OW Sports Society Reports

2016/2017: We had a couple of days on the River Test in May this year at Leckford on the John Lewis Estate Water. Peter Kleeman & Tom Manderson were also fishing and we had a great time. 2017/2018: A day’s fishing was organised by Chris Manderson on the River Test on the Longstock Estate Water in May 2017. Chris was joined by Jamie McCartney, the much acclaimed sculptor. We had hoped for a larger number of Old Westminster fishermen but the weather may have had something to do with the low number attending. However, both Jamie and Chris had a most enjoyable day and an excellent lunch (plus a good number of fish).

If any OWW would like to join the Society, then please contact Chris on 0777 152 2215 or cmanderson@comitfs.com

Access to good beats on the River Test is becoming increasingly difficult so an early declaration of interest is necessary. Chris Manderson (GG, 1957-62)

Tennis

2016/2017: This season had a rocky start getting knocked out of the D’Abernon Cup in the round robin stage. However, we played four excellent friendlies, held our fourth Alec Melville Cup doubles tournament, and enjoyed fantastic events at The Garrick, The All England and Elysee.

Marc Baghdadi and I suffered a hugely disappointing round robin defeat in the D’Abernon Cup, finishing the top team in our group by games, but frustratingly losing two matches in extremely tight tie-breaks, which meant we went out of the competition. We hope more of our first team players are available next year to secure a better result.

We managed to play four friendly matches this season before the courts were re-surfaced in July. Three matches against the Old Wykhamists ended in a win, a draw and a loss; and we unfortunately lost in a thoroughly enjoyable match against The Bar. All matches were great fun and thank you to all the members who played this season including Jimmy Notaras, Simon Clement-Davies, Giles Atkinson, Chris Anguelov, Caspar Melville and Matt Webb.

This year’s Alec Melville Cup doubles tournament was a real highlight as ever. The much coveted trophy was deservedly won by Caspar Melville and Giles Atkinson, who beat Rupert Coltart and Darius Latham-Koenig in the final. We had our first mixed doubles semi-final with Hettie Williams and Jimmy Notaras losing to me and Iona Seligman. It was also great to have so many recent leavers joining, including Darius, Jerome Kamm and Demetris Ioannides. A huge thank you as ever to Matt Webb for again organising this excellent event.

On the social side, we started the season with a wonderful pre-season dinner at The Garrick Club in February thanks to our host Duncan Matthews, Honorary President. We also enjoyed another very special day at the Wimbledon Championships thanks to our hosts Nick and Alex Perry. This is always a massive highlight of the season! Jimmy Notaras organised our end of season dinner at Greek restaurant Elysee for the second year running. Always huge fun and a real high note to end on!

As ever, Saturday morning sessions at Vincent Square run year round weather permitting and our Wednesday evening sessions run from April to August. Please come and join us or feel free to get in touch if you want more information. We hope to see you on court! Tristan Vanhegan (HH, 1994-99), Club Captain

2016/2017: for OWWCC reflected the unsettled nature of the world at large, with strong performances against Marylebone Cricket Club and in the Cricketer Trophy offset by disappointment at adverse weather during Cricket Week, and not quite managing to get over the line to win in a couple of games. The season started well, with OWWCC finally achieving victory over the Pink Elephants in the season curtain-raiser. Tight bowling from the OWWCC attack restricted the Pink Elephants to 114, which was duly knocked off with four wickets left in hand, led by handy innings from Lucas McConnell (34) and Charlie Cooke (27).

June began with sunshine and the biannual visit of the MCC, boasting a recent Leicestershire batsman and Aftab Habib (one of the “class” of 1999 England Test batsmen). Nonetheless, OWWCC set about their task with gusto, Alex Scott (4-87) claiming the two prize scalps and reducing MCC to eight wickets down, before the tail wagged to the tune of 100+ runs. The 258 runs MCC set as a target proved too many, as OWW got in and got out, with Scott and Jake Robson seeing the afternoon out for a draw.

