OA Hockey v King's 1st XI
Sunday 11th January saw the annual spectacle that is the
OA Hockey XI vs the current King's first squad, and as in
previous years, this match lived up to its billing. OAs from
three previous years formed the squad, which couldn't quite
match the fitness levels of its heyday, but the chemistry
remained and sporting nostalgia soon returned. he OA
squad opted for an attack-heavy formation, leaving mainly
Will Murray and Paddy Cartwright to hold the fort, ably
assisted by a less than 100% Matt 'GB' Richards having
recently finished his exams. After a few ropey minutes of
remembering how to play and what exercise feels like, the
OAs clicked into gear and netted a few early goals, asserting
control over the game. More goals soon followed, including
a slick finish from Will Murray, a Willy James 'special' and a casual drag flick from Tristan Marshall, to name a few.
hroughout the match sibling rivalries fumed amongst
midfield enforcers Dougie Denton and Arthur Keeling,
both with younger brothers playing for the King's team.
As the second half drew on, fitness levels began to impede
some members of the OA squad, but tireless running from
Will Potter and Jack Holmes kept up the attack, and the
goals coming. Joe Merriweather remained polite and wellmannered
through every encounter. he match was put
to bed by a wonder strike from none other than goalieturned-striker
Corbett Sykes-Moore, who found himself lost
at the top of the D unmarked, only to finish with a reverse
stick strike. However, having left his teammates in stunned
silence, Corbett was left to celebrate this goal alone. he
Match ended 7-2, and was enjoyed by the all the players.
Hockey
Pelican Golf
Grafton Morrish
he Old Aluredians golf team played some fantastic golf
on 31st May to qualify in 3rd place for the Grafton Morrish
finals taking place towards the end of September. Leading
the team out James Sinclair and David Ford played some
solid golf and brought home 25 points. Following that Phil
Lewis and Ed Breton came in with 26 points. Phil struggled
to find his rhythm early on but soon found his feet and with
Ed playing some wonderful iron shots managed to give Phil
a few birdie opportunities which kept their score ticking
along. With 25 points coming down the 17th things were
looking good but unfortunately some fairway bunkers got in the way and they only managed a further point coming
in. Nervously the team waited for our 3rd pair, brothers Ben
and Matt Hiles (Team Molinari), to finish needing 25 points
to qualify. hey came stomping down the 18th fairway
and the body language looked good. hey finished with a
brilliant 27 points which resulted in a cumulative score of
78 points and 3rd place. he atmosphere afterwards in the
bar was fantastic and the team really enjoyed every minute.
Many thanks again to Martin Evans (Team Manager) for
organising the day and for what he continues to do for OA
golf.
OA Sport
28 Public Schools Old Boys Putting Competition
Royal Wimbledon Golf Club 1st June
he OA team of four fearless Putters convened once more
at Royal Wimbledon for the Old Boys Putting competition
on 1st June 2015. Having surprised themselves last year
by coming third and therefore nearly qualifying for the
grand Putting shoot-out the following week (the best
result achieved over the years), the same team of David
Ford, Paul Griffiths, Roger Vincent and Rob Excell again
acquitted themselves well enough to avoid the ignominy of
relegation, getting within 2 points of qualifying for the Finals.
he competitors this year in our section were: Bradford
Grammar, Cranleigh, Eastbourne, Haileybury, Malvern,
Stowe and Whitgift.
So, David Ford, having been part of the KCT team that quite
wonderfully qualified for the Grafton Morrish Finals on the
previous day at North Hants Golf Club, was nearly involved
in a double whammy! he Putting is followed by a most
enjoyable Royal Wimbledon meal, so, any sharp-shooting
OA Putters out there would have a most enjoyable evening
if they fancied involving themselves next year or beyond!
Contacts: Martin Evans (nitram345@gmail.comhttp://gmail.com" target="roger.vincent@talk21.comil.com">gmail.com) or Roger
Vincent (roger.vincent@talk21.com)