The Don September | Page 13

The Don 13 Jackie Groenen (middle) had a superb world cup this summer, reaching the final and being nominated for goal of the tournament WORLD CUP WOMBLES As we look forward to the imminent Rugby World Cup, it is worth reflecting on what an amazing year or so it has been for English sport. The national football side reach- ing the semi-finals of the World Cup last summer and the recent glorious triumph in the cricket world cup on home soil. What can the rugby team do to round off 2019 in celebration? What’s this got to do with OWs (other than the bar being full as England progress in tournaments)? I hear you ask. Well, quite a bit actually. When England lifted the Cricket World Cup trophy this year, it became the first country to have won the ultimate prize in the 3 most widespread team sports played across the globe. This may never be equalled and is an incredible achievement. It demonstrates the UK’s love affair with sport but also how it places equal impor- tance on each of the 3 main disciplines; cricket, rugby and football….we’re good at all of them unlike any other country in the world and we should be immensely proud of that. This brings me to round to our own little piece of England…..Coombe Lane and the Old Wimbledonians, of course. In our own small way, we perfectly repre- sent the country’s love affair and sporting achievements as we are also good at cricket, rugby and football and are one of an elite number of clubs in the vicinity to be able to boast that at senior level. Even or old rivals KCS can only manage 2 at Old Boys level; we won’t mention Old Ruts! The point is that many schools in the area operate in all 3 sports and their Old Boys’ clubs may run healthy junior schemes but it all falls apart when it gets to being adults. This is certainly not the case at the OWs and also something for which we should be proud and continue to develop. Our rugby section has a rich history and while we seek to restore those halcyon days with the Warriors project, the football and cricket clubs are continuing to fly the flag with pride and power. great tournament, scoring in the semi-final but more importantly is the niece of our very own Harry, who supported her all the way. The OWs get everywhere! Can we also emulate the ladies’ success however? We will be sending out a survey to club members to get feedback from all our members. In what direction would you like to see the club expand? Should female sport be on the agenda, for example? It’s your club, make sure you have your say and help us to be even greater like the country in which we live. Let’s continue to support all our sections in our quest to become the most established and successful all-round sports club in the area. Even the Women’s Football World Cup links back to the OWs. Not the English ladies’ great performance but actually one their rivals and finalist, Holland. The Dutch team contained one Jackie Groenen, who a had a Our very own Harry with his superstar cousin www.oldwimbledonians.com