Two weeks later, OWWCC made the short journey to Reigate for the opening round of the Cricketer Trophy, full of confidence after 2015’s run to the semi-final. Having been bowled out for 103 on a decidedly sporting pitch, and having let Reigate get off to a flyer at 40/0, OWWCC’s prospects looked gloomy. However, James MacDonald (3-23) and Fred Johnson (5-17) suddenly found the right lines and lengths and, aided by Alfred Enoch (3-32) returning to blow away the tail, bowled Reigate out for 94. The game against the School followed shortly afterwards, but unfortunately fell victim to rain halfway through.

The quarter final of the Cricketer Trophy held up the challenge of an away tie at Hurstpierpoint. On a slightly soggy morning, OWWCC won the toss and elected to field, with MacDonald (3-38), Scott (2-26) and Kavi Amin (2-19) bowling well to restrict them to 166. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of Scott (44), Alexander Asher (26) and Alex Stewart (19), OWWCC could not recover from losing early wickets and fell agonisingly short in the chase.

Cricket Week began with an initially promising, but ultimately heavy defeat at the hands of the Eton Ramblers. Runs from Alex Fisken (63), Milo Johnson (30) and Amin (40) had set Eton 236 to chase, which they accomplished for the loss of only two wickets, thanks to a high quality 140* from their opening batsman. The following day, another opposition opening batsman inflicted a century on OWWCC, although the bowling attack, led by MacDonald (3-75) and Kit Winder (3-46) managed to restrict the rest of the Heretics’ batsmen. Early wickets again were OWWCC’s downfall, as only Winder (55*), Asher (32) and James Kershen (22) ever got going.

The midweek games mostly fell victim to the weather, however, one match did take place, against the HAC. Winder (2-49) and Ben Collis (2-17) did their best to keep the target within reach, and OWWCC got off to a good start, thanks to Milo Johnson (48) and Mihir Date (30). However, a middle order wobble held up the chase, and a draw was the result.

The second weekend of Cricket Week saw improved weather and two classic close finishes. First, against Kensington on the Saturday, OWWCC had batted first, setting 182 to win, with Steve Dolben (88) and Jeremy Lascelles (33) leading the way. Leo Nelson-Jones (5-44) almost bowled OWWCC to victory, with all three results possible going into the final over, with the game finishing with Kensington five runs short of victory, and OWWCC needing one more wicket. Sunday began similarly, with Milo Johnson carrying his bat for 93* to set Marlborough Blues 163 to win. Early wickets from MacDonald (2-45) and Eugene Daley (3-46) put OWWCC in the driving seat, but valiant performances from the Marlborough lower middle order saw them win with two wickets left.

The final game of the season saw OWWCC venture into the City to play against the HAC. More runs from Milo Johnson (68) saw OWWCC set HAC a challenging 190 to win. MacDonald (5-32) and Nelson-Jones (3-39) took wickets at regular intervals, to bring the season to an end in grand fashion, with victory by 35 runs.

OWWCC is as ever very grateful to Franklin Barrett not just for his role in preparing Vincent Square, but also for the friendly atmosphere and enthusiasm for the game that he brings to it; he has also proved a valuable and welcome addition to the squad. Cricket is nothing without lunch and tea, and we are very lucky to enjoy Gloria’s cooking at Vincent Square, which is always spot on. Finally, OWWCC would like to thank the School and The Elizabethan Club, without whose kind help OW cricket could not function.

Any OWW wishing to join OWWCC should contact: Jake Robson (Fixtures Secretary): jnarobson@gmail.com / 07764181366 Alexander Asher (Treasurer): alexanderasher@gmail.com / 07795364694 Alex Scott (Captain): ajdscott100@gmail.com / 07769592659

Water

2016/2017: More pots, more ambitious foreign racing: 2016 was an exciting year for the Elizabethan Boat Club.

