Mapplewells Primary and Nursery School children have been reflecting on a round-up of their School Games success, which made for cheering news during the lockdown.

The Sutton school became district Champions of both the Year 5 girls’ basketball and Year 5 and 6 handball, which means they will now go forward to the county handball finals for the first time.

The school’s table tennis team won silver in the district finals.

The Key Stage 2 boccia teams won two gold medals at the district qualifiers and the KS2 swimming teams won silver and bronze at local events.

Mapplewells’ Year 5 and 6 indoor rowers were second in Ashfield — an impressive feat as the schoolchildren were only able to compete for the first time after Ashfield School loaned two indoor rowing machines for youngsters to practise on.

Their accumulated success meant the medal table and participation table for Ashfield saw the school secure top place in each category.

Tom Darby, PE specialist at the school, said: “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!”

“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 5 girls’ basketball district champions was a fantastic achievement. The girls played some brilliant basketball, winning 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!”
Tia Costello (Year 5) said: “We achieved it by working as a team and communicating. I was very proud and happy inside.”

Maisie Swanwick (Year 5) was on the school’s winning Year 5 and 6 handball team and said that the same formula worked for their team. “It was teamwork and believing in ourselves that helped us to win.”
During lockdown Maisie said she misses her fellow pupils.

“I miss the after-school clubs loads and representing my school at the competitions — even mummy is missing the competitions! But I am now looking forward to the county finals.”

Tom added: “We went into the handball qualifier with high hopes knowing we had a strong team. The team played four games at the qualifiers, winning all four. In the finals the team remained focused and on all three matches.”

Handball player Sam Parker (Year 6) said he missed his school ftiends. “It feels weird not going to school,” he added.