OW Sports Clubs

OW FOOTBALL OW RUGBY

OWFC had a strong year before the league season was ended due to COVID.

The OWs were known for playing attacking, free-flowing football, piling forward with the confidence that our goalkeeper Nick Jupp (Bd 09) had no intention of ruining his streak of clean sheets. Notable wins included a 3-2 win against Dulwich and a 3-1 win against Sutton, with top scorer Toby Hanington (Bl 09) scoring a marvellous free-kick against Dulwich.

Although the conclusion of the season was cut short following the outbreak of COVID-19, we had a very successful cup run in the run up to summer, reaching the semi-finals. This, combined with our league position and the positive new debutants in our team, suggests that we are set for a strong year when the season restarts in September.

Rob Alderson (S 08) has been running the team for two years now, with long-standing member Ed Mallaburn (A 00) remaining as the clubs treasurer and running the OW Vets team. OWFC have managed to keep a strong core of Old Wellingtonians, tying together more than 15 years of the school’s former students. A strong mention also to Fergus Gilmour (Hl 1998), who is retiring to join the vets team this year. He has been a great serving member of OWFC and his engine in midfield will he missed. It will come as no surprise that there is very little to report on OWRFC’s most recent rugby season.

That said, despite the obvious limitations which were imposed upon us, the club did manage to rally around and get some invaluable and highly enjoyable mid-week touch sessions going. In fact, Wednesday touch at Spencer Park has now become a regular occurrence and, COVID restrictions permitting, has gone ahead every week for almost a year now.

The addition of a state-of-the-art floodlight system was a wise investment for the club as we managed to play through some of the bleaker months of the year and it’s been a pleasure having some new faces turn up and join us. We now look forward to the return of the XV aside format which should be kicking back off in September and, as ever, if you find yourself reading this and interested in joining the club, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Player of the Year: Dan Murray (S 08)

Top Goal scorer: Toby Hanington (Bl 04)

Most improved: Nick Jupp (S 2004)

OW CRICKET

Left to right

Back row: Oliver Leach (Bn 03), Almaher Shelley (Pn 03), George Tysoe (L 03), Adrian Jarvis (C 02), Christopher Parrish (T 13), Henry McCreery (Hl 15), Adam Dewes (Hl 15), WiIl Sinfield (S 19)

Front Row: Peter Young (Bd 04), Hugo Shephard (Bn 03), James Coyne (O 03)

In what has been an important year for cricket in the UK, with the introduction of The Hundred, the return of crowds at live games, and an international and domestic schedule busier than ever before, it has been good to see participation in the sport across the country back on the rise...and the Old Wellingtonians have enjoyed doing their bit.

COVID restrictions delayed the start of the season until the end of May. Nonetheless, we managed to get in six excellent quality games of cricket, winning four of them. There were 50 individual players involved, of whom 37 were under 25 years old - there is a fantastic array of enormously talented cricketers who have recently left College, which is very encouraging for the club’s future. In the Cricketer Cup we had a new skipper this year in Adam Dewes (Hl 15), with another 2015 leaver – Elliott George (Hl 15) – installed as Team Manager. To both of whom we wish every success. The Club is hugely grateful to Will Leith (S 11) Captain, and JJ Dewes (Hl 13), Vice-Captain, who have led our Cricketer Cup campaigns over recent years – their hard work both on and off the pitch, and commitment to the Club, has been invaluable, and we look forward to many more seasons playing alongside them.

On Sunday 13th June, a new look side of OW cricketers travelled to St Edward’s Oxford to play the Martyrs in the first round of the Cricketer Cup. It was a scorcher of a day – a rarity in this pretty dismal summer of weather – and the stage was set for an absolute corker.

The OWs lost the toss and were condemned to a long and arid session in the field. Gabe Henry (Bd 15), on Cricketer Cup debut, struck early into the Martyrs innings and bowled a fantastic seven over opening spell from the Woodstock Road End. Not bowling with any great pace, he managed to tie down the Martyrs top order with a mix of deception and craft. Figures of 7-0-26-1 did not do his spell justice. We hope he will operate in perpetuity for the OWs in the Cricketer Cup side. The spinners then came on and bowled decently; however the Martyrs milked well and deposited the bad ball when it came. They were also assisted by some mediocre moments in the field. We had to work extremely hard for our second wicket, which eventually came with the score at 142-2, when Dewes J had their best player trapped in front for 66. We then had our best period of the game, and at 198-7 we were confident of restricting the opposition to a gettable total. Alas, we weren’t quite able to turn the screw and the Martyrs bludgeoned their way to 243 from their allocation. This was by no means a disaster, but 220+ batting first wins many more Cricketer Cup games than it loses so we were well aware of the task in hand. Wickets were shared evenly among the Dewes brothers (5) and Leo Methley (BD 16)(3).