The year began with May’s Putney Town Regatta: Jack Holborn (LL, 1997-2002), Tom Sutton (MM, 2005-2010) and Oliver Cox (HH, 1997-2002) joined Mr Sharp of the teaching staff in what proved some of the cheekiest pot-hunting EBC’s ever done. But it worked – and, most important, so did our new and excellent Kanghua 4x/-.

Henley saw the usual round of tea-break drinks, ably organised by Jack Holborn. A lot of champagne disappeared, and grand plans were made...

In September, we again competed in the Alleynian Regatta for school alumni, run by Dulwich College. Elizabethan fielded a crew combining recent leavers and EBC veterans:Tom Fielder (DD, 2005-10), Jonathan Edwards (MM, 2011-16), Wilf Kimberley (WW, 2005-10), Daniel Rix-Standing (BB, 2004-09), Tim Jones (LL, 1992-97), Hugo Ventham (QS, 2010-15), Alex Williams (BB, 2011-16) and Oliver Cox (HH, 1997-02), all coxed by Charlie Howell (BB, 2003-08). Keyed up to take this race’s trophy back from St Pauls’, we discovered they had scratched at the eleventh hour. A three-abreast final at Putney saw some great sprint racing, held in a grandstand atmosphere thanks to the crowds leaving Fulham FC. A dominant performance saw us overhaul the alumni of both St Edward’s School Oxford and Dulwich College, and take the cup for the fifth time in eight years.

November marked the culmination of our season and the plans made at Henley: at the invitation of OW Paul Castle, EBC returned to Basel in Switzerland to compete for the second time in the BaselHead – a 6.4km course on the fast-flowing Swiss Rhine involving a 180-degree turn mid-race! Tom Fielder, Jack Holborn, Wilf Kimberley, Pierre Thomas (HH, 2004-09), Alex Critchley (BB, 2002-07),

Tim Jones and Oliver Cox, joined by two friends from Imperial College BC, took on an Elite division led by the German Olympic silver-medallists from Rio. In an unfamiliar boat and despite challenging conditions we beat four Elite crews, more than half the schoolboy (U19) crews and all but three (out of 22) of the Masters crews. We were also the quickest of three British crews. It was a major success.

The Elizabethan Boat Club exists for the use of all OWW who wish to pick up rowing again: we can accommodate both competitive spirits and those looking for a more occasional commitment. Sculling or crew boat options are available most weekends, and we have use of the sports hall on Wednesday evenings for crew training.

If you are interested in getting involved, or in supporting the club, please do get in touch with one of our active members.

Oliver Cox (HH, 1997-02)

2016/2017: From a competitive perspective, 2016 was a year of mixed fortunes for OWGS.

At the Halford Hewitt, having risen up the rankings following two third round appearances in the last three years, we were expected to beat St Paul’s and duly did so, 3.5-1.5. In the second round, however, the boot was on the other foot given that we were drawn to play Eton, twice winners in recent years. The form book did not lie and the Etonians were as strong as anticipated. In the end, we were despatched 0.5-4.5. Eton then progressed to the quarter finals, where they lost to the year’s surprise school, Radley.

Later in the year, having made it through the London regional qualifier and into the finals of the Grafton Morrish at Hunstanton, we lost very narrowly to Oundle in the first round, 1-2, in heart-breaking circumstances, the final match being lost on the 18th green. It was wonderful to see Iain Petherick, the Society’s most senior surviving member of a Halford Hewitt team, in the crowd supporting us and a great shame that we were unable to deliver the victory which was well within our grasp.

Elsewhere, we failed narrowly to reach the final of the Royal Wimbledon Putting and our senior teams succumbed to Marlborough and Charterhouse respectively in the Bernard Darwin and Senior Darwin. Throughout the season, all matches against other schools were won or halved bar one loss, also to Marlborough.

