Photo: The OP Ladies' Hockey Team

It was great to see such a fantastic turn out of OPs for the men’s and ladies’ teams this year. With a full starting XI and at least three subs on each side, the OPs were in a good position to take on the well-drilled school teams.  Umpires were: Peter Horne and OP Stuart Rawlings (75-80) for the men v boys match and David Byas and Lily Walster for the ladies v girls match. Parents, OPs and staff also came along to support the teams on what was a gloriously sunny morning for the matches.

Both games were as competitive as ever with the school sides defending a string of wins against the OPs in recent years. In the men’s match, Ben Byas (04-15) scored first for OPs. The OPs kept pace with the school boys in the first half and another goal from Ben Byas kept them in the game. However, the school boys gradually edged ahead and with time running out in the second half, it was the school boys who claimed a convincing victory in the end finishing 5-2 ahead.

The Ladies match was a real end to end battle despite the school missing a number of their key players. Georgina Booth (96-06) scored first for the OPs and the score remained 1-0 to OPs at half time. In the second half the schoolgirls continued to pressure the OPs, their determination unwavering. Their persistence paid off and despite the best efforts from OP goalkeeper, Alice Cullen (8-15), the schoolgirls netted two goals in quick succession to steal the win. Final score 2-1 to school.

Thank you to all those who took part and supported the event. See you next year!

To view a Flickr album from the event, please click here.

Photo: OP Men's Hockey Team