Sutton school pupils reflect on spring sports success during lockdown

Mapplewells Primary and Nursery School became district champions of both the year five girls basketball and also the year five and six handball.

This means pupils will now go forward to the county finals for handball – a

first for the school.

As well as these victories, the school’s table tennis team won silver in the district finals, the key stage two boccia teams won two gold medals at the district qualifiers and the swimming teams won a silver and a bronze at local events.

Tom Darby, PE specialist at Mappleswell Primary, said: “Our table of success in sports has been a source of inspiration for all of us, children and staff, during the lockdown.

“It is a reminder of what can be achieved when you work together.

“Becoming the year five basketball district champions was a fantastic achievement for us and the girls played some brilliant basketball, wining all of their games to qualify in first place.

“From this strong performance, I knew we would have a good chance at the finals, and in fact they didn’t lose a game.

“They worked together well as a team and were finally announced as gold medallists, which was truly deserved.”

Year five pupil Tia Costello said the win was down to teamwork.

She said: “We achieved it by working as a team and communicating.

“I was very proud and happy inside.”

Teammate Tansie Hancock said: “I thought we were in a chance of winning because we had super good people and we trained a lot.

“It takes a lot of teamwork and energy to make the dream team and, since lockdown, I miss my team as they are all my best friends.”

PE teacher Tom Darby added: “All of the staff want to send a message to our pupils at home, to stay safe and strong and find a sense of pride in the achievements of Mapplewells as a school in their spring term sports.

“Your achievements show what fantastic sportspeople you all are.”