This year, for the first time, we combined the two Old Bloxhamist sport weekends, All Saints’ Tide and OB Day, into a one-day OB Festival of Sport. The day featured an exciting line up of sports: fives, netball, men’s and women’s hockey, and touch rugby, with OBs playing the School. The event was blessed with glorious sunshine and we were delighted to welcome a large number of OB players and spectators as well as pupils and parents.
Fives
John Brown (Wn 82-86) and Adrian Simons (OB Parent) played against their daughters. Age and experience won on the day, with the final score 15-4 to John and Adrian. Sam Manning (Sy 13-15)(Captain), Jonny Stirrup (LS Sy 08-15), Charlie Tredwell (Sy 10-15) and Oli Haynes (LS Sy 08-15) played their annual 2015 leavers’ round-robin. The result was in doubt until the last round when Sam triumphed over Jonny with a 12-10 victory.
Netball
The netball match between the OBs and the School team was a poignant and competitive event. Before the game commenced, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of Kelly Best (Wf 10-15).
Both teams played skilfully in a fast-paced game which saw the OB team play incredibly well, particularly as it was the first time many of them had played together. The School’s cohesion as a well-practice team gave them an advantage and a comprehensive win. Players’ Player was awarded to Charlotte Boland (LS Wf 10-17) for the OBs and to Molly S for the School.
Hockey (men’s)
The men’s hockey was, as ever, a very closely contested match, this year with an impressive OB age range of 19-75! The OBs went ahead in the first minute with a goal from Ben Kirk (LS Eg 05-12). The School responded well with goals from Tom F, Finn V and two from Felix R to take a 4 – 1 lead. The OBs then struck back with three late goals from Will Kellett (Wn 03-08), Steve O’Connor (LS Cr 02-09) and Louis Harris (LS Sy 04-11), to take the score to 4-4 at full time. The game then went to shuffles with a 3-2 victory for the School. Players’ Player went to Tom F for the School and Jonny Stirrup (LS Sy 08-15) for the OBs.
Hockey (women’s)
The OB women’s hockey team took to the field with not only a goalkeeper but two subs this year! The first half started strongly with Alice Heathcote (LS Ry 05-12) taking a cracking goal from the top D as the first short corner of the game was awarded. Both teams showed pace, skill and determination. The School were able to score twice in the second half (Charlotte FS and Esme R) to win the match 2-1. Players’ Player went to Esme R for the School and Emily Cavender (Wf 15-20) for the OBs.
Rugby
The touch rugby game was a fantastic way to end the day, with fast-paced action from both the OB and Bloxham Staff/Pupil teams.
The OBs took an early lead with a try from Charlie Linnell (Sy 18-23). Both sides played with good patterns and Hardy L made a fine break to make it one try apiece. The score continued to yo-yo between the sides, James Gurney (Wn 17-22) and Tom Gurney (Wn 07-12) combined well in midfield and Henry Sawbridge (Cr 17-22) proved an elusive runner. The Bloxham side gelled well, with some excellent handling, almost putting Rob Hudson (Crake Housemaster) in for what would have been the try of the season! The Bloxham side eventually ran out winners 33-28. Harry S was awarded Players’ Player for the School and Callum Tarbit (Eg 18-23) for the OBs.
Following the rugby, School Archivist, Simon Batten thanked everyone who had contributed to the day particularly the players and the team captains.
Simon then explained that there would be an annual cup awarded to the overall winners of the OB Festival of Sport each year. This year, the School were firm victors having won all matches except the fives. School Captain, and netball and hockey player, Charlotte FS accepted the cup on behalf of the School.
The new format of the OB Festival of Sport was a resounding success. With fantastic weather, a great turnout, delicious food and drink, and, most importantly, some wonderful sporting action it was a great occasion.
Here’s to many more successful festivals in the years to come!
To view more pictures from the day, please follow this link: OB Festival of Sport Photo Album