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CRICKET FOOTBALL GOLF HOCKEY REAL TENNIS SAILING SHOOTING ROWING Sports reports

Cricket MARK MITCHENER (B93)

With Covid-restricted cricket hopefully a thing of the past, the Cygnets enjoyed our most successful season on the field for years – though sadly our first without long-serving umpire Merrick Wilkinson, who passed away in late summer 2021 and will be much missed by us all. A first victory over the School since 2017 was set up by “Cygnet of the Week” Tom Boon (S15), who struck 15 fours in his 105 as the Cygnets racked up 218-7 from 40 overs, before the School were bowled out for 134. Veteran seamer Ken Mead (C81) starred with the ball, taking a miserly 3-12 from six overs, well supported by Jamie Mitchell (C17) (3-42). retain the Max Biles Memorial Plate, with Tom Nichols (F14) and Tom Darby (M10) hitting fifties, before both teams were entertained to a barbecue by the Headmaster in his garden. The Jesters were indebted to Saj Zaib’s unbeaten 116 as they declared on 215-8. Charlie Anstee (M21) led our reply with 78, including a century stand with Darby (M10) (52), before Ben Parkin (W21) and George Vessey (L21) saw us home in a tense finale. The Jesters’ revenge came in winning the post-match “boat race” for the first time in eight years. Bryanston were halted by a magnificent spell of five

Boon added an unbeaten 50 against Sherborne in the semi-final of the Twenty20 Stour Cup as Canford made 192-4. Although Joe Atkins kept the Pilgrims in the hunt with a swashbuckling century, the Cygnets sneaked home by 11 runs. But while Harry Anstee (M11) (50 not out) and Ben Boon (S13) (38) helped us post 158-3 against Bryanston in a repeat of the 2021 final, it never felt enough – and so it proved. Bryanston lifted the trophy after Tom Saunders smashed 73 from 28 balls, only perishing when Ben Upton (F10) and Charlie Anstee (M21) combined for an acrobatic relay boundary catch, unquestionably the Champagne Moment of the Week. Back on Mountjoy for four home games in five days, a strong Cygnets attack kept Clayesmore in check as Rob Graham (F10) took 4-25 and Jon Marsh (W09) 3-18, while the Cormorants took 57 overs to make 180-9 declared. Canford only needed 27 overs to seal a six-wicket win and wickets for six runs by Rob Graham, but the Butterflies’ tail-enders nearly doubled the score from 71-8 to 140 all out. Those late runs proved crucial as the Cygnets were skittled for 71. However, the week ended on a high against Sherborne, who were bowled out for 185, Marcus Senior (S10) capturing 3-23. Charlie Anstee (42), George Hayward (L11) (41) and Alex Mitchell (C19) (36) ensured the Cygnets wrapped up a five-wicket win with 12 overs to spare. Thanks go to Tom Darby and Rob Graham for their hard work in organising the week, and to the Headmaster, the Canford ground staff and caterers, and all who help make it a success. We always welcome new players of all ages (and cricketing abilities) – if you want to play next year, email cygnetscricket@yahoo.co.uk or contact us via the Canford Cygnets XI Facebook group.

Football

Arange of OC vintages (2017-2020) have returned to Canford twice in the past year to play football against the Oaks (1st XI) and Acorns (2nd XI) Saturday 11th December - Oaks 0-0 OCs - OCs win on penalties Saturday 11th December - 2nds v OCs - OCs win Saturday 26th March - Oaks 1-2 OCs (Goal: Jeffers) Ben Thomson (C19), Zac Organ (SH19), Felix Organ (SH17), Matt Ambrose-Hunt (F19), Bugs Mitchell (C19), Dom Fecher (F17), Will Jones (C20), Toby Stalker (SH17), Jack Sherborne (SH19), Anthony Lewis (F17), (back row); Tom McNeile (SH17), Mattie Effick (W20), Freddie Johnson (C19), Anthony Wells (C17) (front row). Isaac Stevenson (W17) also played, but unfortunately got injured and is not in the photo. They were managed by Jake Moores. Three Organs shared a pitch, which was wonderful, and we also saw the two Thomsons having a first opportunity to compete for footballing bragging rights. The Acorns (2nd XI) played the 2021 leavers, with (l-r) Will Hobden, Otto Thompson, Pavlos Karampoulas, Freddie Pryce, Charlie Anstee, Toby Philpot, Josh Bingham, Max Richards, Joba Agbedejobi, Tom Matthews, Adam Kwan, Miles Quick, Brad Spanjar and Will Toosey. An additional delight was that there was a huge turnout from OCs and OC families. The atmosphere was superb. The matches were brilliantly competitive and played in the right spirit, with some pretty amazing football on display too.

