All posts by Mr Hamilton

SFA

Leõezinhos de Lisboa

A group of Braidhurst pupils have recently returned from the experience of a lifetime in Lisbon. The SFA under 14 perfomance group of footballers spent three days at the world famous Benfica Training Academy.

Whilst there, pupils had the opportunity to recieve training and advice from some of the top Portugesse coaches. They passed on some of the invaluable advice that they have shared with some of the top players in the world. The academy is used by all Benfica teams, from under 14, right up to the first team.

However, it wasn’t all hard work, as pupils were also taken along to a Benfica match so they could experience the wonderful Benfica “mystique”. This included lunch and a stadium tour.  Pupils got to see the Benfica eagle, which flies around the stadium at the beginning of every home game.

The climax of their visit was getting to play a series of matches against Benfica under 14s. Although Braidhurst did not win their games, they greatly impressed the opposition who said of them afterwards, that they were the best team that they had played.  This coming from a group of players who had only recently defeated Barcelona 5-0 is truly outstanding.

The visit was voted a roaring success by all involved. Coach Gordon Craig said he was delighted with the way pupils took onboard the advice given to them. He was thrilled when the Benfica coaches told him that the Braidhurst pupils were the best opponents that their team had played against in their six years with the club.

School Sports

UNDER 15’S SCOTTISH SHIELD

For the third consecutive year, Braidhurst’s Scottish Cup heroes lifted the Scottish Cup, this time at under-15 level. Having previously won at under-13 and under-14 level, the boys were favourites to lift the trophy at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium, the venue of last year’s triumph. In their way was a strong Strathaven Academy outfit, who, from the off, presented Braidhurst with more than a few difficulties.

The cup final atmosphere was building as a light warm-up was followed by a team photo for the debut of Braidhurst’s extravagant new pink outfit. Both teams had brought a strong travelling support, adding to the sense of tension at kick-off.

Soon Strathaven were taking advantage of an enforced injury replacement when Braidhurst captain Rico Quitongo hobbled off after a fifty-fifty challenge. As Braidhurst were reorganising their defence, a Strathaven forward pounced on a defensive mix-up between goalkeeper Adam Sinnett and substitute Darren Wilson to open the scoring.

However, Braidhurst’s continual pressing paid dividends just before half-time when, from a Dylan Falconer corner, Jake Hastie volleyed in an equaliser.

The second half proved to be a more cagey affair, before an inspired substitution by the Braidhurst coaches, Madill and Brandon, sent Deryn Lang on to replace the leg-weary Ryan Watt. Within minutes, the excellent Falconer turned provider again, with a chipped pass over the defence for Lang to run onto and finish with aplomb.

Despite a few scares, including a disallowed Strathaven goal for offside, and some good saves by substitute keeper, Sharkey, Braidhurst held on, to record another memorable victory. The team celebrated by wearing their Scottish Cup winners’ shirts to receive their medals and the Shield. Winning the Scottish Cup is always a great achievement, but for this team, winning has become a habit and their three consecutive victories really is something special.

School Events, Whole School News

School Show 2014

This year Braidhurst High will perform ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Rehearsals have been underway for several weeks, led by staff from the Performing Arts Department.

The show will take place in the school hall on the evenings of Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th and Friday 20th June.

Tickets can now be booked by contacting Ms R Watson at the school (Telephone 01698 274999). The tickets are priced at £4 for adults and £2 for children and concessions.

School Sports, Whole School News

Under 15 Scottish Shield Final

Under 15 Scottish Shield Final

Braidhurst High School 2 – Strathaven Academy 1

Braidhurst High School have won the under 15 Scottish Shield after a hard fought battle with Strathaven Academy.  The all Lanarkshire clash saw the Motherwell boys come out on top at a rainy Excelsior Stadium, the home of Airdrionians.  Braidhurst started slowly and were lucky not to lose a goal in the opening few minutes, thanks to a wonderful goal line clearance from Jonathon McCabe.

