Radleian Sports Supplement LT2 2016

THE

RADLEIAN SPORTS SUPPLEMENT

L E N T 2016

BEAGLING The 2015 to 2016 season has been incredibly busy. The Puppy Show on 14th June at Mansion was very well attended; we had more than 175 people crowded around the ring watching the young entry expertly shown by the Kennel Huntsman, Simon Timbrell. We had great success at the Wales and Border Counties Hound Show where we won both the dog and bitch couples classes and collected eight other rosettes. Hounds were also shown at the Peterborough Festival of Hunting where we won the restricted dog hound class and seven other rosettes. This meant that we picked up second in the overall points class.

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Master in Charge: TM Morris

Back at college we started hunting on 12th September and went on our annual pilgrimage to Scotland and the Borders over Michaelmas Leave Away, where we had four very enjoyable days - most notably with Tom Crosbie-Dawson (OR and former master of these hounds) at Pawston House and with the Farrs (Jamie and Ollie, H) at Pallinsburn House. We are incredibly grateful to all those who make this trip possible, particularly Mr and Mrs J Vestey who kennelled the hounds again this year.

When we returned to College the opening meet was held on 10th November at Longcot House.

After the opening meet hunting

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continued to be of a very high standard. One exceptionally good day that sticks in the mind was had on the Longford Estate by invitation of Lord and Lady Radnor (Jack Folkestone, E) where hounds met at 12:00 and did not stop hunting until home was blown at 16:00. Similarly, over Christmas hounds were taken to Suffolk for two successful days.

The first from Little Bradley Hall (Archie Clifton-Brown, A) and the second from the Thurlow Hunt kennels where a day that threatened to be cancelled by heavy fog turned into our fastest run of the season with a 4 ½ mile point as hounds ran to finish the day. We have purchased two GPS tracker collars for the hounds which proved their worth.

Also over Christmas hounds met with Mr and Mrs Rupert Sweeting (OR) at Chetwode Manor and the Boxing Day meet was held at Sands Farm, Shellingford with a field of over 25.

After Christmas hounds continued to hunt well with a notably good day from Pidnell Farm, Thrupp (Dr Richard Bolter OR) where hounds found at 14.00 and did not stop hunting (through the flooded Thames river meadows) until it became too dark to see at 16.50. Over Lent Leave Away hounds were taken to Leicestershire by kind permission of the Oakley Foot Beagles to stay and hunt with Mr and Mrs Chatfeild-Roberts (Tom and Harry Chatfeild-Roberts, A) for the first day and at Belvoir Castle for the second.

Since the 1st February hounds have been meeting three days a week and on 15th March we had a joint meet with the Oakley Foot Beagles at the Devil’s Punchbowl, Letcombe Basset,

which was very successful with the joint pack hunting well in tricky scenting conditions. The closing meet is on 19th March and will be followed by a dinner in Hall to celebrate the RCB’s 75th Season; as I write over 100 former masters and whips are due to attend.

Over the summer, the puppy show will be held on 5th June and hounds will hopefully show at the South of England Hound Show, Wales and Border Counties Hound Show, and at Peterborough Festival of Hunting.

that Simon achieves. I would also like to thank all the boys who have been helping at kennels and out hunting this season; particularly my Joint Master, Harry Ross, and the first and second whips William Pockney (‘H) and Freddie Thackray (‘A’) who have worked incredibly well this season. My congratulations to Freddie Thackray on his appointment as Joint Master for next season: I look forward to working with him.

A Clifton-Brown, a

Finally, I would like to thank our Kennel Huntsman Simon Timbrell for all the hard work he puts in in kennels making sure that a top class pack of hounds can be produced to hunt three days a week (over 50 days this season) and finding enough meets in our increasingly urbanised country – this is a challenge that few could complete to the high standards

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CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING This academic year has seen the re-birth of the Radley College Clay Pigeon Shooting Society with the help of Alfred Spreckley, Theo Spreckley, Charlie Seddon and the Master-in- Charge Mr Greed. It has not only proved extremely popular, with over 85 boys signing up for the club, but the club has achieved an early success in winning some silverware.

Following outings at the Oxfordshire Shooting School, it was not long before the other schools caught wind of the Radley College Clay Pigeon Shooting team and their alarm bells began to ring. Shots who had made their mark in training included Miles Greene, Max Wiggin, Will Maddock and Lachie Neville. We were subsequently invited to join 12 other schools, including the likes of Eton, Millfield, Marlborough and Wellington, in the annual Harrow shooting competition held at E. J. 4

Churchill’s shooting grounds near High Wycombe. The 12 schools fielded a total of 27 teams of four.

On arrival, it became very apparent that this was no friendly meeting.

Having seen various teams confidently stroll off the bus with their matching skeet vests and personalized hats, it dawned on us that we had not really nailed the dress code. Thankfully the average Radleian attire is Barbours or Schoffels, so we didn’t look too far out of place. However, regardless of the fancy kit, our shooting also certainly didn’t look too far out of place.

The competition afforded the opportunity to win various cups including ones for the highest flush score and as well as the overall score on the individual stands.

Despite starting slowly on the individual stands, we managed to demonstrate our shooting skills

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Master in Charge: R Greed Captain: A Spreckley

on the flush, which saw only 12 of the 100 clays escape unbroken.

The flush replicates a game drive and the situation clearly suited our team skills. We watched hesitantly as the remaining teams attempted to beat our score, however it became increasingly evident that we were going to win the flush, along with the prized cup. It was a great triumph so early in the re-birth of the club and my thanks go to the boys who shot on the day – Will Caplan, Freddie Grant, Jamie Farr, Theo Spreckley, Jack Barclay, Miles Greene and Tiger Beck.

Many other boys will have the opportunity to shoot in the future and we look forward to the interSocial Shooting competition at the start of next term.

A Spreckley, a

CROSS COUNTRY The Cross Country season began well with a strong showing at the Knole Run, 6 miles of gruelling hilly parkland, and notable success in all age groups both at Area and County level. The junior team in particular finished a very creditable third in the Area Championships (amidst all the state and independent schools) and Henry Insley became our first County Junior Champion for some years, running for Oxfordshire in the All-England Schools.

Strong runs by the Juniors in the Wellington Relays were followed by enthusiastic, committed runs in the Radley Relays which has rapidly become one of the biggest Cross Country Relay events on the circuit and this year included an OR team of former Radley Cross Country runners and captains. The current Radley teams have been ably led by their own Captains this term but particularly impressive was

Master in Charge: AJA Williams

Conor Mosedale, leading the club by example and putting in tireless effort to encourage and persuade part-time runners to compete for us.

Unfortunately the last half of the season was a little less positive.

We lost our Inter Captain Hugo Halford-Harrison who sustained an injury that kept him out for the rest of the season. This, coupled with a number of major sport conflicts, injuries and, in one instance, a serious road accident closing the road to Marlborough meant that we were not able to turn out teams to some of the later events. We have a keen group of runners however who have gained hugely in confidence and stamina over the term and if we can encourage some of the juniors to take up Cross Country full-time next year the future looks bright.

Junior Squad Henry Insley George Daly William Way Freddie van den Arend Archie Halliday Wilfred Pease Inters Squad Hugo Halford-Harrison Jasper Perry Freddie Rawlinson James Parker Ivo Holbech Freddie Thackray Senior Squad Conor Mosedale Jake Dickie George Willcocks Hector MacDonald Arthur O’Kelly AJA Williams

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FENCING Fencing at Radley happens on a Monday evening in the Barker Gym – boys do a weekly training session with an external coach, Mr. Bickley. Extra sessions are also available on a one-to-one basis, by arrangement with Mr. Bickley. The target for the club over the last two terms was the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships at the end of term. After a number of years absent, Radley returned to the Championships, held at the Crystal Palace between 15th-17th March.

This is one of the most important,

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Master in Charge: N Murphy Captain: C Wallendahl

and certainly the largest event in the country, with over 1300 competitors from 98 different schools.

On the first day, Permpoon Suwannakarn in the Senior Foil got through the first poule round to the last 64 and eventually came 40th out of 82. He was the only one in his poule to take a point off Daniel Kiss, who was the eventual winner, and who is one of Britain’s top international fencers. He then lost 15-5 to Sheng of Harrow. It was a very creditable performance overall,

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especially as he had only been fencing for a year. Harry BowesmanJones in the Junior Epee came 97th out of 112, meaning that he did not get out of the poule stages.

However, heavy traffic on the way to the competition meant that he had to rush straight into his poule matches. Overall, therefore, he gave a very good account of himself, taking points of his opponents. Lastly Charles Wantz came 50th out of 94 in the Mount-Haes Epee, going through the poules and into the elimination rounds, before losing narrowly 15-12

in a close match against Deacon of Harrow.

Day two was the most successful day, as Christoph Wallendahl in the Junior Foil qualified for the second round of poules (the top 85 of 107), beating everyone in his poule. The second round of poules was very tough but he still won two of his four bouts. Christoph then went into the last 64 as the 23rd seed, whereupon he had a difficult bout that at one stage was 8-8. However, he scored 7 unanswered points to win 15-8 and progressed to the last 32. In the last 32, he fought a difficult bout versus a boy from Elizabeth College, Guernsey, but with a minute of ‘priority time’ Christoph won 15-13, scoring 3 points in 30 seconds, winning the bout with

three seconds remaining on the clock.

His next bout was against Yam of Winchester, who being taller, older, and having a longer reach beat Christoph in a difficult bout 15-3. He finished 15th out of 107, losing out only to boys who were a year older or who fenced for GB. Felix Rawlinson and Hugo Halford-Harrison also fenced in the Junior Foil competition. Hugo was in a very tough poule, and was eliminated in the first round, coming 101st out of 107. Felix qualified for the second round of poules (the top 85 of 107). Unfortunately the second poule contained three GB fencers, Felix, and one other boy, resulting in him being eliminated, although he still took several points off his opponents. Felix therefore came 75th out of 107 overall.

On the final day, Permpoon Suwannakarn and Andrey Kasyanov took part in the Senior Sabre competition. The standard was very high, such that Andrey unfortunately did not win any of his poule bouts, and Permpoon only won one of his. Neither progressed beyond the first round of poules, coming 53rd and 55th out of 60 respectively.

Overall, the novice Radley team performed very well in a tough, well-attended competition, enjoying themselves greatly, and will definitely be returning next year. Having shown a great deal of potential this year the signs are good for an improved performance overall next March.

C Wallendahl, f and N Murphy

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FOOTBALL 1ST XI

Master In Charge: E O Holt Coaches: CA San Jose, & LP Newell Captains: MN, McGrigor, HLT Adams

P15, W5, D1, L9

tough against two-term footballing schools and whilst not outclassed this year, we certainly were not on a level. The one saving grace was our cup form. Our collective will to live was very nearly extinguished by the down-in-history longest ever bus journey to an away match – Ely, Cambridgeshire to Radley, via Bedford and Luton. Total travel time: six hours. Thankfully we beat The King’s School (Ely) 5-3 having very nearly gifted the opposition a victory before scoring two goals late on to flatter this season’s report.

Were the 1st XI’s season to be judged on league results alone, this would have been a pretty poor one. There were moments of individual brilliance: Alexander Bruce’s dreamy thirty yard strike at Wellington (one of his quite stunning tally of 14 in total); Tom Eden’s sweetly struck shot that nestled into the bottom corner against King’s Ely; Ed Agnew’s mazy forays forward from left back. Yet it was the moments when the team came together and fought collectively that were most impressive: blowing Wellingborough away with three goals in a first half blitz; running a superb St Paul’s side close in our opening league game (they were this year’s eventual league runners-up); and, of course, the coup de grace - rallying back from a goal down deep in extra time to force penalties and win against Haberdashers’ Aske’s in the LB Cup Final. A new pitch location on Bigside nearer to school has, disappointingly, failed to draw the spectators that the boys’ football often deserved. But then this team was never one to show off; they have quietly, and without fuss, got on with things.

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The departure of several key players last summer left many holes throughout the side, heaping additional responsibility on the remaining 6.2s to impart their leadership and experience on the incoming Colts. With no preseason tour to forge a particularly organised eleven, the boys had to settle for Costa-del-Radley: two days training under rather leaden skies with a tied friendly against local rivals Abingdon in a slightly contrived match of three halves. The boys responded well in testing January conditions, shaking off their Christmas excesses and adapting to a new style of football that Les Newell and I wanted the boys to be playing.

The fixture list on the new ‘School Sports’ website looked as daunting as ever in January, with the ‘spy opponent’ feature allowing us to see how well (or badly) our next opponents had done against rival sides. The first half of term proved very difficult indeed. League opponents St Paul’s, Berkhamsted and Harrow proved too strong for our inexperienced side, capitalising on tiredness to pull away at the end of each of our games.

Since joining the ISFA Southern Independent Schools League in 2008, we have always found life

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After half term, we hit a collective purple patch, winning three on the bounce. A convincing 3-1 victory over Wellingborough in the quarter final of the LB Cup set the run in motion, goals from Alexander Bruce, James Sloan and Jack Elvin enough to hold off a resurgent second half performance.

It was about this time that Charlie Williams was unearthed from the 2nd XI and his contributions to our victories in February and March cannot be underestimated. A rough diamond, he will be increasingly polished next season. A trip to Wellington College followed where a Bruce hat trick (including the aforementioned thirty yard strike) helped seal a cracking

victory – made even better by the fact that the Wellington side had been playing football during the Michaelmas Term too. Game three in the run, the LB Cup semi-final against Loughborough Grammar, was a hard-fought affair but one which ultimately ended in victory.

We held on, only just, Max Davis diverting (unwittingly, it’s fair to say) a shot off the bar just over in the dying seconds.

So to the final and what was undoubtedly the most important game most of the boys will ever play in their footballing lives. The experience was almost better than the victory: a proper non-league ground with stand and changing rooms and a boisterous crowd led by the faithful ‘Red Army’ and Radley and Haberdashers parents.

Goalkeeper Toby Orders broke his finger in the warm up (but didn’t realise until the next day) and was to play a crucial part in the evening’s proceedings, saving a penalty in the shoot-out to win us the cup. A spectacular first fifteen minutes saw the season’s best move as Charlie Le Grice was released down the left to cross for Bruce to slot home from six yards. One nil. The game ebbed and flowed with chances for both sides. Habs played the better football, finding their feet after an uncertain start but the team’s performance was full of fight, energy and determination. Two minutes from full time, disaster.

Habs equalised to force extra time. They scored next too, from a penalty. Up steps Captain marvel Tom Oliver to score the season’s most important goal (and his first ever from Radley – what a time) from a corner deep into extra time. Five wonderfully confident penalties later from Charlie Le Grice, Jack Elvin, Alexander Bruce, Charlie Williams and James Sloan (whose celebration after scoring was remarkable for its complete lack of celebration!) and we were champions. Cue scenes of delirium.

My fellow coach Les Newell and I will never forget that night.

This year’s club and team captain, Tom Oliver, led by example on the field; his marauding presence in the centre of midfield so often formed the foundation of our victories and certainly helped restrict those sides which beat us from running riot. Most impressive, however, has been the performance of those at the back.

Almost always uncelebrated, being a defender is hard, unrewarding work. Tom Binks had a magnificent season, missing only the final game against Abingdon through injury. His partner at centre back, James Sloan oozed class. His consistency was unmatched this season and I am certain he is one of the very best defenders I have ever coached at the club. Toby Orders, between the posts, did very well. In the most exposed position in football, I was delighted with

the way in which he recovered his confidence after a shaky start to end the season on such a high.

Super sub Tom Ogilvie has also contributed superbly, slotting in at both centre back and in the centre of midfield and doing the basics well. He will play an important role in next season’s squad. So, the future is very bright: at least six boys will form the nucleus of the team next season - Tom Eden, George Bracken, Jack Elvin, Charlie Williams, James Sloan and Tom Ogilvie.

Our philosophy as a club has always been about educating boys to play good football – to play with their heads up, think quickly and to make space even if they are off the ball. Adam King and his staff do their very best to ensure we have the surfaces to play on (and what a magnificent job they do) and I would like to think we have graced those pitches with some sound passing football this season. Whilst the ‘W’ column is perhaps not as full as I would like, the trophy cabinet is. My thanks go to fellow coach Les Newell for his unfettered enthusiasm and dedication to the boys – he does it for his love of the game (and to try and model the team on his beloved Oxford United) and, of course, to the boys.

