Sportsman’s Lunch 2018
A small group of OWs met up in the Founders Room for a drink, a chat and to listen to Mr Dan Webb give us an expert overview of the term’s rugby at the School. He had kindly rushed back from the ESSA swimming finals at the Olympic Pool and was on his way to care for his 2nd XV team. Dan was able to give us an insight into the workings of the Sports Department and the close links to Croham Road when he mentioned his appreciation of the support received from the Old Boys at the School’s overseas trips, especially his own recent cricket tour to Perth. At this Stephen Brown OW (1965-73), over from Hong Kong, commented that it was always a pleasure for the overseas members to meet up with the School parties and added, “Tell us you are coming and we shall be there!”
There was however still time to present to School Rugby a framed montage of the Winning of the National Sevens title in 1967 at Rosslyn Park some 50 years ago. (It was to have been last year but Dulwich cried off the fixture and captain Chris Saville could not travel over from France.)
Then it was off for a delicious lunch in the new venue of the Private Dining Room in the School Dining Hall followed by the most splendid and exciting game of schoolboy rugby out on Big Side in wonderful conditions where Whitgift beat Dulwich 33-30 with the winning try coming in final overtime!
On the day, the final result of all matches against Dulwich was won: 16; lost: 5; drew: 3.
During the post-match tea, it was also acknowledged that the Association had seven OW Internationals playing that weekend, 2 rugby, 4 hockey and 1 cricket; a quite remarkable achievement which reflected the high standard of the School’s sports departments.
Richard Blundell OW (1956-63)
