On Friday 21st April, the School was, once again, delighted to host the annual OS versus 1st XI girls’ and boys’ Hockey matches. Despite significant rain earlier in the day, we were lucky that the weather held for us throughout the afternoon and into the evening. On the pitch, the Old Suttonian teams put in a valiant effort, but sadly the 1st XI girls’ and boys' teams were just too strong, with final scores of 8-2 and 4-2 respectively. 

For the girls' match, we are grateful to Katie Henley and Olivia Farrell (Lower Sixth), for their match report, below:

"The game got off to a good start with two quick goals by Katie Henley bringing the score up to 2-0; one being a reverse deflection and the other dribbling around the keeper and into the right corner. The next two goals were scored by Florence Wood (Fifth Form), with an impeccable reverse hit from top D to the top left corner, followed by another goal weaving around the keeper and in the bottom corner. After our four goals the OS team were eager to score and came back with two consecutive goals. However, the girls were able to return to their usual fluid passing and gain control of the game once more, this was helped by the girls making great use of the four subs, rolling across all three lines (attack, midfied and defence), ensuring the energy was kept high throughout the first half.

After our half time team talk, we were keen to keep up our lead and carry on scoring from the opportunities we worked hard for! The OS team came back strong but our defensive line of Annie Moore (Upper Sixth), Caitlin Calverley (Fifth Form), Scarlet Washington (Upper Sixth), and Matilda Featherstone (Fifth Form) stayed strong and limited the OS to only half-chances. In the second half, Evie Smith (Fifth Form) did some outstanding dribbling, scoring a great individual goal. On top of this Louisa Yorke (Upper Sixth) scored a deflection from a ball being crossed to the post by Annie Moore. Extending our lead to 6-2. Evie Smith went on to score another goal along with a well-taken goal from Katie Moore  (Upper Sixth) bringing the final score to 8-2.  

Towards the end our girls were starting to fatigue and so we had to defend harder as the OS started to get their half-chances on target, but with Grace Bartleet (Upper Sixth) in goal, we conceded no goals in the second half thanks to her superb saves. Overall this was a very enjoyable match to play and we look forward to playing again next year."

After the girls' match concluded, it was straight onto the boys' match, which Callum Baker (Upper Sixth) has reported on below:

"After watching a goal fest from the girls’ match, the boys were ready to play. The game started with some possession as the boys passed it around and got back to playing together after a good season of hockey. We managed to get a quick goal, scored by Otto Plant (Fifth Form), giving the boys an early lead. That was the only goal of the first half despite the boys dominating possession. The boys started the second half strong, getting chance after chance, but OS goalkeeper, Stewart Young (1992 M) keeping them in the game. The OS somehow came back and scored an easy goal with a ball across the D for Justin Baker (1990 L) for a tap in to score which made it 1-1. We dug deep and the First XI converted another opportunity with Jonte Hillier (Upper Sixth) flicking into the goal from a short corner. With a 2-1 lead and the boys dominating the game, we probably felt too comfortable which led to another OS goal scored by Oliver Aucamp (2015 C).

It became an end to end game with the OS battling and refusing to accept any kind of defeat. Both teams were getting chances but with little time left the boys switched to another gear as we had done so many times before. We applied constant pressure on their defence giving us some great chances and eventually James Pepler (Upper Sixth) broke through slotting it past their goalkeeper for our third goal. This time the boys kept the momentum going and continued to press high up the pitch. Another goal from Charlie Collie (Fifth Form) sealed our victory and with that goal the game ended 4-2. This was the last game of the season for this team; a big thank you to our Upper Sixth boys who have led us well this year and delivered an undefeated home record. We hope they return to play for the OS in the future and I'm sure the OS team will be stronger with their presence. The OS game is played in memory of Alex Hatch (2001 F) and a trophy in his name was presented to the current First XI boys at the end. A final thanks to Richard Young (1990 M) for helping to organise the game and putting the OS team together."

It was fantastic to see such an amazing number of supporters come to the Astroturf to watch the games - support for the event continues to grow year-on-year and we are grateful for those who joined us for the evening. Both players and supporters had a great evening of fun, followed by a barbecue outside TC’s.