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St Hugh’s Old Boys’ & Girls’ Under 16 v Pinewood Old Boys' & Girls’ Under 16
Saturday 17th December 2011

Boys' Rugby

St Hugh’s 34 – Pinewood 20

We were delighted to be able to host and play this match having had to cancel it on the last two occasions. Keen eyes watched the weather forecast and there was relief in the air when blue skies and soft pitches greeted our former pupils. The buzz of excitement that was building before the game was everything we hoped it would be as friends were re- united. Support was strong from friends and family who were equally keen to catch up and share their news.

From the start it was clear that this was going to be a Clash of the Titans physical encounter.

The K.O. was driven long and deep into the Pinewood 22m and immediate pressure forced an error that was seized upon by Captain George Lewis, who handed off and scored under the posts. Within minutes a second period of pressure in the Pinewood 22 forced another mistake and George pounced again to give us a 14 -0 advantage. Pinewood were quick to regroup however. Their powerful pack decided to play a tighter game and we were finding it difficult to win quick ball from the tackle area. The balance of power was changing and a steady stream of possession saw Pinewood control the ball effectively and bounce back with two well worked tries, one of which was converted. A coolly struck penalty gave Pinewood a 15 – 14 half time lead.

We needed to be more aggressive and competitive at the breakdown and Sam Adamson, Saul Garrett and Nick James began to assert themselves. Our young second row pairing of Henry Nott and Charlie Rolls also began to realize their ability and made much more of an impact as the game unfolded. Daniel Hamill exploded off the fringes and crossed the gain line effectively; good support from Toby Baring, Thomas Simmons and Emile Rowe and Rufus Kinsey gave us momentum.

At scrum half, Harry Keen was starting to see more quick ball and he varied his game effectively. Patrick Main was canny at fly half and his rolling kicks teased the Pinewood back three. Harry Farrant and Felix De Vere Hunt pressed hard and did well to stifle any thoughts of a Pinewood counter attack. Pinewood tried to kick their way out of defence but this was dealt with efficiently by Ed Sayer who danced his way out of trouble and linked well with the explosive Michael Smith. His pace and power in open play bagged him 2 second half tries. With George Lewis clearly enjoying himself in all aspects of play and grabbing 2 further tries, the balance of power was swinging back towards a St Hugh’s victory. Typically, Pinewood rallied and scored two well-deserved late tries in the dying moments but time was exhausted and the match won.

Scorers: Tries. George Lewis 4, Michael Smith 2
Cons. Harry Keen 2

With over 250 players and spectators match tea was busy and enjoyable. The winning captain George Lewis received the rugby trophy, the girls hockey cup was presented to Pinewood.

Honours were shared on what was a very enjoyable afternoon that brought players, family and friends together.

St Hugh’s Boys’ Under 16 Squad:

Forwards: Saul Garrett, Toby Baring, Nick James, Rufus Kinsey, Charlie Rolls, Henry Nott, Dan Hamill, Sam Adamson, Thomas Simmons, Emile Rowe.

Backs: Harry Keen, Patrick Main, Harry Farrant, Michael Smith, George Lewis,
Edward Sayer, Felix De Vere Hunt. 
                                                   Bob Avery

Girls' Hockey

Finally (after a couple of false starts) the eagerly awaited inaugural Old Girls’ hockey match became a reality. We had an Over 18s Netball match a couple of years ago but this was the first Hockey match.

As all the ex St Hugh’s Girls (GCSE or below) began to assemble, there was much shrieking, squealing and hugging as old friends were reunited. With so many stories to swap, it was difficult to get the teams to warm up and focus on the task ahead. Just recognizing all these grown up young ladies was a challenge in itself.

With so many girls here to play, we created 2 teams to take on their old rivals. Both matches saw spirited and very energetic play up and down the field. Many of the girls had not played hockey in a while and yet the standard of play was terrific. Chloe Edwards was magnificent in goal for both matches: she really did ‘save the day’!

Thank you to all the girls and their parents for their support for this event. We look forward to many more to come.

Match 1 – Won 3-1 (Charley French 2)(Jessica Henderson 1)
Match 2 – Lost 2-3 (Jemima Johnson 1)(Katy Law 1)

St Hugh’s Girls’ Under 16 Squad:

Chloe Edwards (GK), Freya Granger, Kate Simmons, Holly Harvey, Cicely Thomasson, Charley French, Jessica Henderson, Alice Ward, Lucy Leigh, Katy Law, Meg Johnson, Jemima Johnson. 

                                                     Helen Owen

Match Report: St Hugh’s Old Boys' Over 18 v Pinewood Old Boys' Over 18
16th October 2011

St Hugh’s Retain Oxford Wine Co Trophy
Pinewood 7 – St Hugh’s 24

Another glorious afternoon saw all roads lead to Pinewood for this enjoyable and fiercely contested match. Playing for the Oxford Wine Company Trophy, players and spectators had travelled from far and wide to renew friendships and take home the bruises of battle, all for the fun of playing the game. It was good to see Verena and Derek Canon who had travelled with their family, including granddaughter Alex, to enjoy the afternoon.
























Captain, Adam Pearson pulled together a crack squad of talent for this, the 4th challenge match at the over 18 group. New blood this year included: Charlie Instone, (St Edwards 1st XV), Tom Ward, George Sandbach (Cheltenham College 1st XV) and Harry Copson (Abingdon 1st XV).

From the kick off the Pinewood pack established authority at the tackle, turning over a lot of ball. Typically St Hugh’s tried to play fast and loose but often players became isolated and continuity was lost. As the game progressed, however, the sheer exuberance of youth began to play its part and St Hugh’s were faster to the breakdown and producing quicker ball that was fired around the pitch by a back division which was full of pace, creativity and sheer showmanship.

An early penalty from TVF was followed up with tries from Will Jackson and Will Fogden, both were converted by the powerful boot of Tom Vaughan Fowler. Pinewood continued to contest every part of the game fiercely and were rewarded with a well worked try midway through the second half. Late in the second half Chris Sandbach kicked to the corner where, from the resulting lineout, Charlie Instone secured possession and a well engineered catch/drive saw Tom Ward dive to the corner to score. Victory was ours!

Match tea/beer was followed by the presentation of the Oxford Wine Company Trophy to Captain Adam Pearson.

Our grateful thanks to Pinewood for their wonderful hospitality. Thank you also to all those who took part and now have one year to recover to play at St Hugh’s in 2012.

Squad: Edward Pimm, Will Fogden, George Jackson, Will Jackson, Christian Hudson Evans, Charlie Instone, Adam Pearson, TomWard, Harry Copson, Harry Osborn, Rupert Martin, Giles Blanchard, Chris Sandbach,Will Sandbach,George Sandbach, Laurie Thomasson, Tom Vaughan Fowler.

We are building a rugby data base of former players. If you would like to be involved, do get in touch. Our Old Boys / Girls events are a wonderful opportunity to renew old friendships and everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the day.

Contact: Suzy Macpherson : registrar@st-hughs.co.uk
Bob Avery : bobaverylangford@yahoo.co.uk
Adam Pearson: pearsona@st-hughs.co.uk