Worthians Sport Football - Andy Taylor Golf - Ken Ross G’65

Football

2021-2022 Season Report

The OW Vets Team

OW football has changed over the years, having initially put a team together to play the School 1st XI, the idea being that it would be a good pre-season match. The sad loss of Henry Surtees C’09 RIP gave a more formal memorial to proceedings with a cup donated by the School. The popularity of this fixture led to the addition of 3 teams playing in a tournament for the ‘H’ Trophy donated by John Surtees. This year we have increased our number of fixtures considerably. In the spring term we played Downside, Reigate Priory and Worth XI at eleven a side, whilst also hosting the now annual 5-a-side tournament in the summer term. We have also finally purchased our very own smart kit!

OW 1st XI v The Old Gregorians

This is a new fixture on the Worthian footballing calendar and I think a match that is long overdue, given the history between the two schools. The vast majority of our readership are well aware of the Downside connection, but for the more recent alumni I should explain that Worth School was the preparatory feeder school to Downside School into the 1960s. I was therefore delighted to be contacted by my opposite number in the Old Gregorians, Jamie Francis-Jones, to arrange the inaugural 11-a-side fixture between the two schools’ alumni. So, on 12th February 2022, we played an OW v Downside Old Boys fixture. Worth School hosted and provided a delicious post-match tea which was much appreciated. As I write, I am pleased to report that a repeat match in 2023 is booked. However, I am less pleased to report that we lost the inaugural match 5-2. The two teams were quite evenly matched, but the visitors had played as a team before, which was apparent by the 3-0 lead they enjoyed by half time. Although we were down we were not out and in the second half we came back to close the gap to 3-2 before we were caught out by two late goals as we pushed for the equaliser. My thanks to all who played, especially, captain Harry Woodman F’10.

The following played in the OWs 1st XI v Gregorians match:

H Woodman, T Rivers, D Baun, C Nye, W Mersh, J Gahan, M Morley, R Moss, A Macloud, R Macabe, T Bentley, S Steinbach

Presenting School Captain, Will Speake, with Henry Surtees Trophy

Veteran OWs v Reigate Priory

Like most good ideas, they tend to come from others! It’s my task to turn them into reality. James Bannister C’04 contacted me to see if Worth could provide a veterans team to play against the team he plays for in Reigate. For those who are uninitiated, vets football starts when you reach the age of 35! I was happy to pick a team for players who don’t make the OW 1st XI anymore and we played on 13th February 2022. In order to preserve the 1st and 2nd XI pitches we played on the Cowdray pitches, which had the added benefit of the Cowdray Arms opposite. The match paired Worthian brothers in the same team for the first time. Tom StB’00 and Charlie Holt StB’04 and JP B’06 and Mike Matthews B’99 turned back the clock and a cameo performance from Conrad Ware (ex 1st XI coach) made for an entertaining game. I chose to referee rather than play, which possibly helped in a controversial late equaliser by Stef Humphreys C’05, but even the Reigate Priory players agreed 2-2 was a fair result. It was a perfect result for our ‘ideas’ man James Bannister who played for us on the day.

The following played in the OW Vets v Reigate Priory match:

S Humphreys, J Rackham, C Holt, T Holt, D Hyde, J Newton, T Williams, JP Matthews, R Stephens, J Bannister, M Matthews

OW 1st XI & Old Gregorian Teams

OW 1st XI vs Worth School 1st XI

The last Sunday of the Spring term is the day that footballers young and old gather to play a football match in memory of Henry Surtees C’09. I was Henry’s housemaster in 2009, his final year at Worth, and got to know him quite well. I remember his sensible approach to work, his unassuming manner, his winning smile. Yet mostly I remember how he was able to combine the life of a sixth former, with essays, section 10s and UCAS applications, with his Formula 2 motor car racing at the weekends. Whilst his peers were playing fixtures away at Brighton College, Henry was racing at Monza or Nurburgring. There is little doubt in my mind that, but for a freak accident, Henry would have achieved his Formula One dream. Ironically, Henry’s death resulted in the trial of the halo. Formula One made the halo compulsory in 2018. Therefore, to the relief of many racing car drivers and their families, the tragic accident that took Henry’s life cannot happen today.

