After last year’s hockey event, we decided to put on a hockey festival! It was obviously the right decision as 88 players took to the AstroTurf in some capacity or other.
We had “minis” (mostly children of OWs), Junior OWs (still at senior school), “Millennials” (just starting in the world of work) and a Senior OW team (those who were unwilling to disclose their age). We were also treated to the company of two WHS parents teams and a “WHS Present” team made up of current staff, pupils and the chairman of the governors!
There were copious supporters who braved the freezing cold and wind, many of them well prepared by a long apprenticeship on Westbourne House touchlines. The standard was incredibly high, commented on by many. It was a great opportunity to see the standard reached by many who have been through the school. For our current pupils the opportunity to play with older, more
experienced competitors was invaluable.
This was a festival, not a competition, however it did not go unnoticed that one team remained unbeaten throughout the afternoon and these were the Millennials. Two matches for the OW minis took place, and again the standard was very high. There were stalwart WHS families who managed to be represented by two, or even three generations. The Perrys: grandparents
(spectating), parents and grandchildren, the Patricks fielded four of the same generation in the same side: Harry, Jack, Tom and Daisy.
As the final bell sounded on the festival it was time to make our way to the Millennium Hall, catch the last of England v Italy and share a warm cup of tea or, a not so warm, beer. Pigs in blankets, sandwiches and beautiful cake was consumed with alacrity. My thanks must go to the kitchens for helping out with this. A short prize-giving enabled captains to be thanked and nominated “most valuable players” to be rewarded.
The Captains were: Lottie Langmead,Ted Eismark, Tad Mather, Cameron Franks, Brandon Hanley, Richard Bartholomew and Ian Wilmot.
The “Most Valuable Players” were: Lachlan Franks, Mia Selman, Rob Clarke, Sami Littlefair, Maddy Hantrais and Simon Cooper.