A season to remember.

CA San Jose and LP Newell

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FOOTBALL 2ND XI W5, L6, D0 Despite what the results may suggest, this season has been a great success. Proceedings commenced with a chastening couple of results against superior St Pauls and Berkhamsted sides and I feel that the less said about those two games the better. But after a grilling from the gaffer and some change in personnel we bounced back with a resounding 5-2 battering of MCS’s first team.

Debuts were handed to James Mills, Robbie Horton and Orlando Russell, all of whom made instant impacts.

Mills shored up midfield with a battling display while Horton made

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his mark by getting on the score sheet. But the plaudits must go to Charlie Williams for his superb hattrick including a belting free kick.

Sadly one problem for the team with individuals playing well in the 2nd XI is that they get called up to the 1st XI and as such we lost both Mills and Williams. But we nevertheless followed this up with a solid 2-0 win at Haileybury in horrific conditions.

In typical 2nd XI fashion we battled hard and thanks to goals from the clinical Horton and the ever-dangerous Freddie White we overcame the hurricane, recording an impressive clean sheet in the process.

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Coach: SJA Perkins Captain: BCW Waller

Team morale was high heading into the Harrow game. Momentum was with us and we were playing some top football. The game was going well until the final moment of the first half when the usually calm Tom Wildblood let the occasion get to him. The ball was heading towards the top corner of our goal, when Tom took it upon himself to stick out his hand and save the ball like a goalkeeper. As a result we had to play the rest of the game with 10 men, eventually succumbing to a 4-1 loss. After the game Tom decided he was better at hockey and announced his retirement from football. Thus, with heavy hearts, Tom was replaced in the starting eleven

by the pacey Robbie Cockcroft. Sadly despite Robbie’s added gas we could not force a result and succumbed to another loss against Bedford, although the game was not without its positives, with Felix White putting in a Man of the Match performance on debut.

Luckily the team knows how to bounce back from disappointment and marched on to an impressive win at St Johns. Harry Varney banged in a penalty with his jackhammer of a left foot to secure the result, while a special mention must also go to George Gent for a blinding save at the end of the first half. Harry AnwylJones also impressed (as he has done all season) with a man of the match performance from left back.

Unfortunately two more defeats followed against a good Tonbridge side and Oratory. But it takes more than that to keep us down and we

responded by humiliating St Edwards on derby day. The 5-0 score line actually flattered the opposition and had we been more clinical it could have been double figures.

Goals were scored by Cockcroft, Folkestone, Winter, Rutherford and Ryan. Cockcroft broke the deadlock when he pounced upon a keeping error, while Folkestone used all his power and determination to bundle in from 3 yards. Debutants Winter and Rutherford (MOTM) both took their goals well, with Winter’s goal particularly sticking in the memory.

After some stellar work on the right by the marauding Waller (aided by Felix White) and a peach of a cross, Jack calmly volleyed home.

side, but we produced our finest performance of the season and triumphed 3-1, goals again from Horton (2) and Freddie White proving enough for the victory. But Man of the Match must go to George Bolitho who silenced his critics in empathic fashion with two assists. It was a complete performance from the burley number 9 and a fitting way to end his Radley career. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable season with some great moments.

B Waller, j

With one more game to go (another local derby against Abingdon) we were desperate to go out on a high.

It was an incredibly tough game against a very good Abingdon

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FOOTBALL 3RD XI P9, W7, L2 This season has been not only enjoyable but also a great success to see the team progress from eleven individuals into a football side, where all of the players work hard in training and match days. The end result: played 9 won 7 lost 2.

The first match against St Pauls ended in defeat but could well have been a draw, only for us to miss a penalty late on. After this slight set back we went on to record four wins in a row scoring 15 goals along the way the highlight was a thrilling 4-3 victory over Harrow, a narrow loss away at Wellington (playing Wellington 2nd XI) then another run of three wins in the final three

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games - the last victory was a hard earnt 2-1 result against local rivals Abingdon, with Hal Fordham scoring the winner with virtually the last kick of the match - a fitting way to end the season!

There were some outstanding individual performances throughout the season, and many highlights including Adam Hargreaves keeping us in games with some stunning saves, Jack Folkestone and the back four big and strong in defence, Jack Taube’s strike to beat Harrow, Yannis Gidopoulos tearing down the left wing, Tom Rutherford, Tom Jewell, Ludo Aslangul and Lysander Sandburg fighting it out in midfield, Hal Fordham running the opposition ragged up front - in fact all that

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Coach: AJ King Captain: CEG Wakefield

played any part this season should be proud of what they achieved.

But one moment in particular stood out the match at St Johns where at 0-0 Jack Winter (leading goal scorer this season) picked the ball up some 35 yards out took one touch and struck the ball into the top corner with the goalkeeper left watching in amassment with the rest of us!

I would also like to thank the captain Kit Wakefield for his support on and off the pitch and my assistant coach Kieron Jennings for his help and knowledge and gaining the win over Harrow in my absence.

A J King

FOOTBALL 4TH XI P7, W4, D0, L3 A season of four wins, three losses and three cancellations was shaped around a wide blend of 6.1s and 6.2s, as fine players such as Felix Von Simson, Hal Fordham, Freddie Peake and Ludo Aslangul were all steadily promoted to the thirds, and new signings were thus introduced including Louis Lightening Wood, Toby Silky Sallit and top-scorer Tom Carter.

After starting against a far superior St Paul’s outfit and losing 0-4, the boys bounced back with a comfortable 2-0 win against MCS with two from Hal Fordham on his way from the 5ths to the 3rds. One of the true season highlights was

Coach: EO Holt Captain: CWF Ash

the unexpected win against the usually strong Harrow, where the 4ths were in dreamland at 5-0 up before half time, with the wind and a slight slope. Goals came from Kirchlechner, Marsh and a hat-trick from Carter before the interval.

The tougher second half saw the boys pressed hard by the wind and Harrovian resolve, but we saw the match out 5-2 with level-headed defending from a solid back line of Charles Ash, Sven Winkler von Stiernhielm, Felix Von Simson, Finn Fordham and Freddie Peake.

In the driving wind and rain the 1-2 loss at home to Marlborough was one of those ‘we were all over them, we was robbed’ sort of afternoons where we simply could

not capitalise on our superior possession by finishing on target.

The boys were unlucky not to come away with more from the away fixture against Bedford 2nd XI, where we were within touching distance for much of the game before finally going down 1-3. The wins returned however, and got bigger as the season progressed, with the final two games ending 4-0 against Oratory and 12-0 against St Edward’s.

The latter, on a gloriously sunny March afternoon, was a fitting way for many of the 6.2s to end their school footballing career with goals for captain Charles Ash, Matt Leech, Zam Bradstock, Archie Marsh and Finn Fordham among others.

E O Holt

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FOOTBALL 5TH XI P6, W3, D0, L3

us the first win of the season.

When describing the 5th XI football, the word ‘mighty’ is usually used, and this year at Radley it was no different.

Under the leadership of RJ (‘gaffa’) the team played some absolutely wonderful and delightful football.

With this confidence and win behind us, we took the long and tiring bus journey to Haileybury to play our first away fixture of the season. It did not look like it was going to be a good day when we reached the pitches with temperatures bordering 0 degrees Celsius and a pitch with one of the most pronounced slopes I have ever witnessed. But we started the game with immense speed and were on them quickly, pressurising them as well as scoring a goal in the first few minutes. New signing George Love tapped in the goal from a Campion cross to make it 1-0. We attacked even more on the back of this early lead, but failed to score again in the first half.

We now had the wind behind us and the slope now in our favour and we utilised this by scoring one of the best goals ever witnessed by boys at this fine school. We had won a free-kick just inside their half on the right-hand touchline. Our usual free-kick taker Harry Eadie lined up to whip in one of the most vicious crosses in which he picked out Freddy Campion like Mesut Ozil who impressively volleyed the ball into the top corner to our amazement.

Ned Rees would then got his first of the season before Matt Leech on the back of hitting the bar with a penalty scored another to make it two from two.

We started the season with a match against St Pauls, having had the Tonbridge game cancelled because of rain. We had a strong team out and played some great football but we went one goal down after twenty minutes. It all changed though before half-time as Tom Carter was put through one-on-one with the goal keeper in which he slotted the ball into the left-hand side of the goal in what he described as a ‘Thierry Henry-esque goal’. We did however end up losing the game 2-1 but we showed many positives. We moved on and hosted Rugby School two weekends later on Smithsons 1. We played some liquid football especially down both wings with the likes of Freddy Campion and Jamie McCulloch breaking the last line of defence.

Somehow, we did go one goal down from a free-kick despite us dominating the possession and territory. But our captain Matt Leech did bring a goal back before half-time following a well worked counter-attack from the midfield. We dominated the second half having what felt like hundreds of shots at their goal but struggling to find the back of the net. But we managed to grab the winner with ten minutes to go with a goal from Charles Henry - a half-volley from the edge of the box after a cross from one of Harry Eadie’s many corners in which the ball glided into the bottom corner, to give

This impressive 4-0 victory marked our charge, but we then had to play a tough Harrow side. They came to Radley and scored in the first play of the game, but we grabbed a goal back through Love. They did score another goal but we replied just as quickly with a Freddy Campion header. As their

FOOTBALL 6TH XI P7, W4, D1, L2 What a season it has been. Most importantly we won more games than we lost. Despite the team changing drastically through the season we were solid in most departments however sometimes guilty of playing like Arsenal - trying to dribble the ball into the back of the net. We can’t forget our many victories over the 5th XI. We 14

started the season with a loss against St Pauls. It was a close game but ended in 2-1, maybe if we played them at the end of the season we would have won.

The next game was a much needed confidence booster where we saw a convincing 8-0 victory over MCS. Our stand-in manager Jack Smith made it a winning start to his football career.

Ed Gordon kicked off the game with a classy clinical finish. The captain

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Coach: R Johnson Captains: ME Leech, RTH Thornhill striker scored his third of the game, we questioned whether we could win but in true Radley spirit, Captain Marvel, Matt Leech scored again on the back of a Charles Henry through ball from our own half. We unfortunately would go onto to lose 4-3 but it was a great effort by both sides. We then played the penultimate game of the season which we lost 7-0 with a weakened side but we should congratulate our keeper Jack Kane who saved us from losing by perhaps 15 goals!

Our last game of the season was against our local rivals Abingdon. With a different side and a new skipper in Rafe Thornhill; we looked to make it 3 wins from 6 for the season. We started well, with Leo Lawton scoring a great goal in his last game for the Radley Football Club. We added to our lead as Freddy Campion volleyed the ball from 18 yards into an open goal as he was cheered on by his father on the sideline. As we looked for a third goal, the Abingdon boys picked up the pace, but the likes of Eadie, Lawton and Al Baker were up to the challenge, putting in the tackles and unfortunately conceding a yellow card along the way. We won a penalty in the dying moments and skipper Thornhill slotted it for the win. They did grab a goal at the end but we won 3-1 and ended a truly superb season.

A big thank you to our coach Mr Johnson and also a thank you should go to Jonathan Kane, our goalkeeper’s father who in tough times this season motivated massively with his chanting and shouting from the side-line.

C Henry, e

Master In Charge: EO Holt Coach: P Miron, J W Schofield Captain: MDB Wiggin Wiggin scored 2, with the likes of Wood and Love grabbing a brace as well. No one could quite pinch the hat trick.

Despite the numerous goals the man of the match when to left back Leo Boddington who made a brief spell in the 6ths before his free transfer.

Our next game was against Marlborough. It was the first leg against them, which was a closely

fought game with it ending 1-1. The second leg however was a different outcome. Despite being 1-0 at half time with the away goal in their favour, we won convincingly 6-1. Wiggin was upfront throwing away chances but despite coach Schofield’s good-spirited heckling from the side, he slotted a wonderful goal to silent the touchline.

Jojo Kelly of all people managed to get himself onto the score sheet. However with his searing pace of Tom Hepinstall he managed to bag the brace and the match ball. Our second loss of the season came against Bedford.

The sandy pitch was not quite up to

Premier League standard, and despite the recruitment of 6 boys who didn’t play football, we were able to keep the game at 2-2. However we threw away 3 goals in the last 5 minutes - 5 minutes to forget.

The last game of the season was against Teddies where we won an easy 7-1. Ed Gordon, the Dimitar Berbatov of the team despite the low work rate, bagged himself the hat trick. It has been a season of ups and downs for him with him out injured for a while, with the worry about the old ACL injury flaring up again, but he

FOOTBALL 7TH XI P6, W1, L5 At the beginning of the season the team benefitted from a large squad and we were fortunate to have a number of players who were subsequently promoted to higher teams. Our strong goal scorers Boddington and Kelly scored our two goals in a tightly fought opening match against St Paul’s School. With a half time score of 1-3 we were hopeful of a reasonable score line, however our stamina was lacking and by the end

It turns out that very few schools have an 8th XI so matches were few and far between, the same cannot be said for goals conceded. However, under the diligent leadership of Edmund Fitzalan-Howard, games were played and some may even have been described as ‘close’; but at this level of advanced football, scorelines are unimportant.

The fast-paced football proved to be too much for some and so, early in the season, many were lost to personal fitness and Grockey. The

M Wiggin, k

Coach: K Halliday Captain: H Jamieson

of the game we had conceded seven goals.

The high point of the season was our fixture against Rugby School. It was tightly fought game and proved to be our only win of the season with Kelly scoring another two goals for a final score of 3-2.

our captain and top goal scorers did not help. However, those left behind kept a strong team spirit and enjoyed the fixture list.

K Halliday

Despite our rigorous training sessions, our score lines were not impressive as the season drew to a close. Further promotions of key players including

FOOTBALL 8TH XI P3, W0, D0, L3

finished on a high for the club. Mighty Henry de Groot in a brave move from the manager went from goalkeeper to striker. The (Paul) gamble paid off with ‘de Zoot’ scoring a tap-in from the 6-yard box - even though he claims it was curler from the outside box. Dr Schofield and Dr Miron were vital to the team’s success. Harry O’Kane has a bright future at the club and was top scorer for the season with 7.

Coach: EJ Tolputt Captain: EA Fitzalan Howard

8ths had a high intensity style of play, powering long balls over the opposition to the speedster and star striker, Joe Ellis.

for the ‘beautiful game’ kept us going when times were tough and whose half-time team talks never failed to motivate all within earshot.

Our defensive line resembled the Berlin Wall (post 1989) with veteran members of the 8th XI Henry Soundy, Ben Cobbold and Ben Harbinson providing the experience and knowledge of the game. The goalkeeper, due to a lack of willing players, was often chosen by a game of rock paper scissors.

B Cobbold, j

Undeniably, the key to our season was EJT, whose unrelenting passion THE RADLEIAN SPORTS SUPPLEMENT

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FOOTBALL COLTS 1 P10, W5, L4, D1, GF26, GA24 The 2016 season was eagerly anticipated after a bruising JC season for this year’s Colts. Competition for places was high after the arrival of several new players and despite the dark, wet and windy first training session, everyone was having a great time.

The season began against a tough opponent, Tonbridge. After a long bus journey, we made our way down to the pitch with anticipation to play, for some of us, the first competitive game in three years. The game started with high intensity and aggression. Tonbridge dominated the ball creating numerous of chances.

However, a beautiful corner from Benedict Weldon picked out Rory Betley, who headed home with a smart finish to give the visitors a shock lead. Some solid defending from Ethan Clarke and Lachie Neville kept the score 1-0. Radley won a free kick after some neat skills by Freddie Barlow. Benedict floated a ball into the box, headed back out to Henry Day who powered a stunning half volley back at the keeper. The keeper 16

THE RADLEIAN SPORTS SUPPLEMENT

made a great save but the ball fell kindly to Rory who slotted home, 2-0!

However, after some naĂŻve defending, Tonbridge scored two goals in ten minutes swinging the momentum in their favour. At half time, we felt the game was still balanced but Tonbridge showed their quality.

