As I intimated last week, Knox Academy pupils had a full-on weekend.
Knox rugby teams hosted Kelso on Saturday which, as in the past, was a tough test against Border opposition. Our S1 team played their best rugby of the whole season, putting in a fantastic team effort, eventually losing out 21points to 19. The S1 team then mixed with the Kelso team and played the Belmont S2 team (apparently these players were “massive”) but again, our pupils played with huge confidence and gave Belmont a close game. The S2 gave another fine performance narrowly losing to a Kelso team that have been unbeaten this season. It was a great turn out for the team and the coaches were delighted to see the commitment from the boys. Our S3/4 unbeaten run came to a halt against a well-organised team. Sadly, our team lacked the depth we usually have owing to injury and absence. We really need S3/4 boys to come back and help their comrades out in this team, there is a potential to be one of the strongest teams the Knox/Haddington club have had in a while, but we need more players.
Knox School Of Rugby lunch was held at Haddington Rugby Club on Saturday. The event had over 100 people attending, with players and parents coming along. Scotland legend Chris Paterson was there as guest speaker and fielded questions from the audience. It was a great event and fantastic to see all players/parents socialising together. The highlight of the day was the sight of Chris dressed in his dancing shoes playing rugby with the S1 boys.
The girls' U15 team had a great tournament at Murrayfield on Sunday for the Edinburgh and Lothian’s Girls’ Regional 7’s. This was their first chance to showcase their snazzy new blue and pink strips, which looked fantastic amongst all the dark colours on the pitch. The girls finished 3rd out of 6 teams and competed in great style despite the weather. Good job ladies!
Knox Rugby is still looking for players: boys and girls of all ages, especially given that Knox is becoming a Super School of Rugby. Contact Scott Marnoch if you are interested.
Congratulations to the S2 girls hockey players who came 2nd out of 8 teams in the East Lothian inter School event held last Friday in Dunbar. Today it’s the turn of our S1 Team - Go Knox!
A big “well done” to everyone that represented Knox at the Scottish Schools’ Cross Country event in Irvine on Saturday. There were strong Knox performances in a range of age groups. It was very pleasing to see so many Knox runners entered this year’s event. Special mention goes to both Bethan McGregor who placed 9th and Rachel Watson who ended up 11th in the toughly contested senior girls’ event.
On Sunday the Knox Academy Pipe Band competed in the Scottish Schools’ Pipe Band Championships at Broughton High School in Edinburgh. This is the third time that the band has competed, and having done so well previously, has been put into a harder class. The pupils looked very smart in their kilts (thanks to Haddington Pipe Band for working in partnership with us there), and had the unenviable task of being last to perform in their class. Knox was the only state school competing in the class and played “Campbell’s Farewell to Redcastle” and “Men of Argyll”. They came fifth out of the nine bands playing, but given that they have only been competing for a relatively short period of time, I think that this is a massive achievement. Thanks to all the parents for their support, the piping and drumming tutors for their hard work, and to the pupils for making it all worthwhile.
Thanks to all the S2 parents who attended the Information Evening on Wednesday. I apologise for not being there, but the “lurgey” has finally caught up with me, and no one should have to put up with the sight of a sick Head Teacher.
Today there are various things going on to raise money for Comic Relief. Thanks to all of those staff and pupils who have put themselves forward to do “something funny for money”.
The only “big” thing for the diary next week is that the S3 pupils are getting their immunisations on Thursday.
Have a good weekend.
S Ingham
