Hockey
Old Boys vs The School - Saturday 08/01/10
The Old Boys started the New Year by challenging the School to 6 a-side tournament to be held on the school astro at Castle Campus. The veterans would supply 3 teams, such was the interest from the OB's and the School would supply 2 teams - essentially the 1st XI split in half. Each team would play each other at least once, with a knock-out scenario at the end leading to a semi final and final.
Unfortunately, the copious amount of snow that fell meant that the tournament had to be cancelled at the last minute, and in its place an indoor game was quickly rustled together at the Knox-Johnston - well done Mr. Evers for sorting this!
Being indoor and therefore only 6 a-side, the School used this as chance to role on the subs and have a good look at a number of different players. They also used it as a chance practice defending against big, powerful forwards like James Baron who scored quite a few goals in a high scoring match which saw the Old Boys come out on top, 14 - 11.
The school played well but were kept at bay by some smart keeping from Adam Eisenstadt. Tim Westley was also lively for the Old Boys, if perhaps a bit under the weather..... Even Mr. Dingwall managed an appearance for the Old Boys!
A good meet, and hopefully the first of a new annual fixture between these two sides. Maybe next year we can get the tournament up and running, because this year the school astro was just snow-where to be seen!
The Old Boys Hockey Club (OBHC) versus the School match returned to Tring Sports Centre this year after a two year absence. In 2003 this fixture was a draw, marking a fitting start to a new series of annual matches held on the full pitch. In 2004 the Old Boys won. In 2005 the School won. In 2006 the Old Boys won, retaking the lead. In 2007 the School won (at RAF Halton) and in 2008 there was no match. Thus, the fixture in 2009 was both keenly anticipated and crucial with it tied at 2 each. Would the Old Boys once again take the lead and put pressure on the School, or would the pupils gain the upper hand for the first time?
The school team was, as always, managed by Ben Evers and was this year captained by Jonny Peppiatt. The Old Boys, however, were out in full, with captains and Wolstenholme Cup winners from the last 4 years in Ben Ramsden, Pete Lee, Tim Shell and Matt Woolcott. We even had to turn away regular members of the fixture this year, such was the strength in depth and numbers available.
The school played very well in patches, considering the formidable opposition that they were up against and it is clear that there are some talented youngsters soon to join the OBHC. The final score was 4 - 1 to the seniors, which sees the OBs once again take the lead in the series, now 3 - 2 in games. Goals came from the ever-reliable, self appointed striker for the OBs, James Barron who netted twice. Ben Ramsden and Tim Westley also scored for the Vets. Angus Glasser was unlucky not to keep a clean sheet but was beaten just the once by Jonny Shell, despite some Man-of-the-Match defending from Henry Kirchener.
Charles Eaton and Ben Evers umpired as usual, and this year there was a guest appearance by Andrew Webb, which was great for the Old Boys as Mr. Webb (as he was/still is to us) was heavily involved in the hockey when we were still at Castle Campus. It was good to see all three staff members there -many thanks to them all.
Tea was held in the new dining hall where curry and beers were served to the delight of everybody and it was the ideal way to end the proceedings before heading off to the pub to watch England demolish France in the rugby. The talk was of summer tournaments, OBHC kit and tours so watch this space for OB hockey developments.
Matt Woolcott
(Churchill 2002)