OW CRICKET

Ben Curran (M 15) also deserves credit for his 10 overs of off spin that only went for 34 runs. Northamptonshire and David Ripley are missing a trick.

In reply, our innings could not have got off to a worse start with the wickets of Dewes A, Curran and Keast all falling early. We were therefore always playing catch up and could never quite get ahead of the rate. The star of the show was Ben Kingsnorth who played beautifully for his 85. Mike O’Donoghue (Bd 20), also on debut, fought hard and soaked up some pressure but when he was dismissed the game was all but over. Had Kingsnorth been supported properly we may have been in with a chance, but our innings fizzled out and we were bowled out for 190.

All in all, a disappointing day for an OW side not quite at full strength and leaving a lot to be desired in the field. However, there are many positives to take into next year’s campaign and it was a delight to have 4 players making their CC debut. St Edward’s away in the first round was always going to be a tough fixture, and we hope for a more favourable draw next year.

Earlier on in the summer, the OWCC played WCCC, but for the first time in memory without the traditional Speech Day crowd thanks to COVID restrictions. OWCC beat WCCC by 5 wickets on the Sunday in a game reduced by the weather to 20 overs per side. A strong all round bowling (and catching!) performance from the OWs restricted college to 123 from their 20 overs, the highlight of which was Justin Yeldham (Hl 89)having his son caught behind for 0! After being 0-2 in response, an 80 run partnership between Adam Dewes and Chris Leith (S 14) put the OWs in a strong position before a mini collapse was halted by JJ Dewes and Charlie Cowdrey (Hg 12) who took us to victory with an over to spare. A thoroughly enjoyable day on Turf and we hope to return for the full Speech Day version of the fixture next year.

Next came the Old Amplefordians on 6th June. Our captain, Josh Huckin (Pn 12), won the toss and elected to bowl first, the OWs struggled to break the opening partnership as the Old A’s reached 50 without much trouble. The much needed breakthrough came via the McCreery brothers bowling in tandem as Henry (Hl 15) held up one end with pace and Will (Hl 12) took the wickets with some ripping spin. The OWs restricted the Old A’s to 197-6 from their allotted 40 overs. Feeling pretty confident the OWs set out to chase down the target. However it was very quickly 11-3 and an early defeat was looking ominous. But a brilliant partnership, again coming from the McCreery brothers, put us back on top. It was a fantastic batting display with Henry notching up 82 hitting the ball to all corners of the ground, ably supported by his brother who scored an invaluable 30. The wickets then started to tumble again and the runs dried up. It ended up being a nail biting finish with more than a run-a-ball required on a very slow outfield for the last 5 overs. Luckily Chris Parrish (T 13) was there to steer us home, and the OWs won by 3 wickets with two balls to spare.

Mid-June and July were then off limits at Wellington thanks to a COVID surge zone imposed in Crowthorne, which banned any outside visitors to college. So we reconvened at Charterhouse on 1st August. A drizzly day and with both sides worried about their strength in depth; a 40 over match seemed to be the best format. A young OWs team, led by Adam Dewes, won the toss and bowled first, limiting the opposition to 156 for 7. The highlight of the innings was a quite remarkable catch by Chris Leith at second slip to remove the opposition’s opener. A flashing drive was edged and, Leith, clearly still in conversation with Elliot George (Hl 15) (wicket-keeper), stuck out a paw and hurled himself headlong to his right to effect an astonishing wicket.

JJ Dewes and Jack Reid (S 19) opened the batting in tricky conditions, with rain about and the ball swinging. A mistimed pull shot from Reid saw him depart for 3 in the 6th over. Bowcock came in at three and took the score along to 43, before Dewes had a swing at one that nipped back and bowled him. Newson arrived, but both he and Bowcock were dislodged to leave the OWs teetering at 51 for 4 in the 14th over. George stepped in and true to form swung, and swung hard, with great aplomb. He was caught at the wicket for a quickfire 28. When Leith departed for single figures, captain Dewes joined Purton at the crease. The pair batted in classy fashion (Dewes 30*, Purton 29*) to ensure that, when the rain finally did come, the OWs were ahead of the required DLS score, taking the win by 4 wickets.

