OP Sport
OP Ladies’ Hockey
In a change from the annual March fixture the ladies
OP Hockey was held in September to allow for an
OP netball match in March alongside the OP men’s
hockey fixture.
On Sunday 21 September 2014 the OPs got together
for the match against the School 1st XI. With a very
strong OP side hopes were high to gain a win after
narrowly losing out in the last minute in March. Some
of the regular OP hockey players returned including
Laura Horne, Georgina Booth (née Chapman), Olivia
Byas, Lydia Edwards and Francesca Marsh, but we also
had plenty of new players as well (see below for the
full team list)
A strong first half from both sides saw some fantastic
hockey and end-to-end play. The defence on both
teams was excellent; Joan Gough made her hockey
debut in goal for the OPs and she was supported
by the very strong defensive line of Charlotte Flint,
Vicky Hodgson, Beth Bunce (née Harrison) and Lydia
Edwards. Lydia Ford (Goalkeeper for School) made
it impossible for the OPs to get a goal in the back of
the net after multiple chances. At half-time the score
was 1-0 to School.
The second half saw a quick goal from the School side
and after such a close game the OPs were trailing by
2 goals to 0. The second half continued to be end
to end and Laura Horne and Sophia Eggleston made
some good breaks up the centre only to be stopped
by Jess Pidgeon for the School.
The final score remained at 2-0 but it was a fantastic
game and many thanks go to Peter Horne and Jan
Danby for umpiring.
After the matches everyone enjoyed refreshments in
the pavilion and a catch up with friends. Thank you to
everyone who turned out to play and hope to see
you all back for next year when hopefully the OPs
can turn the scores around. (Please note the next
OP ladies hockey fixture will take place on Sunday 13
March 2016 with OP men’s hockey).
OP Tennis
In the men’s match, the OPs, as expected, proved far
too strong for the School side, who were without
three of the normal top four due to cricket and illness!
Trevor Loten (70-80) co-ordinated the matches and
played for the School to even things up a bit. A mixture
of singles and doubles sets were played, with the OP
team of Will Peeke-Vout (01-08), Max Los (98-09),
Louis Los (99-10), James Sweeting (81-88) and guest
Patrick Dare (Staff) gaining a comfortable 9-0 overall
victory. Unfortunately there were not enough female
former pupils available to make up an OP ladies team
for the main OP competition. However, a ‘fun’ mixed
doubles event for current and former parents and
OPs took place alongside the main OP competition.
This was won by John Medforth and Cristel Wake.
The runners-up were father and daughter pair
Stuart and Olivia Turner (06-13). Those who took
part really enjoyed it and it is hoped that the mixed
doubles event will become a regular feature of the
annual OP tennis event.
Photo (L-R): John Medforth, Ben Bronizki, Oliver Peeke-Vout, Edward
Walker, Will Burns, Diane Flint, Will Peeke-Vout (01-08), Trevor Loten
(70-80), Louis Los (99-10), Patrick Dare, James Sweeting (81-88), Max
Los (98-09).
OP Men’s Hockey
Back row L-R: Olivia Byas (99-08), Charlotte Flint (97-08), Ellie Stephenson (06-14), Lydia Edwards (99-10), Georgina Booth (96-06), Beth Bunce
(00-06), Emma Hessay (02-12), Jenny Owen (97-08), Laura Horne (01-08). Front row L-R:Vicky Hodgson (04-13), Francesca Marsh (06-13), Joan
Gough (75-77), Sophia Eggleston (04-12), Amy Kendall (01-12), Serena Leach (05-12).
On Sunday 15 March 2015, OPs got together to
play in the annual OP Men’s Hockey match against
the School 1st team. Unfortunately, due to how the
Easter holidays fell, some of the regular OP players
were unable to attend as they were still away at
university so a couple of teachers and a few OP girls
were drafted in to make sure the fixture went ahead.
The School boys were tough opposition and it
was evident from the start that they play and train
together regularly, working the ball very well around
the field and running rings around the OP team.
The scorecard opened fairly quickly in what was a
very high-scoring game. At half-time the OPs were
losing 5-0 and it seemed like it could be a very long
afternoon for them.
After some encouraging words at half-time the OPs
were the first to score in the second half and were
getting used to playing with each other, making the
School work for the ball a little more. There were
some great goals scored by the OP team, in particular
Sanjay Saggar (77-85) and Mark Robson (93-00), but
School remained just too tough and the final score
was 10-5 to the School.
Back row L-R: Martin Davies (Staff), Sanjay Saggar (77-85), Mark Robson (93-00), Tom Beachell (04-11), Zak Los (02-13), Edwin Au (10-14),
Andrew Welton (96-06), Simon Hornby (01-06), David Byas (Staff). Front row L-R: Frazer Skingley, Charlotte Flint (97-08), Olivia Byas (99-08)
and Georgina Booth (96-06).
After the match refreshments were served in the
pavilion giving OPs the chance to catch up with one
another. Special thanks go to David Byas (Staff), Martin
Davies (Staff), Olivia Byas (99-08) and Charlotte
Flint (97-08) for offering to play so that the OPs
could put out a side.
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