Sporting Round Up

This term at Mill Hill was marked by strong performances, clear development, and notable achievements across all sports, with Fives players excelling in national qualifiers, hockey teams showing impressive progress including a girls’ run to the National Tier 2 semi finals, and netball enjoying one of its most successful seasons bolstered by a partnership with the London Mavericks. Football teams demonstrated resilience against top opposition, with several players reaching significant milestones, while Rugby 7s celebrated national recognition through England U18 call‑ups and multiple senior tournament victories. Basketball also had one of its most successful seasons, with teams performing consistently well across leagues. Altogether, the term showcased outstanding commitment, growth, and competitive excellence from pupils across the entire sports programme.

Fives

Mr Plummer – Head of Fives

Fives has continued to be the bastion of tradition at Mill Hill this year, maintaining and competing in fixtures against the likes of Harrow, Eton, and Charterhouse.

Our U16 and U14 top boys pairs have been particularly competitive this season, securing wins against Eton and Charterhouse’s top pairs in their respective year groups. Our Fifth Form pair of Luca N and George Gr are shaping up to be serious players, and we look forward to them continuing to improve over their remaining two years at the school.

Our U14 first pair of Finlay N and Tom B played few games together in the lead up to the Nationals due to injuries, but found form at the U14 Qualifying event, winning the competition and marking themselves as contenders for Finals day. Sadly, they lost a thriller in the last 16 (14-15) to Harrow 1; a pair that then made the semi finals. We look forward to them challenging at later stages in years to come. Fourth Former Freddie S has been signing of the season and has the makings of a great player.

Our U15 first pair of (Remove) George G and Thomas O have improved ten fold this season, culminating in them winning the National U15 Qualifying event. They reached the last 16 in the National Finals, and we look forward to them going deeper in future years.

Our Senior Girls pair of Daisy N and Lily D have exhibited faultless dedication to their Fives this season, training week in week out across both the Michaelmas and Hilary terms. Due to myriad other commitments, their first fixture was the National Festival. In a cracking display of both grit and class in equal measure, they topped their side of the draw, eventually losing out in the semi finals to a Zuos School pair. Devastatingly, the eventual winners of the competition were a St. Bees pair that Daisy and Lily had in fact beaten in their group stage matches!

Our thanks go to our Upper Sixth Leavers and Senior boys first pair, Dhruv J and Seb J, for their exemplary leadership and conduct, both on and off court. I am delighted to recommend them both to the Old Millhillian Eton Fives Club (OMEFC).

Hockey

Mr Stevens – Head of Hockey

This term has been a highly positive one for hockey across all age groups, with strong performances, clear development, and excellent commitment from pupils. The U14 boys enjoyed an impressive unbeaten start to their season, setting the standard for the weeks ahead. The U15s also showed consistent improvement, with their work ethic evident in each match. Mr Diamond has been particularly pleased with their attitude, which has been key to their progress.

The 1st XI demonstrated resilience throughout a challenging schedule and produced one of their best displays during the Friday Night Lights fixture, where they pushed a strong UCS team in an exciting contest. The girls enjoyed success by reaching the National Tier 2 semi finals, only narrowly missing out against Wells Cathedral. It has been a rewarding term for hockey and sincere thanks go to all parents, coaches, and pupils for their continued support.

Netball

Ms Hall – Head of Netball

This season has been a memorable one for netball, with strength and depth across every age group. Both the 1st VII and the U15A teams reached the Semi Finals of the Sisters n Sport Cup, the furthest either squad has progressed, and the U14 programme set an exceptional standard with multiple unbeaten teams.

Our developing partnership with the London Mavericks has brought additional expertise to the programme, with Mavericks players supporting coaching and bringing energy and insight to sessions. Momentum continues to build and it is an exciting time to be part of netball at Mill Hill.

Football

Mr Lewis, Head of Football

The Football programme showed real resilience this term, performing well across all age groups in difficult conditions. Pupils produced strong displays against major schools such as Harrow, KCS Wimbledon, Brentwood and Haileybury, and earned well deserved wins over UCS, Highgate and St Benedict’s. Notable achievements included Mr Lound’s U15Bs, who secured four wins from six and extended their long term record, and Mr Marmery’s U14Cs, who scored thirty two goals in five matches.

The 1st XI continued to face top level opposition, including a narrow loss to national champions Aldenham and a deserved victory over UCS. Several pupils reached individual milestones, with James S, Sebastian S, Dean N and Arthur H all passing fifty 1st XI appearances. Captain Kenna S also represented the South East of England at the ESFA inspiresport Elite Regional Finals, scoring twice across the weekend.

Rugby 7s

Mr Heppner-Logan, MiC of Rugby

Mill Hill Rugby enjoyed another strong term, highlighted by Year 13 pupils Tiane E and Zac J receiving call ups to the England U18 Six Nations squad after making their debuts against France. They follow AJ H and are part of a talented group that also includes Henry H, Charlie M and Malakai M, all of whom contributed to the Saracens Under 18 Academy League side that finished third. Junior teams performed well at the Middlesex 7s, with notable progress from the U14s and U16s and strong individual performances across the programme.

The Senior squad enjoyed an excellent term, winning the Gordon’s U18 Invitational with victories over Dulwich, Seaford and Wellington. They continued their form at The Schools Championship at Sixways, winning the Plate, and later added another Plate title at the Cokethorpe 10s. Charlie M and Alex C were standout performers, with Charlie M named player of the tournament.

Basketball

Mr Ordeou, Head Basketball Coach

The basketball programme has enjoyed one of its most successful and well structured seasons. Four teams across Senior, Year 11, Year 10 and Year 9 competed in the LISBA and Barnet Leagues, showing consistency and depth. A highlight was the Senior Team reaching the top four of the LISBA League and taking unbeaten Watford Grammar to overtime. Year 9 and Year 10 teams also excelled, showing leadership and resilience as they secured top positions in their groups.

From September to January the focus was on technical development, conditioning and teamwork. This foundation enabled pupils to perform consistently throughout the competitive season. The programme will continue into the summer term, with players developing tactical understanding and preparing for NBL trials.