Your Memories

We asked three Old Boys for their memories of this traditional fixture: Graeme McIntyre, Anthony Hoskisson (OA, AKS Governor, Fylde RFU Chairman) and James Dalby (KES)

What is your favourite part of the day?

Graeme: Seeing which former legends have turned up with their boots.

Anthony: Meeting up with fellow former pupils of both schools.

James: My favourite part is just seeing everyone there and catching up with everyone with a drink.

Do you have any standout memories from the matches?

Graeme: My standout memories are discussing the tours, notably Canada, Chile and Argentina. As a coach of the Arnold Spartans (the legendary 2nd XV), it’s great to catch up with former team members - some of whom went on to be standout players and others who went on to stand up at the bar. We often discuss the infamous Monday match reports which are all in sealed archives. However, I took the liberty of cutting out a quote from yet another Spartan victory over Manchester GS.

“This match gets into my all-time Spartan top 10, ranking alongside the Game of Fog (MGS 2008), The Game of Yorkshire Bitterness (QEGS Wakefield 2001), The Five Tries Disallowed by Rodders (Bradford GS 2003), The Li Kam Wa try and Pile On (Macclesfield 2006) Headhunters and Jousters alongside the Number 8 and his curiously Clean Shorts (KGS 2001, 2005).” Such fond memories - brilliant times.

Anthony: The game and the boat race.

James: Standout memory has to be the one time I actually took part in the game in 2011! Loved it from start to finish! The warmup, photos, the game itself and the guard of honour! I only played ten mins but that’s literally the first time I’ve played since I was 14! I was very much out of my depth, but everyone was really supportive and it was great to represent the school.

If you could describe the day in 3 words, what would they be?

Graeme: Come on you Spartans! (I know that’s 4 words but it fits better)

Anthony: Passionate, competitive, fun.

James: Rivalry, tradition, social!

Year 7

Entry Assessment

29th January 2022

Reception

Taster Session

26th January 2022

Sixth