As a casualty of the winter weather at the end of last term, the newly named ‘Spring Concert’ provided a showcase for the wealth of musical talent at St Albans School. The performances were varied and entertaining, ranging from soloists to the collective choir of seventy. Each solo was delivered with great aplomb; Daniel Angel gave an impressive and mature vocal performance and there were piano solos of great skill and emotion from David McConnell of Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C# Minor and Alex Shavick, who played a breathtaking rendition of Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu. In addition, Chris Springthorpe gave two cello performances: a masterful solo and a tuneful duet with Olivia Goldsmith. A series of ensembles also demonstrated their flourishing talent, including the jazzy Saxophone Ensemble, the enthusiastic Clarinet Ensemble and the funky and original Springtime Fusion by the newly formed Percussion Trio. Extended performances were given by the Wind Band, playing Big Band classics such as Jurassic Park, the Orchestra delivering a delghtful performance of Kachaturian’s Sabre Dance and the String Group performing a tense, refined version of the Palladio. The night was rounded off by the choir featuring solos from Peter Martin, Charlye Simpson and Robert Brookes, concluding an excellent and enjoyable evening.

Victoria Walker showed her class by winning the gruelling Knole Run, one of the premier events in the running calendar. In a season when the Senior boys are struggling with injuries and illness, Victoria and the Intermediate team having been upholding the School’s standing in cross country running. The Knole Run at Sevenoaks is renowned as a very tough race, but Victoria overcame that reputation to storm to victory in the Girls’ Race. As Sevenoaks School’s own report said: ‘…a brilliant team effort ensured Sevenoaks were in first place overall. There were great individual performances by Lucy Reid, who came 2nd, and Ruth Bourne in 3rd. Victoria Walker of St Albans School won the Individuals Competition in an astounding 12 minutes 32 seconds, almost two minutes faster than the winning time of 2009.’

Third Former Robin O’Connor led St Albans to victory in a hard-fought U15 County AAA battle with the Herts Phoenix Club, who were led by junior international Liam Dee. Robin clinched second place and was followed closely by Mark Pearce (4th), Robbie Lightowler (5th) and Adam Thorpe (7th), ensuring that St Albans won by 1 point. All the School’s runners gained County selection. Meanwhile, in the U13 race, Harrison Pyrke ran well to finish 5th and gain County selection.

Former St Albans School Cross Country Captains also had good runs on the day, with Euan Mackenzie 2nd in the Mens’ U20 and Orlando Edwards and Matt Grant (current captain of Cambridge University Cross Country) finishing 5th and 7th in the senior Mens’ event. Claire Miles finished second in the Senior Womens’ race.

The 1st XI Football team gained a big boost in confidence this weekend ahead of the next round of the County Cup. The team a very creditable 4-4 draw against the Corinthian Casuals, a semi professional outfit. The School’s players showed good discipline and a fantastic determination as they had to come from behind on no fewer than occasions until they led 4-3 with ten minutes of play before the final whistle. Unfortunately the Casuals pegged them back and stole an equaliser. Everyone played their part, but the man of the match was captain Joe Easter, who was outstanding. After the match the Corinthian Casuals players spoke very highly of their opposition and said it was easily the best school side they had played during the season so far.