OS WEEKEND REVIEW
Old Sedberghians returned in full force on the 14th and 15th of September as the school hosted the annual OS Weekend, which this year coincided with OS Sports Weekend, involving hockey, netball and rugby matches against the school teams as well as an alumni race against the School, Shrewsbury School and St. Anselm’s College.
The weekend was a great success, with OS of all ages attending the weekend’s activities, including a large contingent of younger OS coming back to take part in various social and sporting events.
Opening the proceedings on the Saturday morning was the President’s Lunch attended by over 70 guests in the Hirst Centre, which made for prime viewing of the subsequent 1st XV’s match on Buskholme against RGS, Newcastle. Despite a tightly-contested first half, the Brown ran away with a 41-12 victory to extend the 1st XV’s winning streak to 34 wins over the last three years (with a total points difference of 937).
Meanwhile, the OS Running Team, comprising of (L-R) Archie Campbell (W 12-14), Johnny Campbell (SH 12-16), Alice Slattery (L 15-17), Ben Van Dijk (H 14-18), George Porter (SH 11-16), and Norman Berry (SH 57-62), came out on top against the opposition over the School Cross Country Course.
Later on, over 100 guests enjoyed a drinks reception and an informal evening meal at the Black Bull Hotel.
Sunday commenced with a poignant OS Commemoration Service in the School Chapel, with readings from the incumbent OS Club President Brigadier David Biggart, OBE (P 59-65) and OS Club Chairman Jan van der Velde (L 77-82).
Sunday’s sporting activities kicked off with a brilliantly competitive OS vs. 1st VII netball game in the Hirst Centre. Representing the OS team were: Rosie Herman (C 14-19), Eden McGuire (R 14-19), Tamsin Brown (L 10-14), Tabby Holdsworth (R 13-18), Charlie Linas (C 13-15), Georgia Turner (R 13-18), Mandy George (R 09-14), and Amy Mahon (L 12-17). The OS contingent put on a superb display but ultimately fell short to an in-form School team, with a final score of 36-21.
After the House Brunches, an experienced OS team took on the formidable school team for a match on the Astroturf. Representing the Old Sedberghians were Emma Richardson (R 06-08), Tamsin Brown (L 10-14), Maddy George (R 09-14), Imani Botham (L 14-19), Issy Chamberlain (L 14-19), Jemima Cookson (L 14-19), Ellie Kerr (R 05-10), Georgia Turner (R 13-18), Charlie Linas (C 13-15), Ellie Thompson (C 13-14) and Tabby Holdsworth (R 13-18). The thrilling contest ended with a 3-1 victory for the 1st XI.
The final sporting fixture of the weekend took place on Buskholme and saw an additional installment of the traditional OS vs. Anti-Assassins fixture. This year the OS team included: Ewan Dowes (W 97-99), Tom Savage (SH 11-16), James Doherty (SH 03-05), Roderick Giles (E 09-14), Oliver Thompson (S 07-14), Johnny Mason (P 09-14), Charlie Papworth (E 13-18), Joel Pearson (P 15-17) Robbie Kent (P 12-14), Charlie Farmer (W 09-14), Luca Peterson (E 10-15), George Porter (SH 11-16), Johnny Campbell (SH 12-16), Archie Campbell (W 12-14), Angus Blair (H 09-14), Freddie Renwick (P 10-15), Oli Robinson (S 12-14), and James McFarlane (Staff).
A dominant first-half performance from the Anti-Assassins saw the guests hold a comfortable 27-7 lead at half-time. However, the OS team managed to claw their way back into the match by conducting a dramatic late comeback to secure a thrilling 42-39 victory and end the weekend in style.
Thank you to all OS who participated and helped to make the weekend another great success. We hope to see you all again next year!
