Homeward Bound

Saturday 15th June 2013

On Saturday morning the dedicated sun worshippers took the last opportunity to catch some rays by the roof top pool before we had to leave. After a fabulous week in Malta the group gathered their belongings and left the Sunflower Hotel for our 3.20pm flight home. A crowd gathered to wave us off (or were they just checking in?) and after a comfortable flight and coach ride we arrived back at school at 8.30pm. The trip had come to an end but we know the students will remember this experience, and great trip with great people. 

During our travels home we took the time to ask each student their best moments, matches, day and anything else they wanted to comment on. These were the results:

The sporting highlights for the girls centred around the first game (which they won), all the team chose this game, Abby Hempsall puts this down the fact that "everyone was excited to play and we played good as a team". Melissa Rogerson thinks the first match was the best as she enjoyed "wiping the smiles off their (opposition) faces when we won". I like that winning mentality Mel!

The boys had some competitive fixtures all week in different environments, there was a mix of answers when asked which game they enjoyed most, Lewis Law enjoyed the first game against FC Sirens, Kieran Roberts best moment was being "brought on at centre back", which changed the second game (good decision Mr R), Scott Nicholson and Matthew Bailey also thought the second game was best and three of the team really enjoyed the Walney v Walney game on Thursday. 

It was difficult for the group to pick a best day but most seemed to plump for either the beach day on Tuesday or the trip to the Waterpark and Presentation evening on Friday, Abby Hempsall loved "playing volleyball in the sea" at the beach and Zach Walker and Bronwen Metcalfe both preferred " playing volleyball at the waterpark". You'd think it was a volleyball tour!

The group learnt a lot whilst walking round Valetta especially about the balconies that line both sides of the streets. Nearly half of all pupils mentioned these fantastic sights summed up by Daniel Cooper's comment that "admiring the balconies in Valetta", was the best part of the trip!

James Bailey, Brad Roden & Ben Eddy's best moments were "using the inflatable climbing wall at the waterpark". Jake Stockdale also enjoyed the waterpark and the presentation night, "because of the banter we had".

The hotel was "clean, nice, friendly and the pool was good" James Bailey. 

Ellis Rea liked "getting most improved player". 

A. Hempsall learnt that "I can make new friends with people I wouldn't of talked to otherwise" 

Hayden Skyrme learnt the hard way on tour as he burnt his feet he said, "I'm no good in the sun without cream".

The need for Versatile players on tour led to both Kieran Roberts and Lorna Taylor winning the awards on Friday, Lorna learnt that she "can play a different position other than wing defence".

It was first time flying for Hayden Skyrme and Mattie McKee, Hayden's best moment was "coming abroad and flying". 

Brad Speake just enjoyed his "tea on Friday". Thanks Brad!

On a sports tour you expect a couple of injuries, during the past week we've had 1 or2.

Final Injury List

Jake Stockdale - calf

Amelia Sullivan - jammed finger

Abby Hempsall - sprained ankle, broken toe nail

Mattie McKee - bruised ankle

Daniel Cooper - strained hamstring

Bronwen Metcalfe - sprained wrist

Olivia Whitehall - blisters x 2

Melissa Rogerson - blistered toes

Rosie Woods - sore throat/cough

Hayden Skyrme - sore heels

Matthew Bailey - wrist, finger (general GK injuries)

The Sicklist - too many to mention. 

The big surprise was no broken hearts!

We were only away for a WEEK!

The behaviour and maturity of the students enabled the teachers to fully enjoy the trip and bring on their sporting talents. Mr Robinson tried to sum up their thoughts, "All the time and effort planning this trip has been worth it because the students have been so well behaved. It has far exceeded my expectations! We've had some great football results and I'm so pleased everyone worked hard for each other, responded to the tactics and bonded as a group". 

Lastly we the Teachers would like to thank the parents for seeing the merits in this trip and their hard work organising their children. I know many of you have followed this blog from day 1, we hope you have enjoyed it. 

Many Thanks

Mr Robinson, Mrs Lever, Mr Milburn & Mrs Stockdale

Friday 14th June: Waterpark & Presentation Evening

On our last full day in Malta there were no fixtures to play but plenty of fun to be had at the 'Splash & Fun' waterpark situated 20 minutes along the coast. We arrived there at 11am and  took in the flumes, wave pool and games of volleyball in the surf. 