27th March 2022 was a perfect day for a game of football. Worth School 1st XI had enjoyed a good season finishing 2nd in the 2021 SKIL (Sussex and Kent Independent Schools League), so the OW 1st XI knew it would be a tough fixture. To be honest, it always is, in fact we have never won the cup since it was introduced 11 years ago. Harry Woodman F’10 was captain and we had a strong team on the day, with Ollie F’14, Joe F’10 and Theo Rivers F’11 giving a spine to the team. What really pleased me was the impressive performances of Tom Bentley and Will Mersh, both 2018 leavers and the future of the OW XI in the years to come. As expected, the School went ahead but we came back into the game and equalised, the score remaining 1-1 well into the second half, but the fitness and teamwork of the School were to win through, with two late goals.

I congratulated the School captain, Will Speake, on their 3-1 win and presented him with the Henry Surtees Memorial Trophy. I explained to his team, who Henry was, why we named the trophy after him and why we usually have our match tea in the ‘Pitstop’ café.

The following played in the OW 1st XI v Worth School 1st XI match:

H Woodman, T Bentley, F Boag-Jones, W Mersh, T Ferguson, F Ryan, J Rivers, H Luff, J Kemp, T Rivers, O Rivers, G Sinclair, D Hall, A Riley, D Baun

First outing for the OW 1st XI new kit

Worthians Football continued

5-a-side Football Tournament

Our second Worthian 5-a-side Tournament took place on 26th June 2022 on the Astro pitch. A number of the teams had played in the previous years’ competition but there were some new additions, for the first time we had 4 brothers in the same team! The Rivers brothers (Joe, Theo, Ollie and Max) played every minute of the tournament with Nick O’Dwyer in goal. There were also some impressive team names, my favourite was Oli Paisley’s ‘Class on Fake Grass’, as 2019 leavers being our youngest team. The oldest team would have been Team Braverman, captained by Stef Humphries, but unfortunately, the train strike rather reduced his team numbers.

The winning Rivers FC

The format is simple, four teams, in two groups, play on two pitches. The winner of group A plays the runner up of group B and vice versa in the semi-final, with the winners progressing to the final. This year the semi-finalists were The Rivers FC v The Quadrilaterals, captained by James Kemp and Team Woodman v The Teachers, captained by Harry Woodman and Robin Moss respectively. The final between the Rivers team and the Teachers was played in a great spirit, with Rivers FC winning 5-1.

It was my task to present the trophy this year, but before I did I thanked; the referees, Alan Mitchell and Conrad Ware, also, Robin Moss, for acting as my school representative and kit man and of course, Mary Lou, for all her help with

The following teams played in the 2022 5-a-side Football Tournament: The Bravermen The Quadrilaterals Team Woodman

Geoff Chapman Matt Doggett F’07 Stefan Humphries C’05 - C Jack Rackham R’05

Rivers FC

Joseph Rivers F'10 - C Theo Rivers F'11 Ollie Rivers F'14 Max Rivers F '16 Nick O’Dwyer StB’11

Teachers Team

Robin Moss – C, Matthew Doggett F’07 Alick Macleod Dan Weaver Paul Cheeseman John Dent Dominic Best Tommy Ferguson C’15 Freddie Boag-Jones R’15 Oli Fletcher C’14 Ed Kemp F’10 James Tomlin F’15 Fergus Ryan B’15 James Kemp F’14 – C

Class on Fake Grass

Josh Shaghaghi C’19 Charlie Barakat F’19 Oli Paisley C’19 - C Monty Sparkes G’19 Nick Watson G’19 Emil Farr G’19 Tom Lovill G’19 Tom Orssten G’19 George Eaves StB’19 Darius Dosieah B’19 Harry Luff C'10 Joseph Gahan StB’10 Christian Killoughery R’10 Edward Kemp F’10 Tim Long B'11 Harry Wake B'10 Harry Woodman F'10 - C

Thursday 5-a-side

Charlie Douglas-Hughes Peter Webb C’14 Daniel Harris Laurence Parker Iain Moss Ceiran Sheehan

Refs: Alan Mitchell, Andy Taylor, Conrad Ware organisation and the administration of the day. Of course, my biggest thanks goes to those who turn up to play, without them it simply wouldn't happen. If you would like to enter a 2023 team, contact Mary Lou. It’s simple to enter, the hard thing is winning The H trophy!