However, activities on the course were overshadowed by the loss of two immense figures; Tudor Davies and Barrie Peroni. As one of the Society’s foremost competitors for over three decades, Tudor will be remembered by most as the 1955 Welsh amateur champion. However, to his fellow OWGS members, he was a true bon viveur who was just as happy to partner a scratch player as a 24 handicapper. In his pomp, few struck the ball with more authority. Stretching from the 1953 to 1999, his 46 year span of appearances in the Hewitt is the second longest in the Society’s history and in partnership with Jim Durie, he was our “banker” in the Hewitt throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Barrie was Hon. Secretary of the Society for 27 years (1965-1992). Throughout his time in office, he was the perfect benevolent dictator, ensuring that everything ran highly efficiently but not at the expense of anyone’s enjoyment. The bursary programme which he co-founded has ensured that no young OW has had to miss a competition through lack of funds. Many current team members are well aware of the debt of gratitude that he is owed.

They will both be sorely missed but not forgotten.

From left to right: Edward Cartwright, Carl Rietschel, Johnny Woolf, Henry Kingsbury, Tom Smith, David Weinstein-Blackadder

Ronnie Bulgin, John McAnally, Robin Hillyard, David Roy, David Weinstien-Linder, Henry Kingsbury and Angus Roy watching Bill Coutts Donald putting

2017/2018: 2017 was a year of great fun but undoubtedly one full of “what might have beens” in the heat of battle.

We played eight matches, defeating the Old Wykehamists, Old Paulines and Old Reptonians but losing to the Old Uppinghamians, Old Marlburians, Old Radleians and the London Solicitors Golfing Society.

Both the LSGS and OWGS were close to the heart of Peter Morley-Jacob, a past President of the former who had recently been elected as our President at the time of his passing. It was in memory of such a special and much-missed man that the two societies met for this, their first encounter.

The match against the School was halved. Thanks must be offered to Charles Ullathorne, the master in charge of golf station, who continues to unearth new golfers.

Our performances in competition can best be described as frustrating. In the Halford Hewitt, we lost to Bradfield in the first round but performed well in the Plate, where we defeated King Edward’s Birmingham 3-0, Harrow 2-1 and then lost 1-2 to, the eventual winners, Merchant Taylors. We qualified for the final of the Grafton Morrish but lost a very close match 1-2 to Glasgow Academy, who went on to lose narrowly in the semi-final. We were placed fourth in the Plate.

We failed to qualify for the final of the Royal Wimbledon Putting Competition and in both the Bernard Darwin and Senior Darwin, we lost very close matches 1-2 to Winchester and Wellington respectively. We also performed creditably in the Dick Watson Trophy at Aldeburgh.

Finally, congratulations must be offered to Mark Batten, who became Captain of Royal St George’s in April 2018, the second OW to hold this high office in the past three years. David Roy (AHH, 1955-61)

The retiring President of OWGS Clem Danin (on the left) handing over “The President’s Jug” to the new President Bill Coutts Donald

2016/2017: DIVISION 1

The Old Westminster Division 1 team faced the innumerable challenges of the topmost league head-on this season: highlights included a 3-0 victory over the Old Berkhamstedians, and a slew of 1st pair wins. It was particularly heartening to be joined on so many occasions by several of the top Westminster School players, who not only proved their mettle in the Kinnaird Cup and National Schools’ Championships, but also their enthusiasm for league fives, proudly representing Westminster’s particular brand of artfully lackadaisical schoolboy fives in both Divisions 1 and 2.

DIVISION 2

It was a season of two halves for the Old Westminster Division 2 side, with the main achievement being that these two halves did ultimately summate to produce a whole, completed season. In very British fashion, the OW team celebrated finishing the fixture list on a respectable nil points—rather than the negative double digits for which they seemed destined—after a series of administrative forfeitures were systematically undone. Grateful thanks go to the OWs’ fellow Division 2 clubs, whose magnanimity and generous ‘fivesing spirit’ made this possible.

