SPORT OLD PAULINE RUGBY Saturday 14 December 2019 the St Paul’s Leavers XV versus ‘Last Year’s Captain’s XV’
This annual match was held as always at the Old Pauline Sports Ground at Thames Ditton. The morning kick-off, the wintry weather and the previous night’s festivities may all have contributed to the teams arriving just short of a full complement of players; but turn up they did, as did a highly competent referee and a large and enthusiastic crowd of families, friends, staff and Old Pauline rugby supporters. Despite a strong wind blowing directly down the pitch, the crowd was treated to an excellent match. The 2019 Leavers’ were captained by Declan Thompson (unfortunately unable to play himself due to an injured hand). With the wind at their backs, they started strongly and their heavier forwards secured a constant supply of possession. As the first half wore on, the Old Boys used the elements well and reached half-time 19-0 up. Theo Moreland, who looked distinctly fitter than many of his colleagues, Edan Baines and Euan Morrison, scored tries. Isaac converted the first try; the less said about the attempt to convert the second the better and Euan Morrison surprised everyone by converting his own try from near the touchline. The question being asked at half-time was would the lead be enough. The St Paul’s team had already shown signs
of their adventurous approach and full-back Luke Scott made a magnificent break from his own half, only to succumb to a painful looking hamstring injury as a try looked likely. Just as Luke left the field his brother Alex emerged to reinforce the Old Boys team, but sadly the opportunity was missed for them to face each other on the pitch. With the wind behind them, the school team set about reducing the deficit and their efforts were rewarded when left wing Daniel Whiley crossed in the corner after fine handling by the backs. He then nonchalantly slotted the conversion from wide out. Ten minutes later Daniel scored again after clinging onto a beautifully floated pass from fly-half Finlay Bell. For the rest of the game the match ebbed and flowed with everyone committed to trying to secure victory for his team. Players found hitherto unexpected reserves of fitness as breaks were made, tackles and turnovers effected and kicks chased. But still the score remained resolutely 19-12 in the ‘Old Boys’ favour. In the last minute the School launched another attack and centre Freddie Eltringham picked a great line to take a pass and crash over under the posts. Two points down with the kick to come – could Freddie hold his nerve? The kick was never in doubt. The ball sailed between
the posts and referee Tom Bliss immediately blew the final whistle. A 19-19 draw was a fair result and testimony to the efforts of both teams. Everyone then took shelter in the Colets’ clubhouse and enjoyed the hospitality of the Old Pauline Rugby Club. Ties were awarded to the deserving ‘men of the match’ from the two teams – Alexander Davies and Toby Depel – and Brian Jones, OP Club President thanked everyone for supporting this annual event. Andy Riley (OPFC Co-Chairman), Rob Rayner (Club Secretary) and Chris Jackson (Tour Organiser) then spoke briefly about the rugby club and its ambitious plans to tour South Africa as part of the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2021. Huge thanks to James Blurton for bringing the school team along, to captain Archie and his team for making the effort to play after the rigours of a long term, and to Declan and his year group for making sure that they too could field a team. Everyone entered into the spirit of the day and it was generally agreed that 2019’s was the best in the recent series of matches.
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