Rhubarb 2019

ST EDWARD’S r h u b a r b

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Football After a fallow year, thanks to the Beast from the East, the Martyrs returned to their annual fixture vs the School XI. A youthful team by OSE standards gave the Martyrs promise after a run of defeats. Starting with a fairly standard 4-4-2 with an inexperienced Luke Stevenson (E, 2008-2013) in goal, the Martyrs found themselves playing into the full force of Storm Gareth. Olivier Denat (F, 2012- 2017), Tyler Chan (F, 2012-2017), Afiq Rozhan (A, 2012-2017) and Thomas Isola (C, 2009-2014), made their debuts and old timers Henry Maas (H, 2004-2009), David Lloyd (A, 2003-2008), Rob Morgan (B, 2007-2009) and Huw Lewis (E, 2004-2009) attempted to provide a bit of structure. In the first half a Teddies through ball, helped by a gust of wind, split the defence and gave the School a 1-0 lead. After half- time a new midfield of youngsters Finn Brash (E, 2014-2018), Max Holland (A, 2008-2013) and Isola, with Ed Harries- Jones (H, 2009-2014) up front, attempted to wrestle control. A penalty from Brash, and a wonder strike from Denat brought the Martyrs level after a questionable clearance from Chan had gifted the School a second goal. With the Martyrs looking for a winner, and the wind at their backs, they began

the covers to secure victory, 159 for 8 (43 overs). James Curtis (B, 2013-2018) took his first wicket for Martyrs on debut and well deserved his place in the side. The Martyrs were superbly supported with IPP Mike Palau (B, 1959-1964), Gideon Hudson (B, 1958-1963), Belinda Chaffer (mother of George and Will), the Allans and Ian Curtis (father of James) in attendance. Simon Talbot-Williams (A, 1974-1979) Rowing The crew raced at a breezy Veterans’ Head of the River Race on the 31st March, and competed in the Masters B event against 10 other crews some of whom had other OSE on board! The Martyrs crew met for the first time on the day and had only a short paddle to familiarise themselves with each other and the boat borrowed from Exeter Rowing Club, thanks to Ben Smith. They finished 28th overall and 6th in their category. The crew was made up of cox Jo Safdari (née Street) (D, 2002-2007), George Kitovitz (H, 1999-2004), Ben Smith (F, 1999-2004), Mike Lambourn (E, 1997-2002), Andrew Bird (A, 1991-1996), Will Morgan (B, 2002-2004), John Wiggins (MCR), Jonathan Basher (H, 2000-2005) and special guest Piers Copham. The Martyrs Boat Club is now looking forward to the regatta season, and hopes to compete at a range of events this summer. Any interested OSE rowers should contact Will Morgan for further details of future events. Will Morgan (B, 2002-2004)

to push forward. A left-footed lob from Isola put Denat in for his second to give the Martyrs the lead. 3-2 with 10 minutes to play. Complacency set in. With 2 at the back, 3 in midfield, and 5 forwards cutting in left right and centre, the School began overloading the OSE penalty box and the inevitable happened. A pitiful attempt saved from Morgan (the new OSE Keeper) pushed the ball into the School 9’s feet who ricocheted towards the line off a diving Matt Holyland (C, 2004-2009). Drama not over. Maas, trotting after it like the Hogwarts Express, swung a left foot at the ball, it hit the left upright and bounced over his shoulder and over the line. 3-3 with 5 minutes to play. With the clock ticking and the Martyrs pushing for a winner, School again overloaded the flanks to work the ball into the box. Yet again, a floundering Matt Holyland dived in. Penalty! With seconds left on the clock, the School skipper stepped up to stroke the ball past Morgan and into the net. Full time: 4-3 to the School. It had been a very enjoyable match in awful conditions. The future looks bright for the Martyrs with some new blood coming into the team; we are, however, always looking for new recruits. If you are keen to join, please search for St Edward’s Martyrs Football on

M A R T Y R S

Facebook, and join the group. Henry Maas (H, 2004-2009)

Jo Safdari

Rowing March 2019

Football March 2019

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