We look forward to another great season and to welcoming ‘new’ and ‘old’ boys into the Club. Don’t forget to join the Worth Society Football Club at worthconnecting.org.uk/clubs for latest news and fixture dates.

Andy Taylor

Golf

2021-2022 Season Report

The Old Worthians Golfing Society continues to hold its well established annual events with a cohort of members playing regularly and a minority playing less frequently.

The last event of 2021 was the Society’s annual Autumn Meeting at the De Vere Wokefield Park Estate Golf Course near Reading, with the following taking part: James

Ambrose G’75, Charlie Barclay-Hudson C’13, James Blake B’77, Peter Gottelier R’70, James Madsen C’77, Hugh Maguire R’77, George Ross G’95, Ken Ross G’65

and John Shepherd B’82. Hugh Maguire carried off The Worth Salver with a fine 40 Stableford points with George Ross coming second with 38, just squeezing Charlie Barclay-Hudson into the third prize arena. Nearest the pin prizes were also won by Peter Gottelier and Hugh Maguire (2). A good dinner was enjoyed by all and a somewhat jaded group proceeded to the tee on Sunday morning with James Blake, Ken and George Ross being the victors in a friendly team event.

As usual the first event of 2022 was the annual match against the Old Gregorians at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club. I am pleased to report a victory for The Old Worthians Team represented by Stephen Bamford StB’68, Charlie Barclay-Hudson, Rodney Bligh ‘64, Dermot Flood C’77, Hugh Maguire, Dominic Pasqua B’77, George Ross and Matthew Wood B’77.

In early May our scratch team played, as usual, at Knole Park Golf Club in the Grafton Morrish Public Schools qualifying foursomes event. The weather was much better than the previous year but unfortunately Worth didn’t come up to expected form thus joining the myriad of non-qualifying schools. Niall Keelaghan B’01 partnered by Jeremy Man F’14, Stuart Hiscocks B’95 partnered by John Shepherd and Joseph Rivers F’10 partnered by Simeon Stevens StB’95 did their valiant best.

Later in May we returned to Moor Park Golf, Hertfordshire for the Spring Meeting. As ever the Club’s hospitality was much appreciated. Lunch in the splendour of the clubhouse is always a special treat! I am especially pleased to report that yours truly came away with The Rose Bowl Trophy scoring 39 points narrowly beating Matthew Wood with 38 and Peter Gottelier taking the third spot with 36 points. Nearest the pin prizes went to Peter Gottelier (2) and Charlie Barclay-Hudson with the longest drive going to Matthew Wood. Other members of the Society taking part were: James Bannister C’04, James Blake, Greg Pickard StB’81 and Simon Ross G’98.

In July the Society’s scratch team played in the annual 36 holes foursomes match for the Catholic Public Schools Russell Bowl competition at Woking Golf Club, another great venue. James Cruickshank StB’09, Phillip Davey F’04, Niall Keelaghan, Joseph Rivers, Simon Ross and I represented Worth. Previous regular winners, Ampleforth, played to a very high standard winning the trophy with a good margin.

In late August Old Worthians returned to Royal Ashdown Golf Club for the third Elderly vs Less Elderly 18 holes foursomes match. The following took part: James Ambrose, Hugh Bett B’73, Rodney Bligh, Peter Gottelier, Dominic Pasqua and Matthew Wood. It would be invidious to say who played for which side or indeed who won or lost! Suffice it to say that after an excellent lunch battle commenced with much enthusiastic swinging but variable results!

On 18th September the Society had arranged to play our second match against the School at Royal Ashdown. After discussion it was decided to delay the event as it was due to be a long exeat weekend given Queen Elizabeth’s funeral the following day. I am pleased to report that we now have an alternative date.

As always, new members of any golfing standard are very welcome to join the Society and should they wish to do so can contact me at the email below.