They out played us in the second half to take a 4-2 lead going into the last few minutes. Radley showed some fight but in the end it was a frustrating loss and one we learnt a lot from.

A week later St Pauls came down which was always going to be difficult. With some new faces including Henry Anderson, the team were ready. But, in the end it was a game to forget. They scored quickly to take the lead but some fight from Henry Anderson on his debut made it 1-1. From then on, four soft goals were given away and the game was lost. A day to not remember but better days were just around the corner!

Thursday games are the hardest to play. Radley were up against a good side Berkhamstead on a very windy

Coach: MG Jewell Captains: ME Leech, RTH Thornhil

and cold day. We needed a win to kick-start the season and we did just that. Beautiful play from Theo Spreckley who played a great ball through to Henry Anderson who floated a nice cross in the box for Rory to head home. The team kept the high press but Berkhamstead kept coming. They piled on the pressure with six corners in a row.

These were all dealt with very well

by Jasper Toor in goal who came and punched anything dangerous away. HT 1-0. The team came out flying and with goals from Weldon, Anderson and Betley the game ended 4-0. The solid defending from the team kept the clean sheet and the midfield were solid and creative throughout.

Rugby were up next and despite only a 2-day turn around, the team were really up for it. The pitch was sloped and the weather was horrible so playing good football was hard.

They took the lead after horrendous defending and complacency going into the game. But, the team fought on and we grabbed a goal back just before half time through Lachie Neville. With the wind and the slope

in our favour, we created many chances and we knew eventually one would go in. With chances going begging, finally Henry Anderson gave us a well earned lead. After some nervy defending Jasper Toor made a great last minute save to keep the score 2-1. It was an indifferent performance but an important win.

We then came up against a strong and unbeaten Haileybury. Radley went 0-1 after a good finish from their number 9. But after Henry Day’s deflected shot fell to the edge of the box Nico Rooth struck it home with a sweet half volley which nestled in the bottom. The team fought well but a last minute winner just took the game away from us.

Harrow were next but the game was very hard and we started slowly. The better team won and Harrow dominated, despite stronger resistance in the second half. Henry Anderson chipped in with two but we lost 2-4.

We then came up against Wellington.

They took the lead within 1 minute after horrific defending but the

team responded very well. With the Warden watching the team turned up the pace and Henry Anderson equalised. Two more goals followed (Anderson, Betley) to give us a strong platform for the second half. But then quite out of the blue, Wellington scored after a mistake to forget for Jasper! Betley dug us safe with two penalties from being tripped twice.

Then a beautiful move from Rooth, Weldon, Betley put away by Anderson rounded off a great day! Man of the match went to Freddie Barlow after a great performance.

The game against St Johns was aggressive and tough with both sides looking to score. We deservedly led 1-0 at half time after fluent attacking pressure (Betley). They then dominated and pegged us back until Weldon scored a stunner from outside the box. But, poor defence cost us dearly and they took their chance, 2-2!

The best game of the season, on Bigside against Oratory. They were physical and had a quality midfield.

We went 0-2 despite the fact we dominated the ball. However, goal

of the season from Caspar Muir with a sweet strike to make it 1-2. At half time, coach delivered some strong word. But they proved wise words! We came out flying. Henry Anderson took a great chance after battling up top.

Then Henry Day squeezed home just after chaos in the box. Rory headed home at the back post 4-2. From 0-2 to 4-2, was the best win of the season.

Finally, Abingdon away. The game was aggressive with both teams desperate to win. Abingdon were the better team but Rory volleyed home off a deflection from Rooth’s effort. HT 1-0.

Abingdon came out with pace and intensity in the second half. A penalty was awarded to them after a handball which was put away. They piled on the pressure creating chance after chance but, Weldon whipped in a free kick which Lachie Neville flicked home off his head sparking celebrations. Radley won 2-1.

It was a great season and I would like to thank MRJ on behalf of the team for coaching us all the way.

N Rooth, g

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FOOTBALL COLTS 2 P9, W3, D2, L4

well with Monty M-Z at the back.

After the first two games resulting in losses, we were eager to patch up the rough start against MCS. One-nil at half-time and after a great bit of team play in the midfield and out wide, a succeeding ball was played into the box concluding with Will Kaye at the end of it, slotting the ball home to gain his second of the match. With Will soon on a hat-trick he was very eager to get a third goal, and get a third goal he did. A long ball over to top was played and Will was in on goal and placed it past the keeper. Final score 5-0

Miles Browne provided the beautiful cross for Jacob Tregear to score and was probably our biggest attacking threat in the game.

Harrow away was the highlight of the season and the term ‘The Iron Curtain’ first came into effect. Tom Onslow was outstanding making runs down the left and Chris Kloster’s last-minute goal-line block will long remain in the memory. Dom Lodge was solid in the air and Ollie Friend linked

Overall a great team performance and an away result that we were really proud of. Final score 1-1 Radley completely dominated the play and the possession against Oratory, with the midfield duo of Tom Johnston and Monty controlling the game and Ollie Friend and Myles Greene looking sharp and skillful out wide.

The defence was as solid as ever, with the addition of Ethan Clarke, and Miles Browne picked out a wonderful pass to Will Kaye, who broke into the box to score his sixth of the season. After an inspirational half-time talk from MedCentre Mark Chambers and ‘José’ May, and a tactical change seeing Tom ‘Yaya’

FOOTBALL COLTS 3 P5, W2, D0, L3 Of the five fixtures due played by Colts 3 this season we won two and lost three. If four matches hadn’t been cancelled by the opposition the statistics might have been more favourable, but the strength in depth of football at Radley always leaves us at risk of other schools being unable to field enough teams. Our first two matches, away at St Paul’s and Tonbridge, saw us losing 1-0 in close matches that could have gone either way. From the start, we looked solid at the back (Toby White in goal being man of the match against St. Paul’s) and slightly less sure the further up the pitch we went, but what was

18

certainly not lacking was enthusiasm and enjoyment of the game. A 1-0 win away at Harrow in early February was a victory to be savoured. After a second half goal from Max Armfield, we fought hard to hang on to the lead, with Will Lennon getting the captain’s vote as man of the match, but Harry Seaton also featuring prominently in midfield. Our first home game against Wellington saw our most emphatic win of the season with four goals from Ben Broughton, Patrick Hayes, George Seagrave & Tom Warner. Johnny Evans in defence took the man of the match award as we kept a clean sheet for the second game in a row. After two cancelled matches, Abingdon were our final

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Coach: GHS May Captain: TPS Johnston

Onslow move into midfield, Radley completely bossed the show. The game ended 3-1, with Onslow picking up the MOTM award for his dominant and powerful midfield display.

On the back of two victories we went into this midweek game against St. Edward’s Colts 1 feeling confident.

Friend saved off the line to see us through to finish the game at 1-1.

Overall, an eventful game of football with hard tackles, a lot of chat, a bad injury and a brilliant free-kick to top it all. We had all improved enormously as players, reading the game better, improving our basic skills and thinking quicker. Enormous thanks to our several contributing coaches, Jack Smith, Ed Hawkins, RKM, and the ever present Mr May. J Tregear, g and W Morgan, e and T Johnston

Coach: GHS May Captain: TW Warner

opponents of the season and a 2-0 loss was a fair result against a Colts 2 team that had just a bit more of a cutting edge than us. Tiger Beck got the man of the match award this time and his pairing in the centre of defence with Freddie Fowler was one of the strongest aspects of the team. All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable season, with Tom Warner as Captain doing a great job throughout.

K A Mosedale

FOOTBALL COLTS 4 P5, W0, D1, L4 The first match of the season, away at St Paul’s turned out to be the toughest of all. Whilst the 13-0 score-line certainly flattered the home side, Radley were undoubtedly outplayed, despite a heroic performance from goalkeeper Trafford. A similar story can be told of the match against Harrow, where positives here would be a Diamandis penalty swiftly dispatched and conceding two fewer goals – with the respective fixture last year resulting in a 15-goal deficit this certainly counts as an improvement! One highlight of the season however would be the match against St. Edwards’ School. The boys had had time to gel together as a unit and with the combination of a solid back

Coaches: P Asbury, MCF Brown Captain: JCA Barclay

line impressive forward play by the imposing duo of Hayes and Yeoman resulted in a 7-2 victory. The match versus against Haileybury was also a fiercely competitive and entertaining one, set on the backdrop of quite awful weather conditions. The boys battled hard to secure a 2-2 draw, fighting against the twelve men of Haileybury (if the Gale Force 5 wind aiding their wingers counts to their number!)

We ended the season with a game against the Abingdon U16C team.

Both sides were equally matched at the start, although Abingdon began to dominate the midfield and launched a number of dangerous attacks which were thwarted by a solid Radley back line, notably Binks and Neill. However their persistence

FOOTBALL JC1 P10, W3, D1, L6 The particular nature of the challenge facing Radley’s JC1 squad each year is well understood: competing in a tough league against schools with greater experience and freedom of selection makes for a demanding schedule, with just two of the ten fixtures offering ‘friendly’ respite. With league points at stake, it takes some willpower to focus on the quality of performance, as opposed to the position in the table. With all of the above in mind, the end of term report for this vintage of Radley’s JC1 is dominated by positive

eventually paid off and we went into the break 2-0 down. Nevertheless, Radley refused to give up. Clarke began to exert some authority in the middle of the park and pulled a goal back. Unfortunately Abingdon added two more to their tally, and despite a late penalty from Diamandis, we were unable to overturn the deficit.

The 4-2 score-line was perhaps a little harsh, but the boys deserve credit for an entertaining game.

MCF Brown

Coaches: J Coxall, PW Gamble Captain: AW Southgate

assessments, allowing for a couple of slips along the way when the reputation of our opponents seemed to have us beaten before the first whistle.

First up was the long trip to Tonbridge. The fact that eight of that day’s squad survived through to the end of term suggests that the selection - based on just two days of training - was not too far awry. Irrespective of that, we were unable to match Tonbridge for their solid team shape and neat build-up play. Although an Angus Tufnell goal briefly hauled us back into the game and another

by Hanno Jewell gave us some

consolation, our hosts ran out worthy winners. Even if we were well beaten, there were good indications of individual ability and a collective willingness to work hard for the cause. The same was true the following week, when we again travelled, this time to face a decent St Paul’s side. Ben Moss, at the heart of midfield was our star performer in this game, with his midfield partner Alex Martin, newly selected, showing the determination (allied to no little skill) that would be such an asset throughout the term. Despite Angus Tufnell’s early equaliser and Ivo Mayfield’s heroics in goal, we were again well beaten. Our third

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league game in quick order saw us welcome Berkhamsted to Radley.

Newcomers to the league scene, they turned out to be a very strong outfit, though probably not as strong as a somewhat insipid performance P9 allowed W5 L3 D1them to appear. We rarely looked like threatening the visitors’ goal viewed asagainst a whole, Colts 2’s and, season started a this was a disappointing performance.

Sherborne side who were quick to Anthe 8-0 defeat an accurate take lead with was two tries in the reflection of the play in all honesty. first half from a lack of concentration-

to a less intimidating run of fixtures in the second half of term. In the first of these we hosted Wellington in what even at this stage looked likely to be the wooden spoon decider. From the start we played with the requisite determination forward tries with Christian Kloster and, on the balance play,the probably and Patrick Hayes goingofover deserved to be more than a single whitewash. Final score 31-0 Archie Barrow goal ahead at halftime.

With Edward Elliott the We then moved onto Oundle and pick of a strong team performance exploited their poor wide defence we sealed anhands excellent win in the with great and offloads from second-half, Barrowran the whole backwith line. Archie Giles Elmhirst Hanno and inscoring our firsthis trysecond virtuallyand untouched Jewell picking up a brace.

Fergus Wilson followed with aThis similar should us of uppace verylater nicely try and a have lovelyset burst on. for the tougher St Alex Rayne showedchallenge great paceofalsoJohn’s, Leatherhead; for whatever finishing a lovely sequence of offloads reason we never really got into from Clarke, Todd and Elmhirst We the game St. John’s brought a poor closed the game out after breaks from goal scoring record into the game, Benedict Weldon and George Dillonbut, helped by our lethargy, found Robinson gave us great territory. Final their22-7 shooting boots to run out score 11-1 winners. Alex Martin worked in an effort to bring some Atirelessly cheeky early break through try gave second-half respectability and us the lead and we fought hard all Archieagainst Barrow’s goal delivered match Marlborough.

There a small degree of consolation, but in was some great tackling too. A late truth was another disappointing shift in this momentum and a rather performance.

Afterlate this the frustrating decision onhiccup, left us on strong message was that we needed the back of a narrow defeat. to end the league season on a high, at least in terms of performance.

The next game we knew would be This was indeed accomplished, the hardest of the season. A Bedfordin a hard draw against side withfought a great1-1 record who had Oratory.

We were a little beaten Warwick earlier in theunlucky season, to be 0-1 behind at the halfway mark, travelled up to Sugsworth 1. We knew but, inspired by a strong back line ball retention would be vital and our performance led by George Batty overall handling was exceptional in and of Henry Carson - ably However assisted by spite the circumstances.

Tom Sweetnam and Ethan Bedford could not catch a coldRussell, and and driven on fromSome midfield gifted us possession. greatby the eventual goal scorer Alex Martin, we secured a third league point of term. It’s worth mentioning too that we had the chance to win the game from the penalty spot, but failed to take it. Nevertheless, the draw proved to be enough to avoid bottom place - no silverware for that, but in our context an achievement of sorts.

RUGBY COLTS 2

we trailed 10-0. In the second half negotiated theback opening weHaving dominated and fought with trio of league games, relief came great passages of wide play and usein the form hands of a trip to Rugby and nothing of quick to sneak Ethan Clarke to play for but the satisfaction in for two tries and Myles Browne forof a goodinperformance and Browne the honour a score the corner. Myles of a win. achieved wrapped the We game up with both a nice- and in somekick. comfort. this contest Alex penalty FreddyInCampbell ended Martin was imperious in midfield any remaining Sherborne hope with and, alongside the fast improving a brutal, try saving tackle.

Final Score Edward Elliott, pulled the attacking 20-10. strings. Goals from Angus Tufnell Bertie Southgate (2) Theand nextcaptain two games were saw us to a comfortable disappointing losses. The first half-time was lead defeat and, when Barrow a heavy to St Archie Paul’s. The next in another as a quick wasslotted a nail-biting 10-7 defeat to riposte to Rugby scoring, were enthe route Tonbridge with a hugewe effort from to apack healthy win. This was a timely whole in particular who brought and significant morale-booster, us pack into the game with a nice try on the back of a from James Innes-Ker.strong team performance. It was unexpected therefore that didn’t really After two losses wewe were ready to push on from this in the next league bounce back in the local derby against game, in which we faced Haileybury Abingdon.

Fergus Wilson and Myles on home soil.

This year’s Haileybury Browne were the stars of the Day were not of same their as we scored twothe tries fromilk upasand predecessors (who won the league) under cross-field kicks. Theo Spreckley and it was a cagey and tight also charged down an attempted contest until the clearance kickvisitors to catchtook it onthe thelead full not half-time. andlong scorebefore .We rounded off aEven greatthen, Radley were in the game performance withvery twomuch well-worked and better value than the final score of 0-3 might suggest. The feeling at the end of the game was that a good opportunity had been missed. If a battling reaction was to be expected in the next game at Harrow, then such an expectation was unfounded. In a game that is best forgotten quickly, we never really got going and allowed what was admittedly a very capable home side the freedom of the park. Losing 0-15 to the eventual league winners was truly a harrowing experience. At this point we were glad to reach the sanctuary of leave-away, able to look back on an even mix of promising and below par performances.

Refreshed by the break, we returned

To round off the term we made the short journey to play Abingdon, a school with a fast-growing football pedigree, and whose predecessors had given ours a bit of a hiding last year. This was not to be the case this year, with a 6-3 win being no less than a strong and gritty team performance deserved. An

advantage of 2-0 at half-time was fair reward for a fast start and Coach: KM Willis-Stovold, BR Knox sustained dominance and we added Captain: E Clarke to that before Abingdon pegged us back to 5-3. Nerves were not jangling for long, however, as the nerve-soothing sixth came soon quick-thinking from Caspar Muir as he after.