However, their luck didn’t last.  The Braidhurst captain, and centre half, Rico Quitongo was injured and had to be replaced by Darren Wilson.  He slotted into right back with Dillon McCreath moving into centre half.  A mix up between Darren Wilson and goalkeeper Adam Sinnett allowed the Strathaven forward to get a toe to the ball and knock it into the empty net.  1-0 to Strathaven.

This loss of this goal caused even more anxiety amongst the Braidhurst players as their normal excellent touches and passing looked to have deserted them.  This allowed Strathaven several more chances to increase their lead.  Braidhurst were tenacious, winning themselves a corner.  Dylan Flaconer confidently floated the ball into the box where Jake Hastie was waiting.  He flicked the ball off his boot past the Strathaven keeper bringing the game level.

Half-Time Braidhurst 1 – Strathaven 1

The second half saw Braidhurst start far stronger.  They were soon finding team mates with their passes.  Jake Hastie was unlucky not to score again when his header from a corner was cleared off the line by Strathaven.  Ryan Watt then had a good chance to score when the ball fell to him at the corner of the box, but his shot was too tame landing in the hands of the keeper.  Dylan Falconer’s electric pace was now causing the Strathaven defenders real problems.  He sent several delightful crosses into the box but sadly no Braidhurst player could get on the end of it.  Ryan Watt was replaced by Deryn Lang.  This proved to be a decisive turning-point in the game.  Dylan Falconer again turned the Strathaven defender inside out, passing to Jordan Duncan who chipped the ball through to Deryn Lang who smashed the ball past the despairing keeper, sending Braidhurst into a 2-1 lead.  Later, Strathaven did have the ball in the Braidhurst net but it was ruled to be offside by the assistant referee, much to the relief of all connected with Braidhurst.  Then in the dying minutes of the game Tony Sharkey, who had replaced Adam Sinnett in goal at half time, pulled off a magnificent save, ensuring Braidhurst won the Scottish Shield.

This victory now means that this group of players have won three Scottish Shields in a row, at Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 levels.  This is an amazing achievement and one which they should all feel incredibly proud of.  Coaches, Andy Madill and Peter Brandon both feel that this is a deserved 3-in-a-row for a very talented group of young players who truly know the meaning of the word team.

Whole School News

SQA Examinations

Examinations for pupils in fourth to sixth years are currently taking place.   The school has been very busy each day as pupils undertake Scottish Qualification Authority papers in the new National 5 level as well as the more traditional Intermediate, Higher and Advanced Higher levels.   All pupils have shown that they have worked very hard in preparation for these key examinations and conduct has been exemplary.

SFA, Uncategorized

School of Football Trials

Trials have just been completed for this year’s intake of the School of Football.   Over sixty boys took part in the trials aimed at selecting a group of around 20 for an August start.   The general standard was really high with most boys already playing at pro-youth or boys club level.   Steven Hamilton from the Scottish FA took overall charge of the procedure and he was assisted by a team of qualified Scottish FA coaches.   The trial took place following a meeting taken by head of PE Mr David Gardiner and the Rector Mr Hannan to outline to parents the key aspects of the scheme.   Mr Hannan emphasised the fact that the school is now very experienced in running the scheme, with this being the seventh annual intake.   He went on to stress the importance the school places upon developing the whole person through the scheme.   Mr Gardiner covered a range of aspects including the typical weekly experience for those successful in gaining a place.

PTFA

PTFA A.G.M

The annual general meeting of the Braidhurst High Parents Teachers and Friends Association took place recently when the Rector, Mr Hannan, delivered the annual report.   Decisions were taken to donate money to various projects and election of office bearers took place.   Key appointments included vice-president Mrs Judith Heard and secretary Mrs Lesley McCall.   Mr Hannan took the opportunity to thank all members who so generously gave of their time throughout the past session.