Ken Ross G’65

Email: kandbaway@gmail.com

Ken Ross & Hugh Maguire

Erin Marshall StA’16, Harriet Prince StA’16, Charlotte Baker StA’17, Catherine Glover StC’17, Saskia Harris StA’17, Rosie Piper StA’17, Natalie Riley StM’17, Amaya Malmalabaduge StC’18, Katie Piper StA’18, Milly Bodle StA’19, Sophie Harrison-Binns StC’20, Claudie Cooper StC’20, Harriet Pratt StA’20, Ciara Maher StA’20, Elizabeth McCarthy StA’20, Sophie Ritchie StA’20, Helen Ritchie StA’20, Amber Buggins StA’21

Hockey

3rd September 2022 marked the return of the Old Worthian vs current Worth 1st Team hockey match. After a two-year postponement due to COVID, it was a highly anticipated and awaited day. The current Worth girls had a full squad with plenty of subs raring to go. With that being said, I am thrilled to say that this year we had an excellent turnout of 17 old girls from multiple year groups.

Towards the first half we were feeling the extreme heat and consequently fitness was starting to deteriorate. Alas, after multiple passes by stretching the pitch, the ball was passed along the top of the D and Ciara Maher hit it into the corner of the goal. We had the upper hand going into the second half with some excellent attacking and defensive skills and managed to keep the ball away from the First Team attacking D. The final score was a very well deserved and fought for 1-0 to us.

On 3rd September 2022 we were invited back to Worth to play the annual old vs current girls netball game. As always, it was so nice to come back to the School and see some familiar faces!

We were fortunate to have a great turnout on both sides, meaning that everyone was able to rotate positions and really make their mark on court (and, where needed, take a well-earned break - though I can only speak for myself there). The pace of play was quick throughout and, thanks to an incredible effort by both sides, the score remained excruciatingly close. By the final quarter, hopes and heart rates were high. It was only upon hearing the final whistle that the score was revealed, and we were rewarded with a 17-17 result. Everyone played brilliantly and I’m glad the score reflected such an evenly matched game. It was a fantastic day seeing new and familiar faces. Well done to everyone that played and thank you to all the supporters for coming along and showing that Worth spirit! With the tradition most definitely now being set in stone, it would be lovely to continue to grow the Hockey team. We are hoping to enter a team for the Bournemouth 7’s festival in August 2023 so get in touch if you would like to be involved. For latest news and fixture dates join the Worth Society Hockey Club at

www.worthconnecting.org.uk/clubs

Charlotte Baker StA’17 Email: charlotte@theoaktree.net

The following played in the 2022 match:

Emily Hollings StM’15, Catherine Glover StC’17, Nia Thomas ’17, Amaya Malmalabaduge StC’18, Ciara Maher StA’20, Elizabeth McCarthy StA’20, Harriet Pratt StA’20, Helen Ritchie StA’20, Sophie Ritchie StA’20, Amber Buggins StA’21, Jenny Glover ‘21

Netball

After the game we were invited to go along to the Friends of Worth Festival on the Austin Oval, which was a lovely way to end the day. On behalf of both sides, I want to extend a massive thank you to the Friends of Worth Committee, Mary Lou, and the sporting staff for putting on such an excellent day. Well done to the Worth girls, and bring on next year!

We are hoping to join a Spring/Summer netball league in London in 2023 - anyone keen to play is of course more than welcome to get involved. If you’d like to know more, please email me at emilyhollings9@gmail.com

Emily Hollings StM’15

Tennis

3rd September 2022 saw several keen alumni tennis players return to Worth as part of the Worthian Sports Afternoon.

School Tennis Coach, Andy Olle-Nasim, hosted Chris McCourt B’83, Stephen Nurse R’89, Paddy Hopkirk

R’89 and Owen Powell (Former Maths/Tennis Teacher 1977-88) who bravely took on current students Casimir and Ludo for what turned out to be some pretty competitive games.

Having got the ball rolling we would love to see some more tennis enthusiasts joining in next year!

Join the Worthians Tennis and Real Tennis Clubs at www.worthconnecting.org.uk/clubs to hear about future fixtures.