With two goals apiece ran in with a quick-tap penalty for gave Bertie Southgate, Tufnell and us an early lead, andAngus after another the ever-lively Hugo Carr, theofgoal forward’s try, we scored our try the accounts of most of our attacking season to put us 15-0 up. Will Todd personnel wereonenhanced. caught the ball the full, inTo the air achieve such a determined and came down with it, drew aall-round man team performance was the aimwho and offloaded it to Ethan Clarke for coaches at the of the ran the it into the corner.

Westart survived a term, so a mission was undoubtedly late Bedford come back to close off a accomplished. great win. Final Score 15-10 It waswas a great pleasure toencounter work Next a hugely physical with this JC1 group their against Eton who had caughtreadiness us to listenearly and on learn training napping andinlead 12-0 at half sessions and their to by bounce time. The boys were ability not fazed this back from setbacks augurs well and we rallied back despite an absurd for theirofplay for RCAFC meant over the number injuries-which we next three seasons.

They have played with 14 men for a long time skill, tenacity game sense and had to call and up Jack Barclay, Valin various measures and will only Brooke and even the mighty Will get better players.

Onbundled a personal Dunlop.as Ethan Clarke over note I would like to offer particular the line off a nicely timed blindside appreciation to Muir, Jack Coxall, my pop from Caspar Felix Lumley co-coach: he was very much the also managed to pick and go and legs of the coaching operation and score under the posts, and somehow the boys developed rapidly under managed to ground the ball. With the his It’s Radley’s that last expertise. play and destiny calling, loss Captain he won’t be here next year.

I’d also Clarke decided to hand the ball over like to make thefor fact to Caspar Muirnote who of went thethat three Max Anderson, currently in points to win it. Our very own 6.1, Leigh delivered a sequence of first-rate halfpenny, stepped up and despite coaching sessions that very far out and at a nastywere angleof great value towas theonly squad. work the kick justTo wide andwith we someone of that age making his managed to win the ball back quickly way through the coaching grades afterwards.

Though we were held with enthusiasm wonderful up at such the very last secondisand drew to see.

Lastly, but very much not 12-12. to be forgotten, I know that all of the squad want to thank the Finally, withwill a very different team grounds staff at Radley for all they due to four Concussions from Eton, did to produce excellent training we faced Harrow. Murdo Blythe and playing suffice stepped up assurfaces: Captain and the to say, we never found as good a pitch as absentee players gave their support Kenn 1 on our travels. in a somewhat diminished Red Army.

A nice early try from Myles Browne Gamble showing great Strength wasPW cancelled out from a lapse in concentration round the blindside. Though the result was never in doubt-George DillonRobinson once again carried strongly to finish off a Radley drive. Debutante Ollie Friend also showed a nice bit of pace to nip into the corner after a gap opened up. We finished the season on a high and we beat Harrow as a second team for the first time.

Ethan Clarke , a

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THE RADLEIAN SPORTS SUPPLEMENT

FOOTBALL JC2 P9, W3, D1, L5 The JC2 football team’s season got off to a decidedly shaky start away at Tonbridge where we were well beaten 5-0. The key lessons of the match were the importance of defending with discipline against the long through ball and, when in possession, the need to get the ball forward far more quickly ourselves. To their credit, the boys took these lessons on board extremely quickly and put in a sterling performance away at St. Paul’s. earning a creditable 1-1 draw.

Thereafter, wins against Rugby (4-0), Haileybury (2-0) and The Oratory School, Reading (4-3) built their confidence as a team, although these victories were off-set by quite heavy defeats against much stronger opposition in Harrow, Bedford and St John’s, Leatherhead. The final game of the season away at Abingdon resulted in a 2-1 defeat in an extremely tight game.

Coach: SR Molyneux Captain: SA Butterwick

Membership of the team was remarkably stable throughout the season which served to create a very positive team spirit and which, I have no doubt, also meant that, whatever the results, the boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Outstandingly consistent in defence were Luke Howard and Ee-thern Ship (both of whom never gave less than 100%) with Xavier Coughlan joining the team to good effect late in the season (playing with pace and a deft sliding tackle). When the defence was under pressure, most notably in those games where we suffered heavier defeats, it gave goalkeeper Eddie Cockcroft the chance to prove his worth to very good effect. Indeed, at Harrow he was man of the match by some considerable distance in very trying circumstances.

The midfield four of Tristan Wilkinson (2 goals), Felix Gilliat-Smith (3 goals), Oscar White (4 goals) and Baz Butterwick were outstandingly consistent throughout the season and always played with tenacity

and determination. Their collective goal-scoring record was tremendous from midfield. Tristan, Felix and Baz rarely failed to make life difficult for the opposition, whilst Oscar was the outstanding player of the season in terms of both natural ability and his impact as a goal-scorer. Hugo Bertie played up front for much of the season, contributing 3 goals.

My thanks must go to Baz Butterwick for leading the team in such a consistently mature and determined fashion. There are a number of boys on this team who can quite justifiably aspire to playing at a higher level in future years if they put continued effort into developing their game. As a new don at Radley, this was my first season with the football club and I could not have wished for a better set of lads to work with.

SR Molyneux

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HOCKEY CLUB 2016 The 2016 hockey season will be remembered with great fondness.

There were so many highlights along the way but the most noteworthy achievement had to be the fact that we became the first school to win three out of the four Independent Schools Hockey Leagues at A team level. The 1st XI won the U18A league in thrilling fashion: 3 teams tied at the top of the table with Radley winning due to their superior number of goals scored after the goal difference between them and Bradfield was the same. The Colts 1 team won the U16A league with a 100% record and Midgets 1 won a top of the table clash against Wellington on the final weekend to secure the U14A title. They were not the only teams to taste success with Midgets 2, Midgets 5 and the 2nd XI all winning their leagues with victories in the 22

THE RADLEIAN SPORTS SUPPLEMENT

final fixture of the season. There were also a few narrow misses as Midgets 4, Colts 2, JC2 and the 3rd XI all finished second in their leagues.

We had some outstanding results along the way and our block fixtures against St Edwards (9 wins and no losses), Abingdon (9 wins and 1 loss) and Wellington (11 wins and no losses) were particularly memorable.

Colts 1 were the stand out performers with 9 wins, one draw and no losses over the course of the season, but the Midgets 1 and 2 teams also deserve credit for their impressive records: both won 8 matches and lost just 2 .

The future looks bright!

When one considers the quality and dedication of the coaches, these results should come as no surprise and on behalf of the boys I would

Master in Charge: GR King

like to thank all of them for their commitment throughout the season.

We also saw the completion of our third astroturf pitch which had the immediate effect of improving the quality and quantity of training for all of the teams. It also means the end of grass hockey matches which should ensure a far more enjoyable experience for everyone. With plans to resurface and put floodlights on the athletics track astro, we will have first class facilities which will be the envy of many. Add to this the exciting crop of junior players in the club and there is no doubt that hockey at Radley will flourish even further in the future.

G R King

HOCKEY 1ST XI

Master in Charge: GR King Coaches: DJ Creswell and PM Bennett

W3, D5, L2

week, the best was yet to come. 1-1 vs Teddies was a disappointing result, but showed the high expectations that the team had set for themselves. Indeed, the match was quite a scrap and GK Oliver Moffatt made some telling saves to win what was to be a crucial point in the ISHL league. The players’ highlight of the season came in the 3-2 win against Abingdon away from home. Radley were in the match at half time, having played a decent first half. James Maidment had made some robust, and some mercurial, last ditch tackles to deny a very skilful Abingdon attack and Luke Stalder had pounced on a loose ball in the Abingdon circle and hammered it home. Nicky Mahon continued to improve all season and was making some intelligent hockey decisions all around the pitch, winning multiple short corners for the 1st XI. At 1-1, James Cunningham buried a short corner flick bottom left to send Radley into the lead. This was quickly reeled in by Abingdon, who scored from a short corner after Maxim McGrigor had been yellow carded until the end of the match. Nevertheless, at 2-2 Radley continued to pressure Abingdon with 10 men, when Rupert Milne went into over-drive and stole the ball from the left back, made a run to the baseline and produced a well-struck cross, which found Hamish Wishart in space to score the winning goal. The celebration from Hamish and the rest of the team was one to remember.

The season started with a terrific pre-season tour to Barcelona, which has become a regular fixture in the Radley calendar. The experience brought the team together and laid the foundations for the tight-knit group to hit the ground running in January. Training at some of the best facilities in Europe is a real treat and once again, I must thank GRK for his excellent organisation in Barcelona and his support of the 1st XI throughout the season. This year the fixtures in Barcelona were perfectly pitched and Radley progressed from a loss on the first day, to a draw and then, finally, a win. Peter Bennett and I were already mightily impressed with the way in which the team showed focus in training on tour and also the leadership displayed by the senior players. The team were clearly excited about the challenge that lay ahead.

The aim for the season was to be in contention for the 1st XI ISHL title and Radley made a fantastic start by turning Cheltenham over away from home, coming back from a 1-2 deficit at half-time. Jamie Farr started the season with a cute deflection, which angled away from the GK and got the ball rolling for the 1st XI. Captain Maxim McGrigor had a barnstorming game from midfield and controlled the flow of the match. Fergus Clark

produced some sublime skill to beat a defender and cross the ball with his reverse stick for Hector Chamberlain to jump in front of his marker and deflect the ball in. Last year’s most improved player, Luke Stalder, showed why he is such a valuable player for the 1st XI and used his 3D skills to glide through defenders in his new central role. The momentum of this win carried on through to the first home match of the season. Despite a purposeful and controlled performance, Radley were once again 0-2 down at half time.

However, the resilience of the 1st XI showed and they sprinted out of the blocks after half time, winning a short corner and then a p-flick. Despite this not being converted, Maxim McGrigor rolled up his sleeves and, along with his brother and vice-captain Alex, led their team to victory. Freddie Marshall started the comeback with a reverse stick deflection having injected the short corner. This was well deserved as Freddie played tirelessly at right back the entire season, thundering up and down the touch line. Jamie Farr produced another fantastic finish from a threaded Hamish Wishart pass to set up the opportunity for Radley to win the match. Fergus Clark duly obliged with a cool reverse stick finish to complete the comeback.

Two wins from the first two matches was a dream start to the season and, although there was a lacklustre performance against St.Edward’s in mid-

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The opportunity to win the league was on the cards from this point forward and became an even more realistic target for the team. The 1st XI continued to improve their hockey and came up against strong opposition in Tonbridge, Eton and Bradfield. The forward line, led by Ned Marriott, were tireless in putting pressure on opposing defences and were continually making smart decisions, creating chances and winning short corners. James

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Cunningham’s work in practice was paying off and he looked dangerous at every short corner opportunity. Fergus Clark continued to make a name for his reverse stick striking, scoring two goals against Eton. It was surprising to have two 0-0 draws against Charterhouse and MCS, but these were matches that could have been lost last season and Radley have come a long way in their game management of matches (not least thanks to Peter Bennett’s catch

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phrase “phase of the game!”).

The final day of the season was set up as “Super Saturday” by GRK, as three teams, including the 1st XI, had the opportunity to clinch the ISHL titles.

The match was a feisty affair and Wellington were fired up to make this one of the toughest matches of the season. Radley were measured and controlled in the opening minutes and continued the type of play, which

had earned them a hard-fought draw against MCS earlier in the week.

Wellington were strong and physical and absorbed a lot of Radley pressure in the first 20 minutes of the match.

Chances were created through Luke Stalder, Ned Marriott and Alec GarrettCox, as they had done all season.

However, it was Wellington who took the lead after a short corner which broke to the right postman who scored from close range. The 1st XI had learned a lot during the season and they were not fazed by being 1-0 down at half time. Once again, Maxim McGrigor, Hamish Wishart and Rupert Milne put in robust performances to keep Radley in the game. Hedge Austen showed his shot stopping capability and closed down some Wellington chances.

At this point Luke Stalder and Fergus Clark were pushing further forward,

aided by James Cunningham who was controlling play from the back and midfield. Radley stayed patient and kept pressing forward down the left through Milne and Nicky Mahon before winning a short corner. For the second time in the season James Cunningham lasered the ball into the top left corner of the goal to give Radley the all-important draw and seal the 1st XI ISHL title on goal difference.

This was a thrilling finale to a fantastic season of hockey. I was extremely proud to award Full Colours to Maxim and Alex McGrigor, Oliver Moffatt, Luke Stalder and James Cunningham. Hamish Wishart and Fergus Clark received their Half Colours. The team and I would like to give particular thanks to Peter Bennett for his knowledge, enthusiasm, wise counsel and calm umpiring, and

Kristian Borthwick for his expertise and camaraderie.

Top scorer: James Cunningham Players’ Player of the Season: Maxim McGrigor Most Improved Player: Nicholas Mahon Most Valuable Player: James Cunningham DJ Cresswell.

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HOCKEY 2ND XI P10 W4 D4 L2

the season.

Players: W Murray+, H Austen (GK), O Moffat (GK), C Milner, C Hart, A Stahelin, J Beattie, A Garrett-Cox, T Bracey, W Payne, B Fisher, H Chamberlain, C Pritchard-Gordon, R Wallis, J Lee, W Jones, W Caplan

Much of the success for the term was built around Captain and centre half Wills Murray. Throughout the season he led the way both in defence and attack, breaking up the opposition’s attack with combative and (generally) clean tackling, whilst setting the tempo for the team’s forays forward with accurate passing and calm decision making. Moreover, off the pitch he was vital to the positive collaboration between the different year groups, which he, and the rest of the 6.2s, were so effective and encouraging. Fittingly he was awarded the Players Player of the Season award by his teammates, in recognition of his leadership and consistent performance.

With the retirement of NM after over ten seasons at the helm of Secondside, there were questions about whether the team would adopt the renowned and successful “Barcelona Way” championed by the now Senior Master. Pleasingly, however, the boys continued to play with the same determination to play at pace and utilise space that characterised 2nd XI’s of the past.

Such a style of play lead to what was a very successful season, culminating in an Independent Schools Hockey League triumph on the last game of

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The captain was very well supported by a resolute and organised defence.

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Coach: EG Pearson Captain: W Murray

Hedge Austen and Oliver Moffat, were both outstanding goalkeepers who made fearless, athletic and crucial saves. Fullbacks Caspar Hart and Angus Stahelin formed a formidable double-act in the middle; Hart’s excellent reading of the game and distribution skills complemented

by Stahelins outstanding one-onone tackling. On the flanks too, Charlie Milner and Jack Beattie kept the opposition at bay at right and left half, whilst also helping the side push forward; Milner using his stick skills to good effect with mazy dribbles towards the opposition’s D and Beattie offering crisp passes to the forward line.

Although there were a number of personnel changes further up the pitch, each had his day in the watery winter sun. Alec Garrett-Cox brought great, pace and energy to

the midfield before his talents were spotted by the 1st XI. Will Payne added defensive stability and a great deal of experience. Ben Fisher proved a dynamic new edition before his season was tragically cut short by injury.

Tom Bracey provided a great deal of effort and enthusiasm throughout the season even if his passes were not always as accurate as he had hoped.

Finally, Hector Chamberlain, although a forward by nature, played with skill and pace and a combative nature in the midfield, consistently driving the team forward.

The forward line also contained a great deal of talent. After the sad loss of Charlie Pritchard-Gordon to a thumb injury early in the season, the

strike team was based around the pace of Rufus Wallis, the determined Will Jones (probably the most improved player across the season) and the lethal James Lee. Lee, who played every game of the season at centre forward, scored 9 goals in 10, was extremely adept at finding space and finishing.

Though often underestimated by the opposition his goal scoring prowess was vital across the season.

Bradfield side where the side played the best passing hockey of the season matched with an almost faultless defensive display and the 3-0 win over Wellington to secure a bonus point win and a much deserved ISHL title.

With such a strong and balanced team, it was no surprise to see the boys produce some excellent results across the season. Although a penchant for conceding late goals led to a glut of score draws in the matches before half term, highlights included the 2-0 victory against an undefeated

E G Pearson

I would like to thank the boys for what was a thoroughly enjoyable season made all the more impressive for their maturity and independence.