Our thanks are also due to Freddie Krespi and Laurie Brock, who, after several years each at the helm of the OW teams, are both passing on the reigns as they look to expand their horizons beyond the Westminster courts.

TOURNAMENTS

Despite not necessarily reaching the upper echelons of the EFA leagues, the Old Westminsters were on great form at tournaments throughout the year. This was achieved both as a team – the mostly floppy-haired squad having ironic success in both Barber Cups despite their apparent aversion to haircuts, reaching the finals of the Richard Barber Cup in their debut, and making a strong quarter-final appearance in the Alan Barber Cup against eventual winners the Old Olavians—and individually, with stand-out performances in the Mixed Championship finals, the Ladies Championship semi-finals, and the London Tournament quarter-finals. Particular congratulations go to Riki Houlden, who followed up a sterling appearance in the Northern Tournament final with Old Cholmeleian Jonny Ho by becoming the first OW to compete in a Kinnaird Cup final since TG Lund in 1936. Riki was also nominated for EFA Player of the Year, alongside OW Matt Lewin’s nomination for EFA Coach of the Year as a result of his outstanding efforts at Westway.

LADIES

The Old Westminster Ladies made their presence felt this season throughout the calendar, from the Aberconway Cup to the Varsity Match. There were also plenty of breakthrough moments and a number of notable firsts: there was a female presence on court for all of the OW Division 2 games played this season; the Andrew Aitken Trophy (a.k.a. the Westminster Cup) had its first female recipient, with Elana Osen winning alongside organiser Laurie Brock; and for the very first time a full, bona fide Westminster team was fielded at the Richard Black Cup. Hopefully in the seasons to come these achievements will be commonplace as the OW ladies, and the OW contingent in general, continue to reach new heights. Elana Osen (PP, 2007-09)

Richard Black Cup Team (L-R): Helena Khullar (OW 2012-14), Olivia Prankerd Smith (BB 2007-09), Bonnie Tse (PP 2007-09), Viva Ruggi (2017-present), Daisy Goldman (2017-present), Elana Osen (PP 2007-09)

Kinnaird Cup (Mens’ Nationals) Finalists (L-R): Riki Houlden (OW 2008-13) with partner Jonny Ho (Old Cholmeleian)

Richard Barber Cup Team (L-R): Hugo Young (2013-present), Riki Houlden (OW 2008-13), Can Koksal (2013-present), Alex Benson (2013-present), Sahil Shah (OW 2011-16), Elana Osen (PP 2007-09)

2017: For over 50 years, OWW took part in an annual race against the School along the traditional long distance race route from Barnes to the Boat House at Putney; an event that has attracted some unusual and occasionally distinguished guest runners, including one Olympic medallist and several internationals in a variety of sports. In recent years the race has been moved to Hyde Park, a more central location, and staged in the early evening mid-week in September.

Now renamed The Serpentine Cup, it is slightly shorter than the towpath course but equally flat and proving popular. In 2017, two School runners, Harry Clarke and Caspar Griffin, were first and second, with the leading two OWW, Tibo Rushbrooke finishing third and Freddie Hill fourth equal with the School’s Thomas Adamo, in a desperate lunge by the pair for the line. The School took the team trophy, with the OWW second and the Staff third. Three months later, the OWW were at the annual Old Boys’ five mile cross-country event on Wimbledon Common, organised by Thames Hare and Hounds. In order to limit the numbers, which had threatened to overwhelm the officials, entry fees were introduced two years ago. In fact, such a ploy seems to have had the opposite effect and there are now almost 300 competitors, ranging from a few School runners as guests, to people in their 70s.

The first OW home was Alexi Calvert-Ansari in 30th place, with Mark Wainwright next best in 54th. Our first veteran runner was Toby Vanhegan on 172th. Special mention should be made of the School’s Annabelle Evans, who was 114th and the third female in her field. We look forward to having her running for us when she leaves. John Goodbody (LL, 1956-61)