Chris McCourt, Stephen Nurse, Owen Powell & Paddy Hopkirk

Real Tennis

The Cattermull Cup was once again fiercely contested at Middlesex University RTC to discover the Schools' Alumni Handicap Doubles Real Tennis Champions for 2022. This is a trophy which Worth won in 2013 and has been staged since 2009. With a very congested fixtures schedule on this October weekend, entries were slightly lower than usual, with 12 rather than the usual 20 schools entering. However, that did not stop the players who participated playing some fantastic doubles with many matches supplying highlights that will live long in the memory. With myself and Hugh Bett B’73 playing for Worth, we sadly lost in the group stage to the eventual winners who were Clifton. The semi-finals were well contested with Harrow taking on Shrewsbury and Clifton contending with Marlborough. In the first semi, Harrow played a cunning game of handicap doubles and were superbly consistent and slowly wore down the Shrewsbury pair; after a very tight first set they ran away winners 6/4 6/2. In the second semi-final, the Marlborough team were set a similar assignment giving away Rec half 30 Owe half 30 against the hard-hitting team representing Clifton College. The latter were just too much for the Old Marlburians in a very hard-fought match - Clifton taking the victory 6/4 6/3. The final pitted together the 2 form teams of the Tournament. They had in fact met earlier in the group stage when Clifton had narrowly come out on top against Harrow. However, the final was a best of 3 sets encounter as Clifton continued to up their game resulting in Harrow's resistance ebbing away. Facing a large handicap difference is never easy to deal with, especially in a big final. Harrow continued to fight on bravely to the last point but Clifton were just too strong, lifting this year's Cattermull Cup 6/2 6/1 and registering the third occasion on which Clifton have won the trophy in the past fourteen years. Any players interested in getting involved should get in touch with me at paul@duckfolly.co.uk and we will facilitate a game in a court nearest to them.

Paul Cattermull StB’73

Rugby

2021-2022 Season Report

The 2021/22 season was one I look back upon as a great success, with the team putting in a number of memorable performances and securing a comfortable top half finish. In addition, the squad really came together socially after what had been a difficult couple of years with the COVID pandemic.

The beginning of our season got off to a familiar start with too many players still on their holidays, meaning we struggled to get a full squad out in our 2 opening games. Despite this, the WOBS put up a spirited performance to lose narrowly to Old Wimbledonians on the opening day. What followed the following week was the reality check we needed, being beaten convincingly by a massive Chipstead side, finishing that game with 14 men (two of whom, Andrew Aitken and Nick Elvidge, came to watch and ended up donning the famous blue-and-gold to ensure we were not humiliated). We eventually lost 34-5.

With the possibility of a relegation tussle and a long hard season ahead the WOBS responded with a scrappy and gritty win at home to Old Wellingtonians, beating them in the final play as new signing Cam Sayer slid through under the posts. Reduced to 14 men and facing a rain storm we got the season under way winning 17-15. A memorable debut for Tim Chandler at 9 who conducted the play brilliantly with very little protection. We were very much into our stride after this game winning the next two games comfortably. Wins against London Media (28-19) and London Economicals (36-26) ensured we would be looking up the table rather than down. The Economicals game marked the debut of inside centre Matt Redferne who, despite playing on the wing, scored a sublime brace to inspire us to victory. This performance pleased captain Kemp so much that Matt accompanied Kemp in the centres for the remainder of the season forming a strong partnership.

As the season continued we found a lack of consistency was letting us down, losing to a below par Met Police team before winning a close encounter against the big, unimaginative, boring Cranleigh.

Our next game was set to be our biggest test so far: away at the undefeated Old Blues. Being rivals from Year 7 for many of the Worth players in the team, this game held great significance. This showed in the most remarkable defensive performance I have witnessed in a WOBS Jersey. Having 30% of the ball and playing 30 mins with 14 men (because the referee didn't know the rules) the WOBS tackled their way right across the field to a famous victory against an old enemy – with Freddie BoagJones on the wing leading by example, snuffing out the attempts of the Blues’ speedy winger time and again with

some spectacular tackles. With 20 minutes to go, some magical feet from the fleet-footed Redferne sent Kemp into the corner to put us 10-3 up. What followed was a brutal defensive display, which sent their huge charging forwards back time and time again – with a masterful display of ball-retention skills from Angus Bonner in the forwards. After eventually letting Old Blues in in the corner the WOBS held on in the last 5 minutes to win 10-8.