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HOCKEY 3RD XI P10, W6, D1, L3 This season was a very positive one for the 3rd XI under the stewardship Mr Lawson and Mr Hammond and excellent captaincy of Oliver Farr. From the outset the twin aims were breaking an eight year losing streak to Tonbridge and finishing in a strong position in the Independent South Hockey League. In the event both of these were (more or less) achieved.

After only two training sessions we had our first match, against the strong Cheltenham College. Despite scoring two nicely taken goals they hit us very hard on the counter-attack and we succumbed to a 4-2 defeat.

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A week of training paid off against Marlborough, when we produced a great team show, with particularly good performances from Rupert Evans and Rufus Eyre, ending in a 3-0 score-line, thus earning a valuable bonus point. This was followed by a great match at Pangbourne (drawn) and a hard earned win at St Edward’s.

The Teddies game showcased a phase of play which involved moving the ball down the right hand side of the pitch, with Alex McGee, Ben Fisher, and Will Caplan leaving strings of defenders in their wake, a move which they repeated many times throughout the season. Will Caplan also starred in our next match, against Winchester, scoring a hat-trick in the

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Coaches: TC Lawson and HD Hammond Captain: O Farr

first 15 minutes. Then came Abingdon, which was perhaps our best match with great phases of play putting us 3-0 up; Ben Fisher, as always, oozed quality in midfield and Ed St John catching the eye with his crisp passing. However, the tide turned and the defence had to defend five short corners in quick succession in the final 10 minutes. Credit is due to our heroic leader, Oliver Farr, and the defensive unit of Alex McGee, William Getley, Josh Bex, and Johnny Dewhurst for defending all five successfully. This led the team in a positive manner towards Tonbridge, the 3rd XI’s nemesis! The first ten minutes were perhaps some of our best hockey, as we scored two goals before the

effects of their long bus journey wore off; clearly they were suffering from not having one of our professional Rufus Eyre style warm-ups! However, as exciting as this was they did then begin to apply the pressure. A particularly strong performance from Monty Dove held the defence together for long periods, before we eventually conceded, but hung on to squeeze home 2-1.

Again, we were also greatly indebted to the brilliance of our ‘keeper. One particularly memorable moment was the reply to Mr Lawson’s enquiry as to whether we had deserved to win the match, as a resounding ‘no’ came from the team huddle! We next faced the men’s team, Cheltenham Wednesday, starring recent OR Ed Bailey, in a really enjoyable match, followed by a fiery curry in the JCR! At Leave Away sadly we lost out ‘super sub’ Sam Way, who made a quality impression, but were lucky to gain Tom Wildblood , from

the soccer pitch, who added a cutting edge up front. It was also good to have the skilful Will Heagarty in for the last few games. The next opponents were Eton, who played well against us and we really had to up our game after our poor first half performance, but still went down 1-0. The matches that followed had some inconsistency, probably due to us lacking one of the rocks of our defence, Josh Bex, who was out through injury. After a relatively comfortable win at MCS, we went to Wellington; which was not only the last hockey match most of the 6.2s in the team would ever play, but it was also the deciding game for second place in our league. Great energy, movement and vision allowed us to put three into Wellington’s net before the half time whistle. However, lacking the ever motivational pair of Mr Lawson and Mr Hammond, our play worsened in the second half, becoming rushed and

riddled with mistakes. These mistakes let in two goals, leaving us with a sketchy win: not an ideal finish but at least we had secured the runners-up slot. A good feeling.

W Getley, d Many thanks to Will Getley for this report. Characteristically, his modesty prevented him mentioning his own play, which was consistently of an excellent standard. He was often the stand out player in a very good side. TCL and I have been fortunate, year on year, to have coached boys in the 3rd XI who have trained and played with skill and just the right mix of determination and fun. The 2016 vintage was one of the best, helped in no small part by the impressive leadership of Ollie Farr and the other 6.2’s. We are very grateful to them.

HD Hammond

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HOCKEY 4TH XI P6 W1 D1 L4 The 4th XI’s season was characterised more by resilience than success. An unusually low take up of Hockey by the senior boys allowed a number of less experienced players to become stalwarts of the team. Unfortunately their baptism was one of fire with a 0-7 defeat by Cheltenham, a taste of things to come. The Marlborough fixture was handed to the grass specialists and we were able to reinforce the side against Pangbourne’s 2nd XI for a 1-1 draw. With the normal side back in place, Tonbridge chalked up a hefty 0-14 win here, in a game necessarily shortened due to the

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failing light. Eton beat us 11-1 and Bradfield 1-7, with goals from Tom Wildblood and Seb Berger, as our points difference continued to widen and we fell to the bottom of the ISHL league. Throughout all this the team showed continued enthusiasm both in matches and in training. The standard of hockey improved significantly. We were relieved to meet a similarly experienced team from Magdalen College School in the final game of the season. The Senior and Second Prefects were just two of the PUPs to abandon the grass pitches of their usual 5th XI to reinforce the 4th XI, naturally depleted at the end of term.

In a good spirited game, the scores

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Coaches: TCH Norton Captain: G Carter and S Berger

mounted 1-0 (a position we had not experienced before), 1-1, 1-2, 2-2, 2-3, 3-3 with goals from Alex Milne, Jonty Robinson and Oli Henderson… Then, ten seconds before the final whistle, Magdalen’s umpire awarded us a penalty flick. With the final play of the game, Harry McGrath stepped up and placed the ball in the top left corner of the net, and we celebrated our first taste of victory. It was a great start to next season. Special mention must go to James Langguth who, in goal, was rather busy.

TCH Norton

HOCKEY 5TH XI

If someone were to commentate on a game of grockey, here is what might be said: “With a cry of ‘Pull!’ the Treasurer, Elmhirst, sends the ball through the air to the other end of the field. It is gathered by Gilje, who, wielding his stick as he does when playing polo, swings, swings again, connects! Simpson is lucky to deflect it away from his body and proceeds to demonstrate a skill rarely seen in a game of grockey, the dribble.

He enters the D having performed some fancy passing with McGrath, and as he is about to take the shot, is robbed of the ball by the Captain, Bennett, who dives in head first. Henderson scoops the ball up and bounces it on his stick until everyone gets bored of him.

The Secretary, Strutt takes a wild swing at the loose ball with his prehistoric stick and hammers it up to Woollett, who up until this point, had not been noticed on the field. Somehow he scores!

Coaches: RMC Greed and G Wiseman Captain: N Bennett

In the brief respite, Betton looks down to check that everything is still in order after a rather close encounter with Strutt’s missile of a ball. Despite the near death experiences, the Barbour-clad men seem to enjoy themselves.”

The season has been a very successful one in revitalising the Club. This has been helped by a tour to Dublin that introduced us to Irish culture and also to our sister school St Columba’s. An enjoyable match against them, last played in the schooling days of OHL, will hopefully set a precedent for future years.

Back on the mainland, the team has had a great time playing like-minded schools such as Cheltenham and Marlborough.

We won the Grockey-Quidditch Cup against Cheltenham after two matches with spectacular goals coming from Spreckley, McGrath and even Wiltshire.

Against Marlborough, it was literally an uphill struggle with sterling performances coming from Simpson,

Adams and Saker, the goalie.

The final match of the season was played against an Old Radleian team, organised by George Wills, and was a game that showed the timeless spirit of grockey.

I must pass my thanks on to the Secretary Hugo Strutt and the Treasurer Rupert Elmhirst for creating an enthusiasm in the Club, to TCHN and GRK for tolerating us and, finally, to GW and RMCG who have made possible the success of this season. I wish next year’s Committee (Rob Fleming, Cosmo Cotton and James Maitland) the best of luck in keeping the ball rolling.

Players: Bennett, Strutt, Elmhirst, Wiltshire, Gilje, Adams, Simpson, Henderson, Farr, Betton, McGrath, Saker, Mocatta, Woollett, Spreckley, Maitland, Fleming and Cotton.

N Bennett, j

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HOCKEY COLTS 1

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P10 W9 D1 L0

performances in the Colts 2 team.

If I was asked to assemble the perfect hockey team I would want two outstanding players at either end of the pitch. The best goal keepers are brave, technically sound and athletic. Freddy Campbell Gay was all of these and more.

We only conceded more than a single goal on two occasions which speaks volumes for his ability. Spare a thought for Ed Mair who was also outstanding but, sadly, there is only space for one goal keeper. At the other end of the pitch we had our talismanic leader, James Skinner. Unconventional but lethal.

His pace, coupled with an eye for goal meant nightmares for the opposition defence and a target man for us. He was sorely missed when an injury kept him out of the final three matches of the season. He was also an inspirational and reliable captain who was instrumental in galvanising the team on, and off the pitch. He was ably supported by the other forwards: Giles Elhirst, 10 goals in 10 matches, and awarded the most improved player, Harry Foreman with 8 goals and Murdo Blythe. Freddie Jodrell, who has improved immeasurably, played his part as did Alex Alder, who forced his way into the team after a series of fine

I like to play a 4-3-3 system but this requires 3 outstanding midfielders. We had them. Ned Gordon, talented, creative and unconventional, had the ability to open up opposition defences with fine elimination and passing skills. Matthew Raikes is a very skilful player and had the ability to eliminate opponents in confined spaces and Will Todd (voted player’s payer of the year) was pure class.

All three were very fit and put in a huge amount of work on and off the ball.

A defender who can distribute from the back is another valuable attribrute. There was no one on our circuit who could complete passes over 30-50 yards as well as Alex Rayne, he could disguise them too. He also struck short corners and scored some very valuable goals along the way. On top of all of this he was also a fine defender who was our rock at the back.

A perfect team would also include a pack of defenders who have pace, can tackle and simply hate conceding goals.

In Val Brooke, Hamish Heagerty, Benedict Yorston, Fergus Wilson and Felix Milne, we had a totally reliable defensive unit.

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Coaches: GR King, CE Scott Malden Captain: J Skinner

Add our goal keeper, Freddy CampbellGray, to the equation and it was hardly surprising that we only conceded 10 goals all season.

Lastly, the team has to have a good attitude. It is very well having players with all of these attributes but if they don’t train hard or don’t have a good team spirit then success will be hard to come by. This team had an excellent attitude to training, they were very coachable (a vital attribute that not all schoolboy sportsmen have) and they shared values which meant they were a tight unit and therefore very hard to beat.

So the Colts 1 team had everything I could wish for. Were they successful?

You bet! Nine wins, a single draw and no defeats is impressive to say the least.

They won the Oxfordshire U16 county tournament and became the first Radley Colts team to be crowned ISHL U16 champions.

The first of the nine wins came against Cheltenham (5-2) on the first weekend following a very successful pre-season tour to Barcelona. We were not always at our best but still managed to score five goals (Alex Rayne, James Skinner,

Will Todd, Freddy Jodrell and Giles Elmirst shared the goals between them).

One of our finest performances was against Marlborough. They were the reigning ISHL champions and we had suffered heavy defeats at their hands in the midgets and junior colts. Our performance epitomised our strengths: our superior work rate meant they were always under pressure in possession, our defence (all over the pitch) was excellent and we were effective at converting our chances (Freddy Jodrell (2) and Giles Elmhirst scoring) and our 3-1 victory was well deserved.

A comfortable 5-0 victory over St Edwards followed with Will Todd, Alex Rayne, Giles Elmhirst (2) and Harry Foreman all getting on the score sheet. Our 4-1 victory against Abingdon was a lot tougher than the score line suggests but, again, watertight defence and outstanding finishing (goals scored by James Skinner, Harry Foreman, Ned Gordon and Giles Elmhirst) secured the victory.

Tonbridge fixtures are always tough which made our 3-1 victory particularly impressive. Ned Gordon (2) and James Skinner scored the goals.

Performances like the one we put in against Eton do not come around very often. Our pace, precision and intensity

was outstanding from the first whistle and after 30 minutes of sparkling hockey we found ourselves 6-0 up at half time.

We were unable to maintain the intensity during the second half but the final 8-1 score line was as emphatic and hugely satisfying. The goals were shared between James Skinner (2), Harry Foreman (2), Giles Elmhirst (2), Will Todd and Ned Gordon.

During the final few weeks we found it difficult to maintain the high standards we had come to expect of ourselves. The injury to our captain, James Skinner, was a significant factor but mental and physical fatigue was also evident as a long season was drawing to a close. Bradfield were well organised and we were not at our best but we still managed to grind out a 2-0 win which was pleasing. The goals were scored by Alex Rayne and Will Todd.

The victory also guaranteed the U16 ISHL title.

We dominated the opening 20 minutes against Charterhouse but our efforts were in vain as we could not find a way past their keeper. As is so often the case, they scored with their first entry into our circle to take the lead against the run of play.

This rattled us and barely a minute later, we found ourselves 2-0 down. We were forced to dig deep in the second half and it says a lot about the character of the team that we were able to come from behind to salvage a draw with goals from Will Todd

and Harry Foreman.

M.C.S. are another highly rated team on our circuit and they too had inflicted heavy defeats on us in the previous two years.

Our 4-0 victory against them was therefore another highlight of the season. In another complete performance, we dominated the game and although the final score line was slightly flattering, the victory was thoroughly deserved. Harry Foreman scored a hat trick and Giles Elmhirst added the fourth.

We faced Wellington in the final match of the season. We did not play well in the first half and with the teams locked at 2-2 at half time our unbeaten season was under threat. The team responded well in the second half and three unanswered goals gave us a 5-2 victory. Alex Alder and Giles Elmhirst both scored 2 and Ned Gordon added the fifth.

It has been a pleasure to work with such a talented and committed group of players.

They have grown immeasurably over the past two years as individuals and as a team and they thoroughly deserve the outstanding results they achieved in 2016.

G R King

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HOCKEY COLTS 2 P10, W6, L2, D2, GF 39, GA 20 This was a season of several great ups and a couple of major downs, but one where the overall statistics look very pleasing for a team that was composed of a spectrum of ability - in the previous year the players had represented every team from JC1 to JC4, and we tried to share things out so that everyone got as many games as possible. The line-up changed regularly, with a pre and post Alex Alder stage. He was captain and scored 14 goals from centre forward in 7 matches, before finally being promoted to Colts 1 and handing the captaincy to the recently match-fit Zak Kary.

The season started on a very narrow pitch in Cheltenham, where we bossed the centre and won 4-1, unfortunately losing Freddie Younger for the season

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with a broken collarbone from an overexuberant Cheltenham tackle. At this point Murdo Blythe was promoted out of centre midfield and was replaced

by Felix Milne, before later he too re-ascended to Colts 1, leaving this key position for Kary.

Against Marlborough the following week we showed great grit, as our weakened team, missing reliable left back Tom Wates, came back from a 3-0 at half time to draw 3-3. Next, a disappointing friendly against a weak Teddies team resulted in another 4-1 win, before we saw Abingdon off 5-0 in a much better match. A game plan of sorts had emerged by now: as most of the technically stronger players were up front, we tried to keep the ball as near the opposition goal as possible.

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Coach: IK Campbell Captains: A Alder and Z Kary

Unfortunately our unbeaten run came to an end in a close-run 3-2 loss to Tonbridge in another friendly - an opportunity to rotate the line-up a little, when we lost Milne upwards. This was our weakest team, and a less generous deal with Colts 1, who played with a big squad, would have left us more competitive- but the priority was to share the action. When we reconvened after Leave Away, however, it was with our strongest line-up yet, with Alder still in place and Kary and Freddie Jodrell joining us, the latter at right wing, pushing the pacy Tom Parr back to right half. For 20 minutes of the first half in which we scored 4 goals the boys played the best hockey I have seen in 18 seasons of coaching the game at Radley, with superb movement and distribution destroying what was a pretty good Eton team. We finished the game 6-0 winners.

In contrast, the following week’s display against Bradfield was complacent in the extreme, and we managed only a 2-2 draw in a game that we should have won comfortably. It got worse the next week: finally having lost goalmachine Alder, and having rotated out Rob Crawfurd from centre back, where it turned out his strength and reach had been essential to our defence, we crumbled to an abject 7-0 defeat at Charterhouse. Fortunately we bounced back, Jekyll and Hyde like, with a spirited performance in an evening game in the thick of the Mocks against a very strong MCS side, that had lost only once. We drew 3-3, and could have won.

