

Head of Girls’ Games, Louise Bessey, praised the players’ efforts:

“I am incredibly proud of how our teams performed against some very talented opposition. The girls in particular played some of the best hockey we’ve seen this season, and all our pupils showed tremendous spirit and determination throughout the day.”

Cundall Manor extends a huge thank you to Loretto School for hosting such a well-organised and enjoyable tournament. The event provided invaluable experience for all involved and has left players inspired, confident and motivated for the rest of their season.

At the end of the Summer term, we welcomed back our Alumni for a thrilling cricket match, with Fraser McPhearson captaining the Alumni team against Mr Weale’s XI. Fraser made an early impact, taking four wickets in his opening spell. Despite this, strong batting from Dan C and Mr James helped Mr Weale’s team maintain the lead across 50 overs. When bowling, the Headmaster’s side turned the game around with key wickets from Rich C and Tristain S, plus a sharp catch by Ed L, ultimately securing the win. The evening ended with a relaxed BBQ and drinks at one of North Yorkshire’s most picturesque cricket grounds.

We look forward to hosting the event next year. Please reach out to alumni@cundallmanor.org.uk if you wish to join the alumni team. 

Congratulations to Immy and Molly for being selected for the Yorkshire Talent Academy. They will begin weekly training in Sheffield as part of the pathway training for England Hockey Academy.

Cundall Manor School marked the start of the Michaelmas Term in its own unique way last week, as pupils from Year 3 through to Year 11 took part in the school’s much-loved triathlon tradition.

For the youngest participants in Year 3, the event was their very first introduction to an endurance challenge, tackling a swim, cycle, and run. Completing the course at the beginning of the academic year gives pupils a confidence boost that carries well beyond the sports field and into the classroom.

Head of Girls’ Games, Louise Bessey, explained:
“The triathlon is about much more than fitness. Pupils discover their own resilience, push through nerves or tiredness, and quickly realise they’re capable of more than they imagined. That sense of achievement translates into determination for every challenge they face throughout the year.”

While each pupil takes on the course as an individual, the atmosphere is very much one of teamwork. Pupils cheer each other on, celebrate successes together, and share in the satisfaction of crossing the finish line. For new pupils especially, the event creates an immediate sense of belonging and inclusion.

The triathlon is also a reminder that sport is about participation and personal achievement as much as competition. The benefits extend beyond physical activity, boosting self-esteem, well-being, and overall happiness.

Congratulations to Imogen and Molly. This summer they represented North Yorkshire at the U17 National County Championships, going three days unbeaten to secure a place in the final! 

They came away with a fantastic Silver medal and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievement.

We are looking forward to pre-season training starting later this week and an exciting season ahead!

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the fantastic achievements of George and Freddie from Cundall, who played a key part in helping the Nidderdale District Under-11 cricket team make history this season.

After a thrilling display of teamwork, determination, and cricketing prowess, the team was crowned champions of Yorkshire — the first time ever Nidderdale has claimed the title in this age group!

The task facing Ben Quick’s side was no easy one, yet they managed to navigate a fiercely competitive tournament featuring 16 different regions from across the county with real skill.

Their journey to the title began with a dominant performance in the group stage, where they emerged victorious in fixtures against York, Derwent, and East Yorkshire. Their winning momentum continued in the semi-finals, where Halifax were edged out, setting the stage for a crunch showdown with Huddersfield in the final.

In a nail-biting contest, Nidderdale’s young stars held their nerve, defeating the previously unbeaten West Yorkshire outfit by three wickets to secure the county crown. George hit the winning runs and Freddie also took two wickets – a great Cundall contribution.

Coach Quick, who led the team to the semi-finals the previous year, said:

“All the boys were fantastic and thoroughly deserved the historic championship. Their hard work in training, improvement throughout the season, self belief and the spirit amongst the group was exceptional.

This victory was built on the foundation of a true team effort, with all 13 squad members contributing to match-winning performances throughout the tournament.”

The squad comprised players from Harrogate, Beckwithshaw, Whixley, and Kirk Deighton — and of course our very own George and Freddie, whose contributions were vital to the team’s success. That diversity proved to be a strength, as the boys united behind a shared goal.

This landmark championship marks a milestone moment for Nidderdale District Under-11s, and Coach Quick says that both he and his players are full of excitement and anticipation for the future:

“Hopefully, the boys will continue to take their game to the next level, all whilst enjoying their cricket and playing with passion.”

A huge congratulations to George, Freddie, and the entire Nidderdale U11 squad — Yorkshire champions and history makers. We can’t wait to see what’s next for these rising stars!