Friday 13th January OC Ladies v Colston's 1st XI girls and OC Gentlemen v Colston's 1st XI boys

After a brief un-forecasted snow shower in the early hours of Friday morning which froze and completely covered the astro, there was doubt as to whether or not the match could go ahead. After some hard work from the schools groundsmen we made the decision to go ahead. OCs travelled from far and wide, some came from universities up in the north, some from London and a small contingency from Cardiff. It was great to see all the old faces and hear of how well they had all been getting on. The girls were up first, captained by Ellie Diamond, the match had past and present hockey stars facing off against one another with Maria Jones (OCs) facing little sister Katie Jones (1st XI). The OCs did well to keep the score at 0-0 come half time but they couldn't hold off quite so well in the second half, eventually succumbing 3-0.


Boys' hockey

The boys, captained by Matt Hughes followed after. This was a competitive affair that saw chances for both sides but only one team was able to take them. Colston's 1st XI were deadly in front of goal and were quick to capitalise on scoring opportunities eventually winning 4-0. Although many of the OCs continue to play, or had played, hockey at their universities some had not picked up a stick since leaving school. Both matches were played in great spirit and I know many of the OCs didn't want the game to end.

Catching up with all the players in the OC's pavilion afterwards with some food and a few drinks was great; it gave us all a chance to reminisce about old times from their time as pupils at the school. I hope that this can now be an annual tradition and help to integrate some of younger/newer OCs in the active and busy programme that the OC Society provides. 

I would like to say thank you to the OCs for moving their supper to an alternative night so that this event could run. I would also like to thank Nick Beedell and Chris Banning for their help on actually making sure it went ahead and Bob Jennings and colleagues for their support on the night.

Steph Ward