Momentum was carried forward to defeat a massive Chipstead side, meaning we had won 5 of our last 6 games. Despite a defeat before Christmas, we hit the infamous Christmas Social in fantastic voice lying in the top half of the table. The WOBS serenaded the residents of Clapham with old classics from the Abbey, including Hark the Herald Angels Sing and O Come All Ye Faithful (one not to be missed this year).

The new year marked the 100th WOBS game for the captain and the boys did not disappoint. Within 10 minutes of starting against London Media, the WOBS had snatched a try apiece for the 3 members of the front row, confirming the fact we have always had the most mobile front row in Surrey. Curtis Widmer, Dom Robinson and Cam Sayer finished off some beautifully crafted tries running each of them in from distance. The rest of the game was WOBS at their fluent best resulting in a 61-19 win, with the Loughborough Boys, Benny Green, Ted Fuller and Giles Killoughery, all getting a chance to shine. After losing to an exceptional London Freeman’s side, and then following that up with wins against Met Police and Economicals, the WOBS had an outside chance of a late promotion push. However, 3 defeats in our last 3 games showed the toll the season had taken on a number of key players, but nevertheless we finished a hugely respectable 5th place in our League (Surrey 2).

Notable mentions in the season go to fly half Fergus Ryan who orchestrated the backs beautifully. Guest players included our long-time stalwart Vice Captain Curtis Widmer who selflessly filled the front row every week and newcomer Cam Sayer who played in almost every position and still managed to get turnovers all round the pitch every week. Our pack also benefited from guest signings Olly Demaine and Zach Mills who added direct running and expertise in the line out. Flankers Barney Elwes and George Suckling showed their versatility and commitment to the team by spending much of the season on the wing doing a fantastic job.

All in all, the season was a great success and we hope to build on that success. Credit as always must go to the 'Silver Fox' Desmond Calnan R’69 for his unrivalled and continued commitment to this fantastic rugby club. We would not be playing without him. Up the WOBS!

Appearances Players (36 played) 14 James Kemp F’14 13 Matt Redferne G’18

12 Barnaby Elwes R’17 11 Dom Suckling B’14, Fergus Ryan B’15, Toby Pullan C’15 10 Tim Chandler StB’17

9 Dom Robinson B’11, Max Tew B’16

8 George Suckling B’15 7 Christian Killoughery R’10 5 Max Bergot F’14, Tommy Ferguson F’15

4 Fred Greenslade G’18, Ted Fuller G’20, Giles Killoughery R’20, Matthew Ball

3

2 James Griffiths R’16, Andrew Riley G’18, Tim Riley G’18, Benny Smith F’20 Tom Cruz B’08, Nick Elvidge C’11, Angus Bonner R’14, Ollie Bunn B’15

1 Dan Mourad B’99, James Henwood B’07, Ed Kemp F’10, Sanche De Montesquiou B’11, David Corr B’14, Michael Ryan F’14, Max Sandeman R’17, Ciaran Nye C’18, Tom Roberts F’18, Fergus Atkinson F’19, Charlie Barakat F’19, Josh Shaghaghi C’19, Ollie Davies R’20, James Ritchie

Remember this is your Club for all Worthians, and we always need new players. Everyone is welcome – even if you can’t commit to a full season. If you’re interested in playing, please contact one of the following:

James Kemp (Captain): 07577 199607 Nick Elvidge (Treasurer): 07784 255775 Desmond Calnan (Chairman): 07475 609128 or 01372 386511 Christian Killoughery (Secretary): 07702 911185 Dominic Robinson (Fixtures): 07917 044214

James Kemp F’14, Captain WOBS RFC

Worthians Rugby continued

The Glenn Robertson Memorial Game

The Younger vs Older Worthians annual rugby game – played in memory of Glenn Robertson the stalwart of Worth Rugby for 30 years and the founder President of the Worth Old Boys’ Society RFC – was kindly hosted by the School on 3rd September 2022. This is the curtainraiser for the WOBS’ season, and is a great day out for the team, and provides a great opportunity to recruit new players to the Club. This was one of the closest games for many years, with a strong show of talent coming up from the School (Caspar Cordeschi F‘22, Elliot Martin-Drew F’22, Joe Jones ‘21, and more) in the Youngers team. The day was fiercely contested with some express pace shown from the youngsters manfully captained by Ted Fuller G’20. Despite the exuberance of the Youngers, who pushed their older counterparts to the finish, the Olders had a little too much physically and came out eventual winners at 43-33. With both sides putting out strong squads the future looks very bright for WOBS rugby.