The final game of the season was a typically hard fought affair at The Hurlingham. The OWs lost the toss and bowled first, doing well to keep the opposition strangled throughout, who managed 159-9 declared off 56 overs. Angus Boobbyer (Pn 11) led the way, taking 3-25 off 9 overs, and the well trusted Ed Young (Bd 07) kept them thinking from the other end, ending with 2-20 off 11 overs. Chris Parrish was destructive in two spells removing the top order and bowling the finishing overs to collect 4 -43, supported in partnerships by Pete Young (Bd 04) and Henry McCreery. In reply, the OWs got off to a tricky start, losing a wicket in the second over without troubling the scorers. Will Sabey came in at three and made batting look much easier than anyone else that day, scoring 48 at more than a run a ball before getting out caught in the 13th over. The middle order of Leith, Young E, Boobbyer and Avrilli all got starts only to get out and the game began to look out of our reach, needing 29 runs to win with only a wicket to spare and time running out. Cometh the hour, captain Pete Young scored a very assured and measured 34 from 61 balls to carry the team home. The winning runs coming in the penultimate over with a six to cap a tense finish. Chris Parrish (batting 11) did a cracking job supporting Pete soaking up 35 balls against the spinning ball with men around the bat. He was awarded the man of the match award in the bar after the game after a fine performance. What a win to end the year!

The season ended with a well-attended drinks party at the Northcote pub in Clapham, with a wide variety of age groups present. Roll on next year, for hopefully a better summer of weather, zero COVID restrictions, and a long run in the Cricketer Cup!

OW SQUASH OW TENNIS

The Courts of Discipline.

Can you recognise the background in the movie poster? The Lords of Discipline was made at college because the buildings created an awesome setting for discipline and exercise – just like a squash court!

OW Squash has been a victim of COVID for the past year as there have been no matches at all due to the sport being on the Government’s banned list. This means we all have to be our own ‘Lords of Discipline’ and keep fit in different ways. Squash courts have been open only for training, mainly on your own. This meant lots of drills... so a bit like the CCF!

Squash will bounce back this year with new matches and exciting venues, including reinstating a few matches at College.

Please be disciplined and keep a space in the diary – email me and I will book the courts!

Nigel Clarke (L 79) nigelclarke61@hotmail.com Unfortunately, COVID once again ruined the season in terms of competitive matches, although we are hoping to arrange a couple of friendly fixtures for the late summer at either the Queens or Hurlingham Clubs.

Having said that, the tennis community have been lucky as we have been able to continue playing throughout much of the last year as an outdoor sport that can be played with small groups. As such, we have been able to organise some great internal tennis matches at Queens and the Hurlingham Clubs – often followed by dinner and a few drinks of course.

Thanks to the energy and drive of Hamish Richardson (Pn 14), bringing a much needed youthful and modernising look to the Club, our plans are to grow the OWLTC community and become a more consistently active club, both socially and competitively. To do this, we have created a Facebook group, allowing players to organise internal matches more consistently and for us to communicate external matches with ease. If you are interested in playing some lawn tennis, social or competitive, please join the Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/ groups/OWLTC/ – or email Hamish Richardson if you have any questions.

From left to right:

Andrew Grassic (non-OW), Dom Vincent (S 2015), James Kemp (Bd 14), Hamish Richardson (Pn 14)

OW Tennis Club Captain James Bray (Hg 86) (M) 07900 682784 jbray@fdl.co.uk

OW Social Tennis Hamish Richardson (Pn 14) (M) 07774 242352 hamishcrichardson@outlook.com

The 2020 Annual Alumni Race was, out of necessity, a virtual event held over the weekend 12/13 December. Whereas normally the race is run as a mass participation event on a tough course on Wimbledon Common, the virtual version was a truly international one.

Any enquiries: Gary Lloyd email: galloyd2000@hotmail.com As a result of a big influx of new members during lockdown, OWXC managed to raise more entrants for the race than any other school (39 out of the total of 310 runners from 29 different schools)

Individually, our first male finisher was Matthew Blagg (S 97) (30th overall), and first female was his sister Natalie Blagg (Ap 00), (21st out of 51 ladies). Interestingly our second placed men and women finishers were Rod Shephard (Bn 2006) and Tammy Jordan (Ap 06), (née Shephard), again brother and sister.

Our closest to winning one of the various trophies was in the V40 men: our top three, Matthew Blagg, Andy McKimmie (A 96) and Peter Davy (O 95) coming 2nd (out of 29 teams). Our only three in the V60, Simon Cox (C 1977), Gary Lloyd (M 63) and Edmund Hayward (A 74) were 3rd out of 17 teams.