At 4pm we returned to the hotel and chilled out the rest of the afternoon before everyone got ready for the final meal and presentation evening which was to be held at the Plumb Tree Restaurant. 

Walney School Malta Sports Tour Awards 2013

Football:

Players' Player of the Tour - Joseph McMullan

Managers' Player of the Tour - Mattie McKee

Most Improved Player - Ellis Rea

Most Versatile Tourist - Kieran Roberts

Highest Goalscorer - James Bailey (2)

Goal of the Tour - Zach Walker

Netball:

Players' Player of the Tour - Kelly Stokes

Managers' Player of the Tour - Melissa Rogerson

Most Improved Player - Lorna Taylor

Most Versatile Tourist - Abby Hempsall 

These awards meant so much to the individuals because of the quality of performance from both teams. As well as the serious awards above we finished the presentation with some funny ones which included 'Best Suntan' and 'Tour Entertainer' amongst others! A great night which was thoroughly enjoyed by all!

Valletta & Football Match 3

WALNEY V SIGGIEWI FC

After a day of sightseeing in the capital Valetta, the tour group travelled to the small village of Siggiewi on the west of the island to play our final matches of the tour. The format for the evening was to be a Walney Select 7 v Siggiewi 7 on half a pitch, followed by 2 Walney teams playing against each other on half a pitch. The festival would be complete with the main event an 11 v 11 Walney v Siggiewi finale. 

Walney 7 starting line up v Siggiewi 7:

ROBERTS

SPEAKE, SKYRME

EDDY, WALKER, RODEN

COOPER

Walney started this game the brightest and got an early goal through Brad Speake reacting quickest when the ball was dropped by the GK following a corner. A contender for goal of the tour came next when Zach Walker took aim from a free kick in a central area and arrowed it into the top left corner of the net. In the second half, Umar and Rea were brought on and a first appearance for Jake Stockdale brought about the fans applause and he quickly them paid back with an uncharacteristic strike from the edge of the box. A great goal. Final score 3-0 Walney!

Walney (Yellow) v Walney (Blue)

Starting line ups:

(Blue) Mr Robinsons Team

ROBERTS

LAW, GALLAGHER

MCMULLAN, J.BAILEY, EDDY

T.SWALES

(Yellows) Mr Milburns Team

M.BAILEY

NICHOLSON,SPEAKE

RODEN, SKYRME, WALKER 

MCKEE

The game between the two Walney teams was one of pride not only for the players but for their respective managers. It was a clash of styles, philosophy and age! And both needed to win. 

The game was a great advert for Walney School football with some lovely play by both teams, two good goals decided the game, one for each team by Swales and McKee leading to an amicable end to an exciting contest. 1-1

That left the main event of the evening and our last match of tour. 

Starting XI in a 4-3-3 formation:

M.BAILEY

GALLAGHER, RODEN, LAW, NICHOLSON

MCMULLAN (C), SKYRME, WALKER

MCKEE, SWALES, J.BAILEY

Due to the games earlier this match would be 2 halves of 20 minutes. Right from kick off Walney pressed Siggiewi into their own half and began to create a host of chances which were not finished. Great interplay down the left kept feeding James Bailey with the ball and his crosses were causing all kinds of problems for the opposition. The goal we had been searching for came from a goalkeeping error. Walker found space edge of the box and hit a well struck shot but the goalkeeper should have done better eventually fumbling it over his goal line. 

In the second half Siggiewi upped there game and had a couple of opportunities which scared the Walney defence but some fine handling by Matthew Bailey put a stop to their thoughts of an equaliser. With 10 minutes remaining the killer goal was scored, a goal everyone had waited for all tour Tyler Swales rewarded for his hard work and resilience, there was a familiar look to the goal with McKee skinning his full back and crossing for room mate Swales to sweep home first time. Get in! 

At the final whistle the final score was  2-0 Walney, players, fans and manager were extremely happy finishing the tour unbeaten - a great way to end the tour. 

