Rhubarb 2019

66 ST EDWARD’S r h u b a r b

Men’s Hockey In April 2019 the Martyrs played the Old Radleians in Battersea Park, London. True to form, Radley arrived 60 minutes before push back, in matching kit and with a full subs bench. Reluctant to break tradition, the Martyrs did none of the above! Thankfully, the Martyrs were able to draw on the muscle memory of several players that have made Teddies one of the most feared sides on the old boys’ circuit in recent years. A balanced combination of Blanchards, Keens, a Baggs, a Shipperley, a Hargreaves and a Creed provided the proverbial skewer in a Teddies kebab with midfield guile and attacking flair. The Martyrs duly went 3-0 up in the first half, barely getting beyond a canter as: C Blanchard (F, 2006-2011) rolled back the years to net a drag flick; M Baggs (E, 1996- 2001) / A Hargreaves (C, 2008-2013) /A N Other tapped in from close range; and G Creed (G, 2005-2010) thumped a reverse stick strike into the bottom corner. Over half-time oranges the Martyrs agreed to take their foot off the gas and let Radley back into the game. A sieve-like defence left a typically courageous J Fairhurst (C, 2007-2012) exposed between the posts and enabled three quick Radley goals to bring the scores level. Sadly, the Martyrs couldn’t translate a flurry of late pressure and short corners into goals and the match somehow concluded with honours even. It was great to see the Martyrs displaying the fluid and fast-paced attacking hockey for which they are famed though perhaps there is more work to be done on admin, fitness and defence. Thanks to all involved for a thoroughly enjoyable Friday night. Jasper Joyce (H, 2005-2010)

Goodbye to Zak Jones In November 2018 Ladies’ and Men’s matches were played followed by a hearty curry to bid a fond farewell to Zak Jones.

M A R T Y R S

Zak Jones event

Squash On a windy day in March 2019 our OSE team of Finn Kettlewell (H, 2009-2014), Ed Beccle (B, 2012-2017), James Dubois (C, 1960-1964) and Danielle Lim (J, 2013- 2018) played a group of current Teddies pupils and won by 8-4. Simon Palferman organised the event and play, as ever, was good-humoured and sporting as these gatherings are always ideal opportunities to bond with pupils past and present. For once, the OSE team had an average age of around 33 and it was encouraging to see more recent OSE recruited to our team. All past

pupils who still wave a squash racquet are welcome to volunteer themselves for our next match which is likely to be in early March 2020. James Dubois (C, 1960-1965) Cricket On 16th July 2018 the Martyrs played the Uppingham Rovers. St Edward’s won the toss and elected to bat. However, the Uppingham wicket remains unforgiving of even the smallest mistake and we lost early wickets at regular intervals. Sadly, AJ Woodland (H, 2011-2016) got off to a good start but was bowled by an excellent off break for 31. Will Bull (F, 2010-2015) and Tom Newell (G, 1997-2002) settled the ship but the Martyrs couldn’t take advantage and faded away to 155 all out. In reply, Uppingham also struggled but the snicks and mishits were going for the occasional four. All the Martyrs bowlers performed well and at 115 for 6 Martyrs had a chance. However, Uppingham’s skipper, coming in at No 8, led his side to a very tense but clear 2 wicket victory. In the last over AJ again threatened with a huge LBW appeal which would have exposed No 11 but it wasn’t to be and No 10 struck an elegant boundary through

Martyrs Hockey April 2019