Last Friday, we were delighted to host the OS vs School 1st XI girls’ and boys’ hockey matches on the Astroturf.  As always, both matches were played to a very high standard. This year, the OS regained the Alex Hatch Trophy with a tightly-fought 4-3 victory, but the School retained the Susannah Townsend Trophy with a 2-0 victory.

Despite the cold weather, the teams were supported by the biggest crowd of supporters yet, which added to the atmosphere and definitely encouraged a very competitive tournament. The two School cpatians have written the following reports:

OS Men vs School 1st XI Match for the Alex Hatch Trophy
by Otto P (Lower Sixth)

The Old Suttonian Hockey match marks the end of the hockey season and the last game for the Upper Sixth members of the team. 

With some familiar faces on the OS team, we expected a close game. From the first whistle it was evident that fitness from both teams was going to be a slight problem - the OS team had clearly thought ahead by bringing enough players for two teams (24 to be exact), scouting Old Suttonians from far and wide, even over from Canada!

At the start, the 1st XI had the upper hand with some good build up play leading to plenty of chances and short corners. Whilst being able to do everything but score, we ran into our first problem of the game - the goalie. This was followed by our second problem - Louis Ridge (2020 F), who, after three years of top level university Hockey, unlocked our defence with a blistering reverse stick shot, opening the scoring for the OS team to 1-0. 

At half time, the score was 2-1 to the OS team, which set up the second half well. At this point, most players were being tempted by the barbecue being fired up, but nevertheless the 1st XI went into the second half looking to capitalise on the OS team's mistakes and accelerate the scoring. With a sideline full of Old Suttonians, parents and students, the 1st XI was determined to put on a good show, yet with lots of end-to-end play, the OS team continued to stay on top. Despite goals from Archie B and Harry M, the 1st XI just couldn’t keep up with the experience of the OS team, especially with some questionable attempts at goal and some interesting short corners. 

The game finished with a win for the Old Suttonians by a score of 4-3. It was an unfortunate loss for the 1st XI but, nevertheless, it was an enjoyable evening for everyone and the 1st XI are going to be looking to take the title back next year! 

OS Women vs School 1st XI Match for the Susannah Townsend Trophy
by Florence W (Lower Sixth)

Following the boys defeat by the OS men’s team, the girls started the match with determination and confidence.  With the Old Suttonian team made up of many of the girls from last year, our team had the advantage of knowing how some of them played, but we knew that the extra experience they had would make for a touch game. 

From the start, the School 1st XI was enthusiastic and determined to win.  We started the game with the traditional reverse push back for a friendly (passing the ball to the opposition) which led to us utilising this initial possession for a quick first shot at goal.  This was skilfully saved by OS Grace Bartleet (2023 C). With a quick OS counterattack, Olivia C's expertise was needed keeping us in the game.  The first half was closely fought until the last minute where Rachel F launched a reverse stick shot passed the goalie straight into the top corner.  

Coming out for the second half with a 1-0 lead, the OS pressed hard forcing our defence to rise to the challenge.  Their efforts lead to the OS being unable to find a way through to success.  Both sides cancelled each other out with some strong defending in the second half, and it wasn’t until the final minute that we were able to win a short corner.  The strike hit the goalie’s pads enabling Pippa C to slap the ball into the goal for a 2-0 win.  The traditional OS Hockey match is always enjoyed and well supported, and we look forward to playing some of our team on the other side next year.