That left only Wellington. This should have been a league game, but they had entered their A’s in the B team league, and so we gave them a walkover and Colts 1 a match they would otherwise not have had. As it was, we had ended up second in our league behind them, and their B’s were very weak: we completed a clinical 10-0 demolition in 55 minutes, with the highlight being a run the length of the pitch by right back Jonty Barlow.

And so we had played 10, won 6, drawn 2 and lost 2, scoring a fine total of 39 goals and conceding 20. Ed Mair was our first choice keeper, and got better and better, while Charlie Maunder did a good job for us when rotated in, and also for the senior 4th XI. In addition to Crawfurd and Wates, we got good service out of Charlie Pemberton and Harry Christopherson at the back, with regular appearances also from Angus Corrie Deane and the ever-improving Tom Novis at right back or right half. Ed Newall was energetic and constructive in the ‘attacking sweeper’ role, with, Zak Kary’s stick skills essential in the middle.

Dan Bishop played left half and, latterly, right wing, while Rufus Darwall picked up twelve goals from left wing, eight of them in the last three games. When he, Parr, Jodrell and Alder were on song up front with their incisive leads, it took a good team to keep us out.

HOCKEY COLTS 3 Coach: N Murphy Captain: I Munir Mydin P1 W0 D0 L1 Mr. Murphy’s latest exponents of tiki-taka were the illustrious Colts 3, which was generally an amalgam of the bottom end of the Colts 2 squad and some 6.1 hockey players (by rotation).

After a brief introduction to rondos in the warm-ups, and the diamond formation in midfield - both NM and Pep Guardiola staples - the team set off in good spirits for the clash with Marlborough. Marlborough had played a match the weekend before, and for the first half it showed, as our stitched-together conglomerate creaked rather. Marlborough went 2-0 up in the first half. Thereafter it was not quite one-way traffic, but the longer the match progressed the more likely a Radley win became.

Seb Berger (Suarez) scored a fine goal and Marlborough spent the rest of the match clinging on by the proverbial fingernails, to win 2-1.

Subsequent Colts 3 fixtures went the way of all flesh, but the players played for Colts 2 or the Senior 4ths and 5ths with aplomb.

Team from: Charlie Maunder (ter Stegen), Harry Campion (Dani Alves), Tom Tyrwhitt-Drake (Pique), Imran Munir Mydin (Mascherano), Charlie Pemberton (Jordi Alba), Guy Carter (Busquets), Jonty barlow (Iniesta), Alex Milne (Messi), Seb Berger (Suarez) and Henry Parkin (Neymar).

N Murphy

The future is bright for many of these boys with their hockey, and I do hope they work hard at it in the future. Some of them were very on-side in training, and it was a pleasure working with these individuals.

IK Campbell

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HOCKEY JC1 P10 W2 D4 L4 This was an up and down season for JC1 and could be viewed in several different ways. From the cold hard results it was less successful then the team would have liked with fewer wins than last year down to too many drawn games. Stepping back and looking at the performances though there has been a really improvement in their build up play that shows this team could play well at senior level.

We started the season at home to Cheltenham. Both teams had numerous chances to score in a goalless first half before Cheltenham, the team that went on to win the league, ran riot in

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the last 15 minutes scoring 4 goals. Though defensively we made mistakes our profligacy in front of goal was worrying. Fortunately we bounced back away to Marlborough. A 3-1 win saw some excellent work from Beck from the left side, a fine strike from a short corner by G Marshall and a scrappy Nicholson goal to get things off and running. In truth we hung on for the second half of the match and Brolly in goal was outstanding throughout the match. Buoyed by this we should have thrashed St Edwards in our next match. We did just that, up to the point of scoring enough goals, with 10 minutes left and winning 3-0 we let Teddies back into the game and were almost disappointed with a 3-2 win. Failure to score cost us against

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Coaches: MP Hills and KM Willis-Stovold

Abingdon. A turgid 0-0 where we easily the better side demonstrated a lack of killer instinct in front of goal which would continue to haunt us for the rest of the season.

MCS and Tonbridge had given the side large defeats the previous year and though we fought hard in both games again, blanks in front of goal meant that we were under huge pressure at the back. Though at the back Needham, Barker and the ever improving Horler did extremely well we went down 1-0 and 2-0 respectively. The MCS goal cruelly coming from a short corner after the final whistle had gone.

After half term we were extremely poor against Eton losing 3-1 but this was almost a turning point in our season. The last 3 matches

showed significant promise and we outplayed all three opponents despite having to come from behind to rescue a point in each game.

Still wasteful in front of goal, the midfield axis of Dobby, Carr, Daly and G Marshall were able to move the ball better and it meant that R Marshall was able to gallop forward from right back at every opportunity and become an increasing attacking threat. Against Bradfield and Charterhouse (where we passed the ball superbly in the first half) we had to rely on Beck to score late on and in both games we almost managed to force a winner.

The final game was at home to Wellington (3-3 draw) and managed to sum up the season pretty well. We played nice hockey for long periods of the game, defended well in the most part, had enough chances to win by 3 or 4 clear goals and yet still had to find an equalizer with less than 10 minutes to go. Chapman was excellent in this game, scoring all

three but the threat of Carr and Beck down the left ripped Wellington open time and time again. We had hit the post twice and missed clear cut opportunities before taking a deserved lead with 20 minutes gone.

On Wellington’s first real attack they got into the D, won a short corner, then drag flicked it into the top corner, a real confidence drainer. 1-1 at half time in a match we should have been 3 up in was frustrating.

At the start of the second half we pressed again went 2-1 up but then allowed Wellington to run from their own 25 into our D to score into an open goal from absolutely nowhere. Radley were reeling at this point and 2 minutes later Wellington scored again, a great block from Barker rebounding kindly back to the top of the D were it was dispatched emphatically. With a few deep breaths and some composure restored, we went back on the attack and through Stalder winning it, losing it, then winning it back again before a barnstorming run forward,

Chapman was able to prod home from close range. Though we pushed, the deserved winner eluded us and once again a feeling of frustration prevailed.

Goals clearly win you games and this will be an area that the team needs to work on next season. The occasional defensive lapse by what on the whole was an extremely impressive defence this season was magnified as it meant that we were then normally trailing in the game. At times the movement and passing of the team was as good as any JC1 team that we have coached but the challenge next year will be to sustain that for longer periods.

To the credit of the team that was happening more and more towards the end of the season. Hopefully they can continue with that pogression.

MP Hills

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HOCKEY JC2 P11 W6 D1 L4 Overall a very pleasing and enjoyable hockey season even if the results were perhaps a mixed bag. What can definitely be said is that the performances got better as the season progressed (down to, in no small part, Pete Bennett the hockey pro.). There were, as always, frustrating periods along the way, perhaps the biggest of those came in our early season visit to Marlborough where we lost 1-0.

Despite dominating the ball for large parts and creating a number of opportunities, conceding a sloppy early goal turned out to be the defining moment. On reflection, we were perhaps guilty of conceding a few too many of these throughout the season.

There were, however, many highlights, not least the end-to-end goal feast away at Bradfield. 2-1 down became 4-2 up, became 4-4, then, with less than a minute of play left, Bradfield managed to scramble the ball over our line. Delight for them, despondency for us, but a great game all the same. Playing against Charterhouse in the spring sunshine there was a feeling of “deja vu “ as we found ourselves at 4-4 (having led 4- 2). Thankfully there was a happier ending this time around, the final whistle blowing with no further score. Another nail biter for those supporting though!

The season finale came with a resounding 5 v 1 win at home to Wellington. There were phases in the game that were worthy of a much higher standard than expected at this level. That many of these moments were converted into goals seemed only fair, the pick of which was unquestionably Will Duncan’s stunning volley into the top corner of the net. A great way to finish hockey as Junior Colts.

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The squad: Freddie Armstrong: The rock at the back but you did have to keep him awake and alert on occasions during training. After arriving late to a match he learnt his lesson the hard way as he was on the bench for the first half.

Jack Maidment: Almost better then Armstrong at being late but to be honest he’d improved on last year!

However you cannot take that away from how well he played throughout the season, very reliable at the back.

Coach: AR Wagner

the same excuse every week, much to Wags disapproval. Charlie played centre midfield where he distributed the ball to the strikers with great skill and power.

Will Robson: Robson was always the one having banter with everyone (including Wags). Robson went through a stage where he loved using the reverse stick only because it was fun; which annoyed most of his teammates and annoyingly it occasionally worked.

John Peers: Three goals made him one of the leading scorers in the team however the only problem was that they were in the completely wrong goal! However despite these mishaps he was an outstanding player throughout the season.

Milo Brett: Milo always got stuck into everything even if it was a lost cause and continued to impress us with his skills. Milo worked hard on his game and it was nice to see his hockey progress throughout the season.

Toby Crawford: Not scared of anything. He was a runner at short corners and took one for the team as he was hit on the foot by the ball which definitely saved us a goal.

Will Duncan: Duncan also went through a stage like Robson of hitting on the reverse stick which is all he really practised in training.

Duncan was especially good at annoying Wags by playing with a ball while he was talking.

Will Goodman: Goodman worked tirelessly on and off the ball always looking to get the ball and show off his silky skills against the opposition.

James Wilson: Apart from missing multiple open goals in training Wilson was the backbone of most attacks and solid in defence. Wilson played two or three positions throughout the season and thrived in all of them.

Matthew Chapman: Having popped up to the first team midway through the season it was great to have him back in our team. Chapman was by far the strongest player in the team as well as one of the fastest which helped us hugely in both attack and defence.

Charlie Robertson: Wore the J social socks at every opportunity making

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Lucas Ely: He didn’t stop working to find space in behind the opposition and when the opportunity came he would usually finish it. With seven goals during the season Ely was a vital finisher and scored a large amount of our goals.

Harry Purton: A late signing (having played most of the season in JC1st X1) Harry became a vital cog in our team. Do you know how much we pay you? Wags would say jokingly to Purton as he missed an open goal or three in practice. In his first appearance for the team he scored twice [both nutmegs. Cheeky…] in that incredible game at Bradfield.

AR Wagner

HOCKEY JC3 W2 D2 L5 This team were great fun to coach.

They threw themselves into training, including the excellent strength and conditioning sessions, playing with great energy and enthusiasm.

The team developed resilience with losses against Eton and Bradfield and also managed to hold Marlborough to a draw. The team really clicked in the final game against Wellington with 14 boys wanting to play from our large squad of 18 boys. Having scored a couple of goals, a number of the team volunteered to swap with the reserves, without prompting,

Coach: DJ Pullen

displaying a fantastic attitude.

George Medd led the team by example and with authority. Also at the back Toby Bennett, Rory Gearing and Ollie Brown were awesome at taking on any attack, but on the odd occasion that the attack did get through, Will Irons, a reluctant volunteer at the start of the term, developed into a great goalkeeper. It was great to see Sam Tucker get back to fitness, following a rugby injury; he is too skilful to be in the same team next year. Geordie Thomson dominated the mid-field having taken control of our attack and he worked hard to get back to defend.

James Watters and James O’Leary could be relied on to try and find space. Robin Mathewson, Douglas Wyrley-Birch and Thomas Boulton relentlessly took the ball from the opposition. William Cox had a great game up front with the eternally chirpy Claud Marriott. George Egerton-Warburton was menacing on the right wing, really taking the opposition on with pace and aggression. It was a pleasant surprise to finish second in our ISHL and a great end to the season.

DJ Pullen

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HOCKEY MIDGETS 1 P11, W8, L3 This season has been one of close games. Whilst playing some excellent hockey, it must be said that we have defended consistently well throughout; therefore even if our attacking system didn’t quite click, we were able to hold on to some good results.

Our back five therefore must get a mention. They have all progressed a long way since opening day of the season, in fact they only conceded 8 goals all season, and 3 of those were on day one against Cheltenham College. They were Tom Vincent, Frank Barlow, Ed Roest, Alex Haynes and our keeper Sam Richardson.

Against Cheltenham we went in to half time 3-1 down, but with grit

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and determination we got 3 second half goals from Will Jack, Will Way and Charlie Rosling and won an incredible season opener. Our captain Phil Barnett (who, incidentally, got the other goal that day) was inspirational in central midfield.

And so started the season of close games, we hosted Marlborough College and got a 1-0 win thanks to a Will Jack goal and some resolute defending. Another 1-0 home win against Abingdon School, this time thanks to Fred Nielsen’s goal and a very energetic performance from him and the rest of the rolling midfield quartet; Phil Barnett, Will Way and Alex O’Dowd. As the games went on, we realised the importance of using the ball to do the work meaning we would have the energy at the end of

Coach: REP Hughes

the game to keep our noses ahead.

Having said this, we then played two very tough away games. Magdalen College and Tonbridge School who both showed a very strong passing game that worked around (as opposed to through) our solid defensive wall. We lost to Magdalen 1-0 thanks to their very impressive keeper who kept them ahead throughout. We came very close to holding on at Tonbridge after a good goal from our captain but a very rare defensive error let Tonbridge sneak a 2-1 win.

After these two results it was absolutely key to get back on track.

We had Eton away and arrived with a determined focus about the team.

Another impressive performance and

another break away goal from Will Jack gave us a good solid 1-0 win. I challenged the team at this point to finish the season well, to finish with aggressive but sensible hockey. They did not disappoint.

We took on Bradfield and came away 1-0 winners. A wonderful team goal finished by Hector Denny capped a brilliant performance and a belief in the team that we could now go away to Wellington confident but also in good form. Before we did we took on Charterhouse and we played one of our best games all season. The frontline started enjoying themselves, goals for Way, Jack and a special mention to Jamie Miesegaes who was our engine throughout his season. A confidence boosting 3-0 win.

And so we went to Wellington knowing that if we drew or lost, Wellington would win the league, but if we won, we won the league. Both teams had played 5, won 5 in the league and this was the showdown. We flew out of the blocks, hassling Wellington in to mistakes and grabbing an early goal thanks to some good post work from Jamie Miesegaes. At which point it was a defensive masterclass from our incredibly tight back five. Wellington hit the post and had their share of short corners, and with 20 seconds to go in the game, 20 seconds to go in the season, Alex Haynes was injured and the game was stopped for a calming and settling few minutes. The restarting “bully-off” was a nervous moment, but Fred Nielsen won the ball and ran the length of the pitch,

HOCKEY MIDGETS 2 P11, W8, D1, L2 Midgets 2 embarked on their season after a few short sessions to bring boys back into the sport after a long Christmas away. Indeed, a couple of the men in the reckoning had not played much at all but were quickly learning to put raw athleticism into effective use on the field.

The first five matches of the season all registered for the Independent Schools’ Hockey League: the first were modest as Radley found their stride (a 2-0 opening day win over Cheltenham satisfying, but nonetheless an opportunity for a bonus point three goal cushion lost, and a frustrating day of hockey versus Marlborough where their only attack of the game yielded a goal, pegging an impressive – but perhaps toothless – Radley team back to a 1-1 draw. These are results that can be regretted later in the season but the job remained in hand, and successive wins vs St Edward’s (5-0), Winchester

almost squaring for Miesegaes to grab another, but that was the end of the game. The end of a very impressive season, unbeaten league winners and a very strong close-know group (highlighted by the captain’s “secret” team get together before the Wellington game).

Mr. Bennett and I were very proud of this Midgets 1 team, and are looking forward to seeing them as they go through the school. The warden spoke during the term about ambition, leadership and resilience. This squad of players have put those words in to their hockey and shown the benefits of all three of them.

REP Hughes

Coach: H Crump

U14A (3-1) and Abingdon (4-0) left Radley sitting pretty at the top of the league. However, the shape of our season meant that was in fact somewhat deceptive, since we have banked five of our seven fixtures and many other schools had not, so as we went off on our ISHL sabbatical with a series of ‘friendlies’, the competition caught up. The friendlies in fact saw Midgets 2 play some of our very best hockey, with magnificent wins vs Magdalen College School and Eton (both 3-1) standing out. Between these, though, was the unenviable away trip to Tonbridge, and it cannot be denied that their side were of a different class. We kept in touch for much of the match, but they were deserved 3-0 winners.

like that at Marlborough earlier in the season, where there was much Radley dominance in possession and impressive quick-thinking around the field, but the ball simply would not reach the opposition goal. Archie Ward (stand-in skipper) hit the post twice and Radley had two one-onone attempts vs the goalkeeper, but still the match ended in their favour thanks to a short corner strike (which our reorganised defence in the absence of Insley was unable to deal with) and a scrappy own goal from a deflection. More accustomed to his absence, we came through 3-1 again vs Charterhouse on the penultimate weekend in a friendly fixture where a particularly strong first half put us in command.

