150 Years of Rugby

A cold and rainy Saturday in October saw over thirty Old Millhillians run out on to the hallowed grass of Top Field to face a fearsome staff side all raring to go. This memorable match, Mill Hill Foundation Staff XV vs. Old Millhillian XV was being held to celebrate 150 years of rugby at MHS. The game, turned out to be a fiercely competitive, action-packed exhibiton of rugby.

It seemed only fair that in the end the spoils were shared, with a 12-12 draw and some (very) tired legs. Many of the OMs were visibly moved to be playing on Top Field again with one unashamedly confessing to shedding tears and another to being “in heaven”. There were commitments all round to repeat the fixture, although the aches and pains the next morning may have tempered this enthusiasm!

At the dinner following the match, the current 1st XV were present on the eve of their tour to Japan. We were also delighted to be joined by speakers Aaron Liffchak (Director of Sport), Graeme Roberts, Ben Nash (OM and President of the OMRFC) and our Guest of Honour, Nigel Wray (OM and Chairman of Saracens RFC). It was great to hear all speakers look back on the amazing 150 year heritage of Rugby at Mill Hill.

We were thrilled to see so many OMs attend, particularly from such a range of generations with ages ranging from those in their early twenties all the way through to octogenarians! Even more wonderful to see a few fathers playing together with their sons for the very first time.