SINDRE VANDVIK

Match Report for Saturday 26th March Canford 1-2 OCs Goal: Jeffers The Oaks had another great game to finish the term against the OCs. The OCs started the brighter of the two sides, creating space in between the lines and had two massive chances which were both headed over the bar. As the first half went on, Canford started to get more joy down the left side. Canford put together a brilliant passing move, for what felt like an age, playing out from the back, and eventually the ball was laid through to Wittram but the shot went the wrong side of the post. Going into half time the score was 0-0. The game stepped up another level in the second half. Kosgei’s pressing from the front was causing problems for the OC’s defence, but still the deadlock couldn’t be broken. This half, Canford’s better side was the right, Wittram and Jeffers combined superbly and caused all kinds of problems for the OCs. The first goal came from the right. Jeffers got in round

The Oaks

The Acorns

the back of the defence and was left with an unbelievably tight angle towards the goal. He proceeded to float the ball perfectly over the keeper’s head and into the back of the net. I think both teams and any spectators would agree this should be nominated for the Puskas award. Unfortunately, Canford couldn’t hold on, the OCs equalized late on, the ball took three deflections then fell to the OC’s striker who just about finished. Then, a couple of minutes later a free kick on the edge of the box was floated into the box for a tap in at the far post. Despite the result, it was a brilliant occasion for all involved, with talk after the game already about the Christmas fixture! Player of the match was Wittram who was brilliant throughout on the right side.

CANFORD SPORTS REPORT

Golf

Recent leaver Morgan Taylor (W19) on joining the OC Golf Society

I truly enjoyed my time at Canford and have continued to enjoy the Canfordian spirit as an OC through the Golf Society. Aided by the school’s Development Office, which gives support to under 25 OC golfers, I have had the privilege to play at many stunning courses, such as Sunningdale and Royal St George’s. I have also returned to Canford many times to play the beautiful home course with current students. As a society, we strongly believe in keeping our link with students as strong as possible. My introduction into the society was warm and welcoming. The OCs are a great group of people whose company I enjoy on and off the course. Alongside Canford Global Connect, the OC Golf Society has provided invaluable networking opportunities, which will undoubtedly continue to help me in future. The society has allowed me to enjoy the spirit and competition of the prestigious Halford Hewitt and Grafton Morrish while still studying hard at university. The Halford Hewitt is held annually at Royal Cinque Ports and Royal St George’s, and the Grafton Morrish at Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk. There are many other fixtures, on top of these scratch events, that are handicap orientated, so don’t be deterred! Special thanks must be given to Ben Richards (B84) and Stephen Moore (W68), who do an unbelievable job running the society so smoothly. I encourage you to reach out to Ben and get involved with the OC Golf Society.

Halford Hewitt dinner with team and supporters

Halford Hewitt 2022 A strong team of ten scratch players and 15 supporters headed off to Kent to play in the annual Halford Hewitt competition. We were drawn against Malvern in a tough first round battle, in the worst conditions seen for many years, and unfortunately came out second best 3½ - 1½. Then the team competed in the Plate at the Princes Golf Club and after wins against Eton, Ampleforth and Shrewsbury, we lost narrowly to The Leys in the semi-final. Captain’s Day A great turnout of 24 OC golfers were present to support Gordon MacDougall (M60) on Captain’s Day, held on Friday 8th July. The winner was Mike Lerwill (SH62) with 37 points and the guest prize was won by the Headmaster!

Patrick Rossiter testimonial hockey match

Hockey

In October last year, Canford hosted a match and lunch to celebrate Patrick Rossiter’s 34-year career at the school. Below is an abridged version of Matt Collison’s (F97) speech summing up his substantial input and achievements.

So, some reflections on Rossi for you… where to start?! I know I speak for all of us – players, parents, colleagues and friends alike – in saying that Rossi is quite simply a hero in every sense of the word. Hugely respectful and respected in the school community and beyond, he is an inspiration to all. Since joining the school in 1987, Rossi has been a great ambassador for hockey at Canford. He is always happy to chat to parents and opponents, whilst encouraging pupils to strive for their best and helping them improve – ultimately changing the way they play for the better. Not forgetting his incredibly detailed match reports, a favourite read of all the parents on a Saturday evening and something of folklore amongst the Canford staff. A lasting legacy will be Rossi’s infamous U14 girls’ hockey tours at Easter to Holland. This is an experience many of you here will remember fondly – made possible by his vision and by establishing strong contacts with Dutch clubs and coaches. He has also become renowned for his acquisition of travel and playing kit with new outfits being acquired yearly in various shades of orange. When asked by various people why the U14 girls were playing in orange shirts when the school colour was blue!? ‘Have you seen the Dutch Hockey team play?’ would be his perfect response. Indeed, he is a serial winner, and the statistics speak for themselves…as his excellent playing record as a coach over the years would support… • 17 consecutive Girls’ U14 Dorset County tournaments – 14 x winners & 3 x runners up • 7 x ‘Best in the West’ – Girls’ U14 Regional Finals winners • 7 x National Finals – Girls’ U14 – 1 silver & 2 bronze • 28 x Holland Tours – plus trips to Belgium, Germany,

Barcelona • Coached in excess of 1000 pupils The man is a ‘Legend’. Rossi is a beloved coach, mentor, teacher, colleague and friend to many, but he is also so much more. Above all, he is a tremendously kind and generous person, reliable and organised and a traditional teacher come games coach. Something which is very rare these days. He will be sadly missed in the future, and we wish him and Pippa, good health and happiness.

Real Tennis

Having won the over 70s World Masters Singles and Doubles titles