The Salopian Summer 2023

SCHOOL NEWS
73
their best Fives, winning the tie 3-0 and providing Rachel
(Captain of Girls’ Fives) with a trophy in her final match
at Shrewsbury. Rachel, like George, has captained the side
superbly well this season, leading by example and being a
positive role model to the younger girls.
Scarlett Whittal and Liberty Clark, along with Rachel, received
School Firsts for Fives. Rachel also went on to be nominated
for Young Fives Player of the Year in the Eton Fives
Association Awards.
Best Performers: Rachel Ellis (M U6) & Esther Hurford (EDH L6)
Most Committed: Liberty Clarke (EDH U6) & Scarlett Whittal
(EDH U6)
Most Improved : Rose Farquharson (G L6)
performances from the U15s in
matches against a strong Repton
squad throughout the year and,
as the National Championships
loomed, there was much optimism
about Shrewsbury’s chances of
success. Emily Clark and Charlotte
Field reached the final before
succumbing to a very talented
Highgate pair who had already
won the U14 Girls’ Nationals the
previous week.
Best Performers and Most Committed: Emily Clark &
Charlotte Field (both EDH 4)
Most improved: Mia Hirakawa (G 4)
U16 Nationals
U16 Girls
The U16 girls have real quality and, with the right application,
can become an excellent squad. Liv Millar and Alice
Beardsmore have shown great potential this year. There were
strong performances from the U16 Girls in matches against
Repton and Ipswich School, and they performed superbly
well in the Northern Championships held in February.
In the Nationals, this year group welcomed Janice Wong (G
L6) to the team, as she is eligible to participate in the U16
tournament. Our first pair of Janice and Liv reached the
final of the U16 Nationals and provided us with one of the
best matches of the Championship week. At two sets down
against a Highgate pair who had never dropped a set, Janice
and Liv brought the match back to 2-2. Unfortunately, they
didn’t have enough to get over the line, but they were able to
prove that, with the right application, they have the potential
to defeat any pair. Next season we very much look forward
to seeing Jess Fraser-Andrews back on court after the knee
injury that has kept her out for over a year.
Best Performers: Janice Wong (G L6) & Liv Millar (EDH 5)
Most Committed: Charlotte Taylor (EDH 5) & Clemmy
Sowden (G 5)
Most Improved: Alice Beardsmore (EDH 5)
U15 Girls
Despite low numbers, the U15s showed real promise. Led
by Emily Clark, the squad has made tangible progress
throughout the season, providing competition for the
squads in the years above and below. There were strong
U14 Girls
This year the U14 Girls showed great enthusiasm and a
determination to improve throughout the season. They
made a great start at the U14 Individual tournament, with
three Salopians finishing top of the rankings and making
it through to the grand final. As the weeks progressed,
there were several players vying for a spot in the top pair.
Eventually, Bella Clark and Millie Parry proved to be the most
consistent performers and were rewarded with a place. In
March the U14 Girls competed in their National competition
in snowy conditions at Eton. Millie & Bella were competitive
throughout the day. They played with improving technique
and focus and were worthy finalists. Unfortunately, Highgate
1 had five years of experience to call on in the final and,
whilst the Shrewsbury girls battled hard, they could not
match the know-how of their opponents. Nevertheless, they
will now find their names on the honours board and can feel
confident that they are the best U14 Beginners in the country.
Bella Bland and Violet Heintz performed superbly well and
reached the semi-finals before being defeated by the eventual
winners, Highgate. There were also impressive performances
from Clara McAllister & India Quinn who won Plate A,
winning 75% of their matches throughout the day.
Best Performers: Bella Clark (M, III) & Millie Parry (MSH 3)
Most Committed: Willa Bowett & Emilia Griffiths (both MSH 3)
Most Improved: Violet Heintz (M 3)
Thank you to the many school staff who coached and
supported our students this year, generously giving up their
time and effort to ensure that we were able to make the
2022/23 season one to remember.
Junior Girls
Adam Morris