Following the unfortunate cancellation of last year’s event, the Old Suttonians versus School Hockey fixture returned to the calendar on Sunday 6th January 2019.  Back in 2017, we had hosted the fixture on the equivalent Sunday at the start of January, but as an indoor event. Although that fixture proved popular, the preference amongst the players was to return to the traditional outdoor format for this year’s iteration. 

Given the mid-winter scheduling of the event, we always run the risk of an outdoor fixture being beholden to the weather. Fortunately though, the matches were played on a sunny, but cold, morning on the School’s Astoturf. 

The boys’ match, with an Old Suttonian team containing leavers ranging from 1992 to 2015, finished as an excellent 3-3 draw. The level of Hockey was very high and we are grateful to the boys on both teams who played. The result meant that the Alex Hatch Trophy was shared this year, though on the merit of their victory in 2017, the Old Suttonians retain the trophy.  

Unfortunately, the planned girls’ match had to be postponed due to a lack of OS players, though an improvised mixed-match proved a lot of fun. The mixed-OS team eventually came out victorious against the School’s 1st XI Girls’ team. The day concluded with lunch at the Queen’s Head, which proved as popular as ever. Many thanks to all of those who came along to play and support and a special mention to Stewart Young (1992 M) for his organisational efforts.