Our top three ladies, Natalie Blagg, Tammy Jordan, and Sophie Graham-Nicoll (C 12) came 6th out of the 15 teams.

In the overall team trophy, our top four Matthew Blagg, Rod Shepherd, Ian Picton (T 01) and Ed Dymoke (T 03) were 11th out of the 20 schools who were able to raise four or more runners.

Certainly, our turnout was good but the real result for OWXC was the tremendous team spirit (as expressed via our WhatsApp group) and the enterprise shown by everyone in managing to run over the prescribed 8k distance and elevation over a weekend of filthy weather. The virtual nature of the event meant that our overseas members could also take part; notably Tammy Jordan in New York, Toby Blythen (T 92) in Copenhagen, and Andy McKimmie and Richard Jelf (Bl 01) in Singapore.

During the lockdown summer of 2020, weekly 5k virtual races were run amongst the alumni participating schools. OWXC members and their families took part in great numbers and were easily the most successful team over the entire series of runs.

Sadly, all the other regular events were forced to be cancelled. However, at the time of writing (mid 2021), competitive events are coming back and OWXC members are achieving great things in both road and cross-country races. We are hoping our next combined event will be the Welling10k (at College) in September, and we’re already gearing up for the 2021 Annual Alumni Race on Saturday 11th December (on Wimbledon Common).

Running is, without doubt, becoming increasingly popular, both for females and males, and for all ages. As a club, OWXC welcomes any OW who enjoys running – even better if you’re quick!! To join, go to: www.owxc.co.uk

OW SAILING ASSOCIATION

2020 was largely a frustrating and difficult year for OW sailors, though happily a Solent Cruiser Rally was slotted into the brief window from lockdown in Summer 2020 thanks to the tenacity of Willie Pennefather (S 68), aided by Jonathan Hudson (O 87) and John Peacock (Hl 62).

Lunch at Royal Yacht Squadron preceded by ‘Cockpit cocktails’, see below, extended into two evenings in Cowes, with a Friday night barbecue at the Royal Ocean Racing Club, hosted by Jervis Kay (T 1967), and lunch on the Sunday on the Beaulieu River-bank.

The annual Arrow Trophy was a victim of COVID, as was the annual dinner and due to the curtailed programme in 2020 only one OWSA prize could be awarded:

The Kay Trophy: for an OW who has made a significant contribution to OWSA over several years, was awarded to Polly Amos (Ap 78). Polly was Commodore for three years from 2017 to 2020, particularly championing younger members’ interests, as well as previously performing the role of Hon. Secretary from 2006 to 2009.

OWSA Scholarship: Tom Holliday (Bd 19), Captain of Sailing at College in the 18/19 academic year, was awarded an OWSA scholarship to attend the RYS 2020 race training course. However, due to COVID this was postponed. Happily, it was rearranged for April 2021 when it was attended by the Princess Royal. Tom reported he much enjoyed it and learnt lots. Whilst practical training could not go ahead in 2020, online theory training could, and OWSA sponsored three younger members on RYA Day Skipper Theory; Helena Pratt (Ap 15), Sophie Pipe (Ap 14), and Matteo Fumagalli (Bn 2015). Connell Trainor (R 17) was also sponsored on the RYA Senior Dinghy Instructor course, and Helena Peacock (Ap 99) was sponsored on the RYA Yacht Master Theory course.

The 2021 AGM was held via Zoom, on the 16th of March 21, and attracted 30 members, nearly a third of the total membership, and the largest AGM turnout for many years. All Flag Officers and Committee continued in office.

2021 has, happily, brought a new optimism and a few events have been held, with more planned.

The Belvidere Cup, a match-racing regatta for independent school alumni was held in April by the Royal Thames Yacht Club at the Queen Mary reservoir. The OW team of 4 included two new faces. Tom Holliday and Matteo Fumagalli joined Fred Hayes (T 13), and skipper, Nick Vigors (S 02). The team, having never sailed together before, performed very well to finish 4th, well-beaten by eventual winners, Abingdon, but enjoying close matches with 2nd placed Uppingham, and 3rd placed Winchester, which bodes well for the future.

OWSA is in vibrant form, and other informal events are being mooted. Any OWs with an interest in sailing, please do contact the Secretary, Chris Allen on 07546 283299 or email: christopherallen64@yahoo.com The 2021 Solent Cruiser Rally was held at Whitsun, again organised by Willie Pennefather, Jonathan Hudson, and John Peacock. Summery conditions, and demand from members, resulted in a record ten boats attending.