The School provided outstanding hospitality after the game in the Pitstop, where there was a large turn out of players and guests for the presentation by Head Master, Stuart McPherson, of the Glenn Robertson Memorial Cup to the winning captain, James Kemp. The Club is very grateful for the continuing strong support from the School and Worth Society. And, of course, for the services of top-flight London Society referee Jeremy Daines for his part in ensuring the game was played in just the right spirit for the happy occasion.

The 2022 Olders Team

The Adam Braverman Memorial Day

After a scorching summer and a two-year absence, the Adam Braverman Memorial Day was back at the slightly parched turf of Fortress Whiteley. This year’s edition was played out between eight teams, including a women’s team featuring a healthy contingent of Worth girls, as well as close friends of the Club, and the usual majesty of the Silver Fox’s invitational side. With the club barbecue rescued from its two years in storage, and fresh kegs of ale ready to be served, the stage was set for an excellent day of touch rugby.

Before I say much more about the rugby, it’s important to remember what the day is about. It’s the Club’s way of welcoming all who are interested in playing rugby after Worth, particularly the recent leavers, ahead of the new season, to meet new faces and to reunite with old friends. Most importantly though, it is about coming together as a Club to remember our friend and former captain Adam Braverman who is very dearly missed.

The day began with a minute’s silence in Adam’s memory, before we kicked off with the pool stages. A summer off had not diminished the WOBS’ love of champagne rugby, with smooth passing and silky lines popping up all around. In fine form early on were the team of James Kemp F’14, that of Caspar Cordeschi F’22 and the Worthian Women. The Silver Fox’s Barbars got into their stride early on too, with the Fox’s signature ‘show and go’ bamboozling the opposition.

After a well fought out group stage, four teams went through to the semis. The first ended up with Team Kemp victorious. The second was even at full time, and with the older boys under the captaincy of Dom Robinson (featuring no fewer than three front row forwards) starting to tire, drop goals to decide the winner were agreed. After years of practising kicking while warming up, we were about to see whether it had paid off. It had not, and the young boys of Caspar’s team sailed through to the final. This was a tense affair with the lead changing hands numerous times before finally, and not for the first time, Team Kemp prevailed.

Many thanks go to all those who came along to the day and made it such a great success. Particular thanks to the Killoughery family for their phenomenal efforts behind the bar and the barbie. Thank you to our referees who came down too, and of course, as always, thank you to Desmond Calnan R’69 who really is the heartbeat of the Club. The WOBS are looking forward to seeing you all down at Fortress Whiteley very soon.

Worthians, their family and friends took part in the Memorial Day

Nick Elvidge C’11

Cricket

It was the perfect summer afternoon at Worth on 12th June 2022 for the annual cricket match between the School’s 1st XI and the Old Worthians XI. In glorious sunshine the OW's fielded a strong team resulting in a comfortable win. It was great to see some recent leavers who are strong cricketers getting involved and some old faces returning after a break. Many thanks to all those who played and came along to support.

We encourage anyone who is keen to get involved in future matches and wants to hear more cricket-related news to register with the Cricket Club on our networking platform www.worthconnecting.org.uk/clubs

Matt Donegan StB’10 Email: Donegan.matthew@googlemail.com The following played in the 2022 match:

Tim Wall StB’84, Michael Bilbé StB’06, Luke MacWilliam R’07, Charlie Forbes StB’09, Matt Donegan StB’10, Theo Rivers F’11, Miles Bateson B’13, Luke Donegan StB’13, Krishan Nayee F’19, Anish Padalkar F’21, Will Dulley

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