The return of the ISHL vs Bradfield had an unfortunate collision with captain Henry Insley’s first of a double header weekend of absences due to his cross country commitments, and it was to prove costly as we endured another day

So, suddenly the ISHL crown was in the balance: Bradfield had caught us up, and going into the last day of the season we and they were level on points, with Wellington (our opponents) a close third, and also capable of a league win with THE RADLEIAN SPORTS SUPPLEMENT

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the right results. We knew that a win might not be enough, as if Bradfield were to win by three goals against an Abingdon side we had beaten by four, then we too would have to beat Wellington by the same. As it turned out, beating Wellington at all was a very tall order, let alone by a margin.

They were skilful and organised, and yet the Radley team were absolutely primed for the occasion, always stepping up in defence and intercepting providing expansive attacks from the wings and creating opportunities to score. At half time, though, it remained 0-0. Continuing in the same vein was all that could be asked of this entirely devoted team, and they did that, eventually managing to get the ball across the goal line – by a whisker – thanks to Thomas Reed’s typical never-say-die play. Not once in the season did Tom give up on a ball and on this occasion the ball had been saved once already but he fearlessly stuck in and did not stop until he’d got us into the lead. But Wellington’s season too rested on this: they had not managed to break down Radley defence and in the end could only do so with a deflected strike, coming off a foot and thus defeating the ebullient Sam Hughes in the Radley goal. We knew 1-1 would not be enough, and 42

the tenacity of the Radley team was put to the test. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and Archie Ward, such a tower of strength through the season, smashed a reverse stick strike from distance at the Wellington goal. Perhaps surprise flummoxed the Wellington goalie, how had been so hard to beat all afternoon, but with four minutes left, Radley found themselves back on top. Wellington shut up shop very effectively, and an exhausting but outstanding 2-1 win sealed the season. One could not have asked for more from these chaps, and as we drove back around the Abingdon ring-road on our way home in our Tappins coach, we checked the ISHL website and realised that at that very moment, a matter of metres from the road we were on, Bradfield were taking on Abingdon to decide the fate of the title. We certainly owe our local rivals a debt of gratitude on this occasion: after an anxious wait, news broke that Abingdon had held their opponents to a 2-2 draw, and Radley could celebrate. We certainly hope that at some point in the future we might be able to repay the favour.

So, it was a magnificent season, marshalled by the ever steady Henry

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Insley, and especially the stalwarts who played every single game – Thomas Reed, Archie Ward, George Bishop and Richard Butterworth – as well as the emerging talents of Jake Elliott, Toby Buck and Theo van der Meerschen, and the promoted Ben Hoddinott (who played seven matches before his elevation) and Alex O’Dowd, and the resilient defending of Albi Tufnell, Harry Glassey and Edward Crowston, and the excellent goal-keeping of Sam Hughes. The goals were shared by Tom Reed (8), Archie Ward (6), Charlie Rosling (4), Jake Elliott (4), George Bishop (2), Ben Hoddinott and Freddie Pratt (1 each). There were others in the squad too (21 boys played for the team in total), and it is always encouraging for the health of the sport to see boys moving up and down between teams as we did this season. It bodes well, and there are many in this squad who will continue to bring great things to the Hockey Club in the years to come.

H Crump

HOCKEY MIDGETS 3 P10 W5 L5 This season has been one of close games. Whilst playing some excellent hockey, it must be said that we have defended consistently well throughout; therefore even if our attacking system didn’t quite click, we were able to hold on to some good results.

Our back five therefore must get a mention. They have all progressed a long way since opening day of the season, in fact they only conceded 8 goals all season, and 3 of those were on day one against Cheltenham College. They were Tom Vincent, Frank Barlow, Ed Roest, Alex Haynes and our keeper Sam Richardson.

Against Cheltenham we went in to half time 3-1 down, but with grit and determination we got 3 second half goals from Will Jack, Will Way and Charlie Rosling and won an incredible season opener. Our captain Phil Barnett (who, incidentally, got the other goal that day) was inspirational in central midfield.

And so started the season of close games, we hosted Marlborough College and got a 1-0 win thanks to a Will Jack goal and some resolute defending. Another 1-0 home win against Abingdon School, this time thanks to Fred Nielsen’s goal and a very energetic performance from him and the rest of the rolling midfield quartet; Phil Barnett, Will Way and Alex O’Dowd. As the games went on, we realised the importance of using the ball to do the work meaning we would have the energy at the end of the game to keep our noses ahead.

Having said this, we then played two very tough away games. Magdalen College and Tonbridge School who both showed a very strong

Coaches: MG Glendon-Doyle and J Dodd

passing game that worked around (as opposed to through) our solid defensive wall. We lost to Magdalen 1-0 thanks to their very impressive keeper who kept them ahead throughout. We came very close to holding on at Tonbridge after a good goal from our captain but a very rare defensive error let Tonbridge sneak a 2-1 win.

After a run of defeats, we now really wanted to win and we had a hard week of training and later travelled to Bradfeild. This match we were desperate to win and our coaches Mr Dodd and Mr GlendonDoyle emphasised the need to start well. We scored just after half-time and needed to keep the lead. Our determination ran through after some worrying moments but we won the match 1-0. We now wanted to keep maintain this great success.

Our next match was Charterhouse and we felt confident and we started well scoring two early goals by Jack Sheldon and William Milne.

We carried on playing well in the second half and couldn’t extend our win so we ended up winning 2-0 which was really pleasing and encouraging for the team going into are final match of the season as shells against Wellington. As we trained in the last week of hockey we were playing some great hockey and were determined to win our match.

As we travelled to Wellington, we got off the coach and started to get ready for the game. We went on a run, did our stretches and talked about the game and felt confident and boosted by the presence of George Daly who increased the ability and talent of the squad.

back and they did, scoring two goals due to the lack of man marking. We were given a fighting speech by both coaches and we got back on with real determination. After 10 minutes or so Angus Goaman hit an incredible shot into the bottom hand corner of the goal and we were so happy and went on to grind out a great match that we had won 3-2.

What really stands out for me is the great end to the season we had and this was all due to the coaches Mr Dodd and Mr Glendon-Doyle and to the players on the team that gave every effort to win the matches won.

Overall, M3 had a great season, learning how to play both skillful and effective hockey, with two great coaches that made us have that brilliant season that ended on a high.

F Van Den Arend, h

As the whistle blew we started well and once again got two quick goals but an unbeaten and league champion Wellington were bound to come

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HOCKEY MIDGETS 4 W5, D3, L2

impressive 1-0 victory.

Midgets 4 enjoyed a successful and entertaining season in 2016, playing hockey in exactly the right spirit throughout. While the statistics are more than respectable, one might feel that they don’t quite do justice to the buccaneering approach of the side; in particular the draw against Charterhouse and the loss at Bradfield did not reflect quality of our play on those occasions. Led with goodhumour and resilience by Jeremy Shelton-Agar from sweeper, the Midgets 4 played an engaging ‘brand’ of hockey. When there was attacking to be done almost every outfield player was involved, and when this was coupled with an equal commitment to tracking back, we were a tough opponent for any side.

At Tonbridge, we came a cropper. The opposition were simply too strong and after holding our own for the first fifteen minutes, we wilted under the pressure and lost heavily. Jake Hubbard and Ben Mather showed some real guts in this performance, as they did in most games, but it was not to be.

Smarting from this humbling loss, we travelled to Slough with trepidation.

In sensationally cold conditions we produced a performance to warm even the frostiest of supporters. Mather and Melvin scored in a fantastic team display which reignited the season.

The pace and guile of George Wallis and the carefree elan of Karl von Sanden were instrumental in keeping the game in our hands.

We began the season with a convincing win over Cheltenham, thanks in part to excellent goals from the season’s top-scorer, Toby Melvin.

This was, for a first performance, an encouraging team display. There followed frustrating draws against Marlborough and St Edward’s. In the former, we were rather stymied by playing on grass and in the latter by our total refusal to shoot at goal.

While we did not get the results we wanted in these games, there were outstanding performances to be enjoyed from George Tompkins, Sam Hack, Rafa Chu, Ben Fletcher and Billy Powell. George and Sam were soon to be promoted to Midgets 3, but Rafa, Ben and Billy were integral to the team’s success throughout.

The season gathered momentum with a dominant display against Abingdon; the Midgets 4 romped home in some style, finally deciding that we might score if we shot at goal. This result provided exactly the fillip that was needed before the game against a strong MCS side. In an encounter of few chances, we were grateful to goalkeeper Miles Khano, who was consistently outstanding all term, and in this game especially. In the end a spectacular short corner was enough to see us home and register an

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With confidence high, we travelled to Bradfield to face a side who were our main rivals for the league title. Of all the days to start slowly, we chose this match and were behind from early on.

Despite throwing everything we had at the Bradfield goal, we were unable to score. The match saw the debut of Zak Martin-Zakheim, who added electric speed and fine attacking instinct to the lineup. There was also a typically excellent defensive performance from the tenacious Jamie Richardson.

As the term’s end drew nearer, we hosted Charterhouse on Radley’s fabled ‘New Astro’. Harry Young joined the side at centre defence and was incredibly assured, while Arthur Eliot-Cohen enjoyed perhaps his best performance for the team. Having fallen behind, our aversion to shooting on goal hampered us throughout

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Coach: AFC Nash

the first half. Despite playing some scintillating hockey, we were only able to draw level and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

In the final match of term, the Midgets 4 bowed out with a swashbuckling performance against a strong Wellington side. Our attacking verve and gusto was not cowed for one moment by the knowledge that a win, coupled with a Bradfield loss, would see us top the table. We welcomed back into the fold Robbie Johnston, who provided energy and ambition down the right. Having scored two early goals, one might have been forgiven for thinking a high-scoring win was on the cards. In fact, the boys became embroiled in a physical contest which at times only vaguely resembled a sport. It is to their great credit that the team carved out some moments of superb and genuine hockey, with skipper Shelton-Agar a commanding figure in defence and Ben Fletcher putting in an excellent performance on the wing.

In the final reckoning, Bradfield failed to do the decent thing and lose their final game so Midgets 4 had to settle for second place in the league.

This group of boys proved themselves to be a wonderfully competitive and entertaining battalion to command from the touchline. They are all far more accomplished hockey players than they were in January, thanks to their efforts in training and a universally positive attitude. I wish them all success in their Radley Hockey careers.

AFC Nash

HOCKEY MIDGETS 5 P8 W5 L3 GF20 GA17 Midgets V won the league. They won the league thanks to a committed and cohesive fifty minutes of brilliance against Welllington. A 5-1 win secured the bonus point needed to go top on Super Saturday, watched with glee by MiC Graham King. 2016 had all the ingredients of an exciting season: talented lads; lack of experience; loyal parents; the odd injury; and, (latterly) galloping commitment. Alec Cooke captained every match with maturity and industry: a talented and unselfish player he struck a cultured ball and is respected and admired by his team.

Charles Ames played with mercurial skill and assisted in several goals – another player who looked the part wielding a hockey stick. Alec Scott proved such a fine player after rasping wins against Pangbourne B and Abingdon that he was sent all the way up to the IInds (!) having never played before. The Vths are used to this sort of thing and quickly regrouped. A dodgy policy of rolling substitutes led to a dramatic loss against Tonbridge, 7-0 after being just one behind at the turn. This came back to haunt RDW later in the season in a similar debacle against Charterhouse, this time from a goal up – whoops!

The win against Eton was exciting for spectators. Nil-all at half time followed by five in the second half. Kit Ely finished season top scorer and top scorcher with his searing finish; a truly excellent player. Freddie Smith played all our matches and developed into a classy and confident left wing with vision, pace and cheek – and a decent shot. Harry Young was too good for the Vths and latterly was drafted upwards.

His maturity, weight of shot, reliability and steadfastness were invaluable early on and are an asset to the IVths.

Similarly, the excellent Dan Pleydell-

Coach: RD Woodling Captain: A Cooke

Bouverie, now a regular for the IIIrds.

Freddie Lindblom transitioned from defensive mediocrity into Goal Keeper extraordinaire. Gutsy saves, athleticism, vision and skill meant plenty of on-target shots were parried. Freddie also nicely got rid of the ball out of the D which was a major help. Rupert Woods has talent. His ball control is out of the top drawer and he is too good a player to play in defence, really.

He did an important job, however, his skill often frustrating oppositions and allowing his team to regroup (and the oppo too, on occasion, Rupert!). Caspar Osbourne-Young developed into a fine player over the season. He always ran his hardest and took pride in not letting an opponent elude him. His ball strike improved over the season and I can see Caspar developing into a canny hockey player further up the school.

Zac Martin-Zakheim was too good a player for our team. Understated yet dogged with a laser-like precision and finish and warp-speed wheels.

Leisurely in practice, but rock on in matches. Tom Beardmore-Gray played one match for us, competently, at Pangbourne but then decided that the more gentlemanly play of the VIths was more his thing. Tim Bracken displayed talent and ran well, better suited to attack than defence, one to watch next year. Felix Fanshawe played with confidence and we have yet to see the best of him, his strategy of goal-hanging on practice earned him a number of scores.

Latter signing Harry Haigh was not quite at home playing hockey, especially right handed. He was a big presence on the pitch and the go-to player at sweeper. When so determined, he represented a meaty challenge to oppositions and his pride often made sure he did not come off second best. Perhaps a player for the front of the pitch next year?

Will Brooks-Ward played better and better and was a big match player.

He found his niche playing left-mid and contributed in large part to our best performances against Eton and especially Wellington. Sam Waller is also one to watch, perhaps the team’s best overall player, possessing speed, skill, vision and a rollicking finish. He would have scored more if he had been in attack rather than vital midfield general. Wissam Attou turned into a devilish and determined player, confident in the D and with a punchy shot on him. His increasing commitment made him a regular up-front and his performance against Wellington was outstanding.

Harry Ward latterly joined M5 from M6 and proved an instant hit. His maturity and conscientious shot-making together with athleticism and presence meant that we were lucky to hold on to him and he will be playing for a higher team next season for certain.

Tom Williams-Bulkeley played just our first three games but scored 9 goals in the process. A staggering achievement from a man with a withering and accurate strike, worthy of M1. An odd accident in Social meant he missed the rest of the season, but often came down to loyally support. An extraordinary player with a fine future in the game.

A vintage season, then, and plenty to look forward to in years to come from a very bright group of young players!

R D Woodling

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HOCKEY MIDGETS 6 P2 W2 C2 This season has witnessed M6’s cheery and successful transition from fully committed, swashbuckling grass hockey players to a new, dynamic and skilful team, displaying appropriate finesse and control applicable to our new astro.

Tonbridge is a long way to travel, and given the sporting standards of our opponents, and the 50 mph winds sweeping across their third astro, this was always going to be a tough fixture. We arrived very much as underdogs, however after a tentative opening 10 minutes the ancient advice give it a good whack began to yield dividends. In fact before M6 knew it they had withstood some threatening attacking moves from the hosts and unleashed something approaching pandemonium in the far D. Not one, but five golden goals were hammered past the defence.

Captain Jack Metcalfe scored two of them, accurately slotting the ball home. Myles Rothery, Sam Waller and Bertie Tufnell were the other

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scorers, each stylishly demolishing the opposition. Everyone played his part. Kit Pitman defended with great determination, as did Christopher Sloan and Harry Ward, always so reliable. Rafe Lang was tireless and tenacious in midfield, as was Freddie Ledger. George Clackson, our novice goalie, played like a natural clearing with authority. Tom Burke and Tom Beardmore-Gray did not stop running all match, such was the determination of this squad to keep the opposition at bay, and Josh Rae Smith tackled with great panache.

And at the end? A tentative three cheers and a charmingly modest reaction – what a fine afternoon.