Football Match 2

WALNEY V PEMBROKE ATHLETIC

After a positive performance in our first game spirits were high going into our second match of the tour which was played on Wednesday 12th June at Pembroke Athletic. It was was a fantastic setting for the game, with the ground situated by the Mediterranean Sea. Although this made for windy conditions which shaped the course of the game. The starting line included those who did not start the first fixture which added a freshness to the side. 

Starting XI: In a 4-3-3 formation

M.BAILEY

EDDY, UMAR, SPEAKE, NICHOLSON, 

MCMULLAN (C), REA, WALKER

MCKEE, COOPER, SWALES

Captain Joe McMullan won the coin toss and decided to play with the wind, it was obvious from kick off that Pembroke had played these conditions before and they settled into the game quickly and put the changed Walney team on the back foot immediately. Matthew Bailey was called into action almost immediately through a free kick from range that he did well to hold. A corner and another shot from distance followed soon after keeping him on his toes. 

The Walney side struggled to get in any kind of passing rhythm but were still a threat on the counter attack with the energy of McKee and Swales down the flanks.  These breaks created a couple of chances that were squandered first by Swales and then McKee. 

On the 20 minute mark Mr Robinson made some changes and returned J. Bailey, Gallagher, Law, Skyrme and Roden to the field, and Kieran Roberts in a new centre back role.  These changes improved the teams ability to keep the ball and the slick passing we saw from the opening match. This passing unlocked the defence for Swales on two occasions for him to be denied by a very good goalkeeper. 

The remainder of the half was end to end. Teachers Robinson and Milburn barked instructions from the touch line as the action became more tense. Chances for Skyrme, J.Bailey and McKee went begging and defending our own goal, Roberts and Law mopped up Pembrokes through balls. 

At Half time the score didn't reflect the quality of the game with both sides needing that killer touch in front of goal. Unfortunately Pembroke found the breakthrough 2 minutes into the second half, M.Bailey had to make an outstanding save from a powerful free kick tipping it onto the bar but he couldn't stop the rebound being tapped in by the oncoming forward. 

It came as a shock but credit to Walney they managed to continue to pass and probe looking for openings. Chances were squandered again by the forward line, but with the defence looking solid we started committing more men forward. With  10 minuted left to play the manager made a change, Law was pushed forward into the striker role with the instruction to use his physicality to cause problems. It worked, McKee getting the ball in the wide right position ghosting past his man and hammering a shot against the bar, J.Bailey was there again to pick up the pieces and drill the ball home. 1-1. 

The game finished with Walney on top but 1-1 was a fair result. If only we'd taken our chances! 

MATCH 3

After a great day at the beach the netball team faced their final match of the tour against a Malta Selection (County equivalent). The game was was played inland from our coastal hotel at Kirkop. 

Starting line up:

Gk-Taylor

Gd-Stokes

Wd-Woods

C-Hempsall

Wa-Sullivan

Ga-Rogerson (c)

Gs-Metcalfe

Res - Whitehall (3rd/4th quarter), McAllister (3rd quarter)

The game was to prove a very difficult encounter, the opposition consisted of a select side from the whole island with the standard equal to that of a county side back in the UK. This fixture was played indoors in a new sports centre which helped keep the sun off some red and tender sunburn but proved to be stifling as playing outdoors. 

The team soldiered on and showed determination and resilience but were outclassed. Special mention for Kelly Stokes who was a superstar and displayed outstanding skill. Final Result Walney lost 25-6. 

Unlucky Girls!

Matches 1 & 2: Netball

Walney v Alpine U15 & U17

On Tuesday the 11th June 2013 the netball team departed the sunflower hotel for their first matches of the tour, 2 games against Alpine. The coach dropped the team off at Marsa outdoor sports complex   Which was set in typical Maltese leisure facility.

Warm up was led by Mrs Lever prepared the team well and got them fired up and ready to start. The game was to be played in 4 quarters of 10minutes due to the heat.

Starting line up:

Gk - Taylor
Gd - Stokes
Wd- Woods
C- Hempsall (c)
Wa- Whitehall
Ga- Rogerson
Gs- Metcalfe

Res - McAllister (3rd/4th quarter-Wd), Sullivan (injured)


In a disappointing first quarter walney were losing 6-4 at the interval. After team talk, water on board and a hair dryer from the coaches the team had much improved second quarter which finished 10-9 to walney.