Friday evening ‘Cockpit cocktails’ preceded an excellent dinner in the Pavilion.

A delightful feature of the OWSA is the mixing of generations. At this event the youngest OW left College in 2013, whilst the oldest, who left College 62 years earlier, arrived from Hamble, solo in his RIB.

The flotilla departed Cowes following breakfast at the Royal London YC hosted by Jonathan Hudson, for a short, gentle sail across the Solent and an al fresco pizza lunch on the Beaulieu riverbank at Royal Southampton YC, with thanks to John Peacock. Returning to Cowes, a sunny evening barbecue followed at Island Sailing Club kindly arranged by Helena Peacock (photos by Jo Assael).

Forthcoming fixtures: The Arrow Trophy ‘21: is scheduled for 2/3 October in Cowes.

Returning to Cowes, evening barbecue at Islan Sailing Club

Behind the firing point at the Public Schools Veterans Match, July 2021.

It was sad this year to bid farewell to the much loved and long-standing College Master-inCharge of shooting, Nigel Ball, who has overseen College to four Ashburton wins during his twelve-year tenure at Wellington.

We are always looking for new members, so if you fancy having a go, please contact me, Edward Reis, for more information on 01635 254568 or email. e.reis@tiscali.co.uk The effect of producing so many first-rate shooters is beginning to show, with more and more OW’s becoming active in the sport, and many congratulations to Hannah Puglesy (C 10) and Jason Pepera-Hibbert (Bl 16) who have both been selected for the Great Britain Palma Training Squad. We had a record 23 OWs shooting in the Public Schools Veterans match meaning we entered five teams, more than any school in the country.

The OW Championships was won by Ed Welford (L 03) with a 50.8. Sadly, the Quadrangular Match and Chairman’s Cup were both cancelled due to COVID.

For the first time, we entered the London & Middlesex Rifle Club’s Public Schools Veterans Match and were narrowly beaten into second place by the Oratory Cardinals. Top scorer was Ed Welford with 149.17. In the College match, we beat an inexperienced Wellington team by a comfortable margin. Jamie Allum (T 12) top scoring with 103 (out of 105).

Choosing the five teams for the Public Schools Veterans Match created quite a headache! In the end, it was our ‘B’ Team who fared the best, dropping just four points (246 out of 250) and placing us third. Oscar Farrell (R 20) was top scorer with an excellent 50.8, which also put him 7th in the individual Tankard competition. Our D team also finished a very commendable 5th (Chris Tootell (Hn 04) top scoring with a 50.6), which included all the ‘C’ teams as well! The number of individual successes during the Imperial meeting are too numerous to mention, but some highlights include: Ed Welford and Jemima Hince (C 19) both being Reserves for England in the Mackinnon Match. In the National Match, Jemima Hince, Jason Pepera-Hibbert and current Wellingtonian Sophie Hodge represented England; Oscar Farrell shot for Wales, who unexpectedly won the match; and current Wellingtonian Rory Roche represented Ireland. James Oakland (S 20) shot for Oxford who beat Cambridge in a rare varsity win. Ed Atkins (R 19) helped Southampton win the Universities Short Range match, and Jason P-H coached Exeter to victory in the Universities Long Range match. Ed Welford, Jemima Hince, and Oscar Farrell all reached the Queen’s Final, and Ed Welford, Hannah Pugsley, and Jason P-H reached the St George’s final. A Wellington Team consisting of Nigel Ball (Master-in-Charge), OWs and College coaches Jason P-H and Jemima Hince, and current Wellingtonian Sophie Hodge won the much-coveted Belgian competition, which is one of the concurrent matches during the Imperial Meeting. An extraordinary achievement considering the strength and number of teams who entered.

We are always very grateful for the financial support of College, especially the under 25s. The cost of shooting is extensive, and the extra help that College gives ensures that more talented OW shooters can continue in the sport.

From left to right:

Harry Orpen-Smellie (Bl 11), Hugh Hemsley (Bd 07), Mason Rainier-Kirkwood (S 15), Oscar Farrell (R 20), Ed Atkins (R 19), and Tom Ward (Hl 07). At the barbecue at the Inns of Court following the PS Veterans Match. From left to right:

Nigel Ball, Jemima Hince (C 19), Jason Pepera-Hibbert (Bl 16) and current Wellingtonian Sophie Hodge with the Belgian Trophy. The gentleman on the right, from the London Proof House (Worshipful Company of Gunmakers), presented the trophies.

Chris Vonchek in action during the public Schools Veteran’s Match. Ed Atkins coaching.