The weather was Siberian on the new far Astro at 4.30 pm as we pushed back against Eton. This was a competitive and hard fought encounter, affectionately observed by the Director of Hockey and a good few loyal and half-frozen parents.

Tom Beardmore-Gray smashed in a fire cracker of a goal, leaving the Eton keeper wrong footed.

Christopher Sloan also scored, a

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Coach: SA Hall Captain: J Metcalfe

carefully placed and neatly delivered killer blow, and Felix Fanshaw made sure near the end of the game with another well taken goal. As much as Eton could they attacked and attacked for the final 30 minutes but we held them at bay… just. The final score, 3-2, and a fine match had been played out in the best of spirits by both teams. Perhaps it was the new M6 kit, fine red and white halves, perhaps it was just the sheer determination on M6’s collective part that Eton did not take any points from this game. George Clackson was again commanding in goal.

This squad has been a great pleasure to see at each practice and good cheer has been the measure of the season. If they continue with their hockey they will remain the best of squads on the circuit. Our thanks to Mr Adams for his dedication to the cause and fine humour, and of course an important mention for captain Jack Metcalfe who calmly helped us to organise and plan.

SA Hall

RACKETS The Lent Term signals the culmination of the Rackets season with the National Schools Doubles Championships at The Queen’s Club, London. When played well, doubles is a real spectacle to behold, not just due to the pace at which the game is played, but also the skill with which the players are tested in terms of their ability to read the game as the ball races around the court at up to 180mph. Rallies can be breath-taking as competitors are tested to their limits. It also provides a fitting end to the school careers of those in 6.2 leaving the school.

The First Pair of Felix White (g, 6.2) and Freddie White (g, 6.1) have continued to enjoy success at the top level throughout the course of the term and at times have played some scintillating rackets.

Queen’s presented them with a favourable first round draw against Charterhouse. Radley were not on their best form in the first round match and it turned into somewhat of an epic. Eventually, the White brothers crossed the line first in the 7-match thriller defeating Charterhouse 4-3. This set up an encounter against the favourites for the competition, Eton. In what

Master in Charge: KM Willis-Stovold Captain: J Foreman

had the potential to be a bruising episode, it was fantastic to see so many current and Old Radleians there supporting after the end of term. With nothing to lose, Radley did well to take points off the first seeds but Eton were too strong and went on to be eventual winners of the competition.

At Second Pair level, Jack Foreman (e, 6.2) and Harry Meek (h, 6.2) went through the first round with relative ease, defeating Harrow 3-0.

They then faced the fourth seed pair from Winchester and battled gallantly to go 2-1 up. However, the tenacious Winchester pair fought their way back into the game, eventually winning 3-2. Whilst causing an upset would have been nice, both Jack and Harry finished playing some of the best rackets they have played. This was on top of a term in which they won every match they played, with impressive victories over Wellington, Tonbridge and Cheltenham to name but a few.

It is also worth mentioning Jack at this point who has captained the club superbly this year and as a result was awarded his Full Colours for his contributions. The Third Pair of Thomas Eden (d, 6.1) and Oliver Martyn-Hemphill (f, 6.1)

also enjoyed relative success in the first round of the same competition before then getting knocked out by Cheltenham in the second round.

Sadly the Colts pair of Harry Foreman (e, Fifth) and Edward Crowston (d, Shell) never made it on to court at Queen’s due to a plague of injuries. Initially the first round game was forfeited by Harrow as a result of concussion to one of their pair but then Harry picked up an ankle injury playing hockey the day before the second round match and so the match was similarly forfeited.

The exciting Junior Colts First Pair of Harry Purton (h, Remove) and Rory Marshall (g, Remove) battled well to defeat a useful Harrow pair and won the crucial deciding fifth game to see themselves through the first round 3-2. However, they then went out to a Cheltenham pair that relied on one very good rackets handler. The other Junior Colts pair of Louis Needham (h, remove) and Oscar White (g, Remove) were not as successful and lost to Malvern in the first round. Important lessons learnt all round and invaluable experience gained.

KM Willis-Stovold

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ROWING It has been another challenging Lent Term for the rowers with weather conditions posing a number of constraints on the training schedule.

On three separate occasions this term, the Thames on our reach has burst its banks and the strong stream and consistently high winds have limited water sessions for most of the crews, particularly the younger age-groups. However the new rowing tank has been a huge help in preparing our J14s and J15s and has accelerated their progress once they were able to get out on the river. A few of the events were cancelled this year, but most crews had the opportunity to compete in at least one head race this term.

Radley Head 5th March Eleven boats with a total of ninetytwo Radley oarsmen, scullers and coxes on board from all age groups took to the Thames this afternoon in an event known as The Radley Head, which is a processional race between the various Radley crews, starting at Sandford and proceeding downstream past the Radley boathouses and finishing just upstream of Abingdon Lock (with some of the younger crews on a shortened course, finishing at the Island). This was a great opportunity for Radley boats to gain valuable experience, and to gauge the progress of their training, before the main national inter-schools head races coming up. Despite a biting cold tailwind, the race was completed without major incident or upset and was supported by an impressive crowd of parents.

AJ McChesney Bedford Invitational Head 27th February On Saturday 27th February, all of the Shell Wet-Bobs were invited to

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Master in Charge: AJ McChesney Coach: JE Gearing Captain: M Rowse

Bedford School for a training head race. This was in order to identify the best rowers in the year, and eventually put us in our boats. We arrived after a 2 hour journey, all psyched up and ready to thrash our first sport enemy in rowing, then we realised that we had to build the boats. After using spanners and brute force we looked across to the other team, of which had a swanking new boat, of which had clip in riggers. The positive people amongst us thought that it wouldn’t make a difference and we were getting better practice.

The less positive people immediately began staring, their mouth agog, at their new boat. After this hold up, we eventually regained our positivity and began to build the boats quickly to warm up.

Overall there were four boats of which had eight people in who all had two oars each (octos). To begin our time trial we had to row all the way up the river under many bridges and through many live risking areas. After we endured the freeze-thaw cold and blistering chills, we eventually reached the end.

The clever ones among us decided to wrap up warm and wear many clothes but the silly people did not wear much because they thought we would be pushing our limits to the very edge, and seeing how far our bodies could go (our coaches assured that we would be doing that part later).

The coaches were not joking. After we began it became immediate that the wind was strong and water was choppy. We all powered through, some of us catching crabs, and approached the finish. It was a thrilling experience, some crews overtook others, and some were sideby-side crossing the finish. No Radley crew was overtaken except one (it

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was overtaken by another Radley crew) and this was a good sign.

The whole day was a brilliant and fantastic, the first head went down very well and it was a brilliant opportunity for a good insight to rowing. We all thank the people who organised it and the coaches, and we also thank all of the marshals.

G Wright, k Radley Head 5th March Eleven boats with a total of ninetytwo Radley oarsmen, scullers and coxes on board from all age groups took to the Thames this afternoon in an event known as The Radley Head, which is a processional race between the various Radley crews, starting at Sandford and proceeding downstream past the Radley boathouses and finishing just upstream of Abingdon Lock (with some of the younger crews on a shortened course, finishing at the Island). This was a great opportunity for Radley boats to gain valuable experience, and to gauge the progress of their training, before the main national inter-schools head races coming up. Despite a biting cold tailwind, the race was completed without major incident or upset and was supported by an impressive crowd of parents.

AJ McChesney Schools’ Head 17th March 1st VIII The 1st VIII had a reasonably good build-up to the Schools’ Head apart from the injury to Freddie Elwes in the weeks leading up to the event. We started in 4th place behind Eton and in front of Shrewsbury. The crew made a good start and were keeping pace with Eton and moving steadily away from Shrewsbury. They did not immediately realise that Shrewsbury were quickly

being reeled in by St Edward’s and this probably gave the Radley crew a slightly flawed impression of their cruising speed as we expected Shrewsbury to be pushing us hard in the first half of the race. Once the crew saw that St Edward’s had overtaken Shrewsbury, they responded and once again moved away. In the second half of the race they were effectively rowing on their own with Eton some way ahead and St Edward’s some way behind. When the overall results came out just 17 seconds separated the top eight crews over the approximately 18 minute course and just three seconds separating crews 5 to 8. Unfortunately we were at the “wrong end” of this group and finished in 8th place overall. There was a further 17 seconds gap to 9th place. It was frustrating not to make it into the top 5, but the crew are determined to close the gap in the summer.

JE Gearing National Junior Sculling Head 18th March On Friday 18th March it was the Shells’ turn to be in action in their octuple sculls at the National Junior Sculling Head at Dorney Lake.

Radley’s A boat came home 5th overall, our B boat finished 13th overall (1st B boat home), our C boat broke an oar and had to stop rowing, and our D boat finished 54th overall (2nd D boat though). A total of 59 Under 14 boys’ octuples competed. Last year our octuples finished 6th and 18th and then both went on to win medals at National Schools, so we appear to be in a good position to make some exciting progress with this year’s J14 boys in the weeks to come.

AJ McChesney Head of the River 19th March The 1st VIII took part in the Head of the River Race on Saturday. This is one of the biggest head races in the world and almost every rowing club and university in the country takes part as well as numerous overseas entries. This year there were 335 men’s eights entered. Despite not having fully recovered from the gruelling Schools’ Head just two days before, the crew made an excellent start and were soon overtaking crews. However after just 1000 metres into the race, one of the crew’s oars caught a wave and the resultant “crab” snapped the

backstay of his rigger. This caused the crew to come to a halt, but they recovered fairly quickly. Unfortunately the broken backstay meant that the oar angle was changing during the stroke and this made it impossible to apply full power effectively. However the crew gamely pushed on and were soon overtaking more crews. Just after the halfway mark the wind picked up again and another member of the crew suffered an identical mishap, snapping his backstay too! After a slightly longer stop to quickly assess the damage the crew again got back into the race, but this time with two boys struggling with broken riggers. They battled gamely on and managed to overtake eleven crews during the course of the 6400 metre race and finished in a very respectable 34th place overall against every top senior club and university in the country. They were second school overall and just ten seconds behind the winners. Well done to the crew on their excellent performance and for steadfastly refusing to throw in the towel despite the considerable setbacks.

JE Gearing

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SQUASH The Radley College squash team has had a very strong season in 20152016. Ably led by captain James Lee (c), forty boys from all year groups played in competitive matches through the season, winning 177 of 274 matches and stepping up to perform at their best on various tournament stages. James Lee and Geordie Gordon Lennox (secretary) led by example – James competed in 18 fixtures and Geordie 17, as well as two major tournaments each. Under the careful and at times punishing coaching regimes of squash professional Scott Handley, the club managed to have a truly remarkable season, topped off with a third place finish at Roehampton.

Both the senior and junior teams showed great skill and determination and often come out on top, despite being faced with tough competition all season.

The squash season runs through Michaelmas and Lent term.

Throughout the Michaelmas term the senior team was often missing key players, but it was good to see the return to form of Freddie White (g) who often had to take the role of top seed against our toughest opposition. Finn Fordham (j) and Seb Hill (d) had the best win ratios in the seniors, Johnny Evans (b) in the Colts, and Tom Sweetnam (j) in the juniors. There were also some excellent performances in the Shells, led by Frank Barlow (b), with Freddie Nielsen (f), Arthur Eliot-Cohon (c) and Archie Ward (b) winning all three of their matches.

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Master in Charge: S Giddens Coach: S Handley Captain: J Lee The team had not lost in Lent term in 2015 and so it was good to start the new season strongly with a convincing victory against St Edwards. As new opponents kept coming the stakes got higher as the club’s unbeaten record got longer and longer. There were a number of fabulous performances and different members of the team would bring their ‘A’ game into play in different matches to allow the team to remain unbeaten. The winning streak included securing the fiercely-fought Triangular Series cup with Wellington and Marlborough, the first of the team’s trophies for the season.

However, all good things come to an end and for the squash club this happened in mid-November when we came up against tropical court conditions and a very strong Eton team. Many of the senior matches were top quality, but unfortunately we came out second best against an Eton team who possessed more strength and depth than any other team we had encountered. However, it is likely that 351 days unbeaten in interschool matches is a new club record. It will certainly be difficult to beat in the seasons to come.

The team rallied quickly after the Eton match as they prepared to compete for the first time in the Surrey Sports Park Schools Invitational competition at the end of term. At the tournament the Radley players were slow to get underway and started the day with a disappointing loss to Winchester.

After this wake-up call, the team turned on a series of much better

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performances that let them get all the way to the final where we met Winchester once again. With revenge in sight the team fought really hard to secure a 5-0 victory and the second trophy of the season.

During Lent term many of the key players had to balance hockey or football commitments alongside their squash. On a couple of occasions this led to defeats against teams that we may have beaten on another day, but when it really counted and most of the key players were available, the team produced some excellent results. The senior squad was given a boost as Felix White (g) brought his well-honed Rackets and Real Tennis skills to the squash courts for the first serious time since the shells. This gave the team another dimension, and a useful replacement for the injured Finn Fordham. Wellington and Marlborough came storming back to Radley to try and relieve us of the Triangular Series cup, but it was not to be as Radley retained it (for the first time ever) by the closest of margins over Wellington. This once again showed the determination and fight within the team. The team then continued its winning run, including a couple of late additional fixtures to help prepare for the season’s finale at the Roehampton Schools Invitational. Abingdon had developed a very strong young senior team this year, so it was encouraging to secure a 5-0 win away against them.

This was closely followed by close loss to a very strong Aylesbury team that toughened the team up for the prestigious Roehampton tournament.

The Roehampton was the perfect end to what had been a very successful season. Having come third in division two last year Radley was promoted to division one and the team were very much looking forward to the challenge. On the day, half of the team, Ollie Martyn-Hemphill (f), Geordie Gordon Lennox, and the squash professional, Scott Handley, started with breakfast at SRGs (Master in Charge), whilst James Lee, Felix and Freddie White were kindly hosted by the White family in London near the venue. The squad reunited on court to take on King’s Canterbury School in a nervous first match. Radley quickly came to dominate and won 4-1. Charterhouse were next and the team was only too aware that victory here would mean that Radley would stay in the top division next year, a result that the club had never managed before in this top-flight tournament. Radley took an early lead in all matches to the relief of SRG and the coach, before securing a 4-1 win. It was now only a contest for 1st place in our Group A, and in our way was St. Paul’s, reigning champions (two years running). Things were looking promising when both Ollie Martyn-Hemphill and Felix White went one game up, but St. Paul’s dug deep and beat Radley 0-5 in a match that was a lot closer than the score-line suggested. In the semifinals Radley was up against the 1st seed in Group B, Harrow. The team fought well, but lost 4-1, including a memorable victory for Felix White.

TEAM PHOTOGRAPHS We are very grateful to Gillman & Soame for supplying Lent Term team photos. Parents can purchase team photographs by contacting Gillman & Soame directly as highlighted below.

The Radley team had performed very well and achieved their goal of remaining in division one. However, there was a chance to take this one step further; a podium finish was still on offer. The team went into the third and fourth playoff against none other than St. Paul’s again. St Pauls had recently finished fifth in the National Schools and provided formidable opposition. However, Radley knew full well that they had a chance against a team who was expecting to win the tournament. Both teams were now tired having already played four matches, so this battle was going to be won by the team with the deepest reserves of strength – both physically and mentally. Radley came out fighting. James Lee quickly swept away his opponent 2-0 and things were looking good. Shortly after, Freddie White dispatched his opponent 2-0.

Radley now only needed to win one more match, but as Geordie Gordon-Lennox lost his match, it was looking like St. Paul’s might make a fight back. Top seed Ollie Martyn-Hemphill fought unbelievably hard against a formidable St. Paul’s opponent, giving everything he had left to earn a draw. Unbeknownst to Ollie, Felix White defeated his opponent to secure the third win needed to clinch third place. To come out on top in the playoff and secure third place in the tournament was truly remarkable and really shows the team’s determination and will to win.

With the season at an end, the club is extremely satisfied with its most successful season to date. It was not possible to name all the players and their standout performances, but it is clear that the club continues to have great depth and is in great shape for next season.

G Gordon Lennox, h (secretary) & J Lee, c (captain) THE RADLEIAN SPORTS SUPPLEMENT

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