The 3rd quarter Bronwen came off injured and Abby moved forward to goal shooter. Rosie Woods went to centre, and Jordan was introduced in wing defence. The team continued their high performance throughout the rest of the game. Final Score Walney 27-23 Alpine U15.

Special mention for Lorna Taylor for an outstanding performance in an unnatural position!

Walney v Alpine U17

Starting line up was the same as the previous game, only 2 halves were played due to time constraints and the energy already expended in the first match.

Facing an older team the girls held their own against a more physically demanding side. The performance was still a strong one and the girls managed to come away with a draw.

Football Match 1

WALNEY V FC SIRENS

On Tuesday 11th June 2013 Walney school participated in its first matches of the tour. The netball team transferred by coach to their fixture and the boys had a leisurely walk into Qawra to the fantastic 1500 seater ground that was home to FC Sirens. 

The injured Jake Stockdale acted as Coach (and camera man) and along with Mr Robinson and Mr Milburn put the players through a methodical warm up to prepare them mentally and physically for the task ahead. 

The game was to be played in 4, 20 minute quarters to allow for water and substitutes and was officiated a local team. 

Starting XI: In a 4-3-3 Formation

ROBERTS

GALLAGHER, RODEN, LAW, NICHOLSON

MCMULLAN (C), SKYRME, WALKER

MCKEE, SWALES, J.BAILEY

The game started at a good pace considering the heat, Walney took a time to acclimatise to this, the 3G pitch they were playing on and Mr Robinsons tactics. 

After 10mins Walney started to get a grip of the game with the important midfield battle being won by captain Joe McMullan. McKee and J. Bailey were constant threats throughout the first period collecting the ball in wide areas and delivering pinpoint crosses for others to attack. After 15 mins the breakthrough came with some great interplay by Walker and Skyrme leading to McKee being released down the right hand side whipping a fantastic ball across the front of the Sirens defence to be drilled home at the far post by the advancing left winger J. Bailey - a great team goal!

After a quick drinks break and subs including the introduction of Cooper (in the false 9 role!), Speake at centre back , Umar and Eddy at full backs the remainder of the half was very much Walney schools with a few chances for us that should have yielded a goal. 

Half time saw Rea replace Skyrme in the tireless midfield role and M. Bailey enter the action on the right wing. Sirens started the half brightly and had a few half chances to level. Walker playing in a pocket of space behind their midfield started to spray passes from right to left and orchestrate our attacks, and got us playing again. Sirens playing on the counter attack now managed to score out of the blue, it came as a shock 1-1. 

The remainder of the game saw the same starting line up back on the pitch and the Fantastic McKee came to the fore, releasing him down both wings caused their defence mayhem and their full backs must have gone home with twisted blood. 

Unfortunately for Walney the end of the game was nearing, a couple of half chances were all we could create but the performance was one to be proud of. At the final whistle the score may have been 1-1 but it was difficult not to be extremely pleased with the performance and how the boys adapted to playing in a completely different environment- 5 more minutes and I'm sure we would have got the breakthrough our play deserved. 

Day 1 travelling & Day 2 Orientation and Match 1

The group of 27 Walney Students and 4 Staff departed school at 2.30pm on Monday. Waved off by parents students were extremely excited to get this once in a lifetime trip underway. 

Travelling to Manchester Airport went quicker than expected and we were soon checking our baggage  in and getting a bite to eat before our scheduled 7.25 flight to Malta. The flight departed 20 mins late but this didn't dampen the mood. In fact spirits were high as food and drinks were served and photos taken. 

We landed and quickly collected our luggage for our onward transfer to Sunflower Hotel.

Waking up to blue skies and heat of 26c made the late night worthwhile. Breakfast was served at the hotel which included a much needed coffee for the staff. Our itinerary for the day included walking into Bugibba, past where the boys would play football later on, and lunch at cafes locally. 

Back to the hotel and the rooftop pool, then beckoned for some relaxation before the afternoons action....

Match reports to follow later!

Mr Robinson