The Habs bridge team has had another phenomenal year, winning all three face-to-face school competitions they play in, including the national Schools Cup. The Habs bridge club has a strong pedigree, but this is the first time we have won all three cups.
This latest triumph marks five consecutive years that Habs has lifted the Schools Cup, a streak that reflects not only exceptional talent but a culture of consistency, resilience and success. Even more impressively, this victory represents the fourteenth time in the last eighteen years that Habs has claimed the national title, a record that firmly establishes the school as one of the country’s true bridge powerhouses.
In November, we won the Hertfordshire Schools Cup. That was our strongest performance of the year, winning by a large margin. In early February, we won the Surrey Schools Cup. We won all our head-to-head matches and edged out the teams from St. Paul’s by a small margin overall.
At the end of February, we travelled to Loughborough for the national Schools Cup. The qualifier was very close at the top between the teams from Loughborough, King’s College, Wimbledon and us. As the results started to come in, we were just behind, with only the top two qualifying for the final. But King’s beat Wimbledon, allowing us to overtake and qualify for the final.
In the final, we played steady bridge and accumulated a lead, never giving a chance for King’s to gain a big score and catch up. We won 22-8 overall, giving us our fifth victory in a row and fourteenth in eighteen years.
It is not just at the top level where the bridge club is strong. In the Hertfordshire Cup, we were able to field nine teams, so there are a lot of boys playing in the club. Our C team won the Surrey Schools Salver, the competition for newer players.
One of the strengths of the clubs is the connection it gives those who play. Most lunchtimes, there are games going on amongst players from multiple year groups, having fun and learning from each other. It is there for players of all standards, from beginners to internationals, to enjoy the game. Alumni still play regularly and come back to school to play against the current students.
Like many co-curricular activities, part of the measure of success is the effect it has on those who participate. Students find like-minded people and make friends through playing the game, some of which last well beyond school. Students get a chance to represent the school who might not otherwise have that chance. It is fantastic to see their confidence grow as they find something they enjoy which also gives them opportunities for success.
Outside school, there are bridge camps which our students have attended, giving them the opportunity to make friends around the country. At the top level, as well as the chance to win trophies, our best players go on to play international level and play in competitions at home and oversees for their country. They often play with other people from around the country.
Our current A team comprise of Holden (L6J1), Noaz (L6S1), Sam (10H2) and Rian (10R1). Holden and Noaz started learning in year 7 when covid restrictions meant there were limited opportunities for co-curricular activities. Bridge continued within those restrictions. They both now play for England and Holden achieved a bronze medal playing for England in the under-16 European championships.
Sam already knew some bridge before joining Habs, but having only recently moved to London and not knowing anyone at the school, the Bridge Club helped him settle and meet similar people. Rian was one of those who started in year 7 when Sam joined the club. They are also in the England squad.
In the years below them, there are many keen players coming through to follow in their footsteps and the club continues to grow and develop. The club is open to our Girls school students and we have a few students taking their first steps into learning the game. The future of the club is bright and we hope to continue the success of the club in the years to come.
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