OP SPORT
BOXING DAY RUGBY 2018
The annual Boxing Day match saw a strong, attacking Old Pocklingtonian side
dominate a young and tenacious Pocklington XV, who despite testing their
opposition, could not break through the OPs’ solid defensive line resulting in a
rather one-sided final score of 0-51 and the OPs lifting the Bottomley Trophy for
the first time since 2014.
The “town v gown” match was first played back in 1879. It has since established
itself as a traditional Christmas fixture and one of the highlights of the Pocklington
rugby calendar drawing huge crowds of spectators. At stake is the Bottomley
Trophy, given by the family of George Bottomley who was both a Pocklington
School old boy and a founder member of Pocklington RUFC.
With most of Pocklington’s first-team squad being rested ahead of some crucial
games coming up, a young team of mainly second-teamers and colts were
selected for the fixture. By contrast, the OPs had a number of big players, several
of whom have representative honours under their belt or currently play in the
national league.
Despite the score, there was some excellent rugby from both sides. After the
early Pock thrust, the OPs got into their stride and though Pocklington’s defence
held out three times as the OPs battered up to or over the line, the pressure
eventually told as OP lock, Josh Papa (96-03), crashed over.
Town attacked again, but OP breakdown bandits were skilled in the art of turning
over possession, and this became an OP breakaway for another try by the speedy
wing Ben Pettifer (86-93). The ability to absorb whatever Pocklington threw at
them, then turn the tables to cross at the other end, brought further scores for
Papa and Oli Rayner (14-18) to leave the OPs in the driving seat at 24-0 at the
break.
In the second period, Pocklington had their moments, with the town skipper
charging into the teeth of the OP cover, and the town half backs and three-
quarters combining to produce some thrust out wide.
But continuity is crucial to turning position into points, and whenever Pocklington
got into the OP 22 they were inevitably stripped of the ball for the OPs to run
defence into attack.
Back row Will Sayer (08-15) opened the OP second-half account from close
range, and though Pocklington never stopped trying, the OP experience and
incisiveness saw them pull clear with a flurry of scoring.
Speedy Sami Eggleston (99-07) in the last play of the day delivered a deft chip
over the top to collect, score and convert to take the OPs past the half-century.
A big crowd packed into Percy Road to support the event. Amongst them were:
OP President, Trevor Loten (70-80), Pocklington School Chair of Governors,
Tim Stephenson (70-89), Pocklington RUFC President, Paul Rhodes (74-83)
and the new Headmaster of Pocklington School, Toby Seth.
The clubhouse reunion has become as much a part of the day as the rugby, with
the Old Pocklingtonian Association supporting the proceedings by sponsoring the
post-match buffet. Once again, the clubhouse was packed as players, friends and
families enjoyed some festive cheer long into the afternoon!
The last 10 years have produced remarkable entertainment at Percy Road,
including two thrilling draws in 2016 and 2017. With the OPs storming
to victory this year, the honours are once again even with both sides achieving
3 wins apiece and 2 draws (matches were cancelled in 2009 and 2010 due to
snow!). Both sides will be steeling themselves for next year’s fixture with all to play
for once again!
Thank you to all players and supporters and to Pocklington RUFC for hosting.
Report: Phil Gilbank (67-74) and Rachel Dare
Photographers: Patrick Dare, John Rayner, Andy Bell and Phil Gilbank.
Referee: Iain Hallam.
OP TENNIS AND THE 5TH
EDMUND-LOTEN INSPIRE
TROPHY
The annual Edmund-Loten Inspire mixed doubles
tennis tournament, now in its fifth year, took place
on Sunday 23 June in the afternoon as part of the
OP Summer Reunion.
Two groups, each containing four pairs, consisting of
a mixture of current and former staff, parents, pupils
and OPs battled it out for the Edmund Loten trophy.
After the group stage, with some really enjoyable
tennis despite the incredibly windy conditions, the
competition became more intense in the semi-finals!
Mother and son Christel and Charlie Wake (third
year) put up a good fight against John Medforth and
18
Frankie Marsh (06-13) before going down 6-2, whilst
Jessica McDowell (fourth year) and Trevor Loten
(70-80) lost 6-4 to Charlie Medforth (09-18) and
Sue Sumner (Former Staff 89-10) in a titanic battle!
With James Sweeting (81-88) stepping in for John
in the final, it looked as though Charlie and Sue had
one hand on the trophy as they raced into a 4-1 lead,
only for James and Frankie to fight back and take the
match into a tie-break. After predictable ebbs and
flows, James and Frankie eventually triumphed 7-5.
Many thanks to those who competed and we hope
to see you all, plus a few more players, next summer
– all welcome!
Next year’s tournament will be on Sunday 28 June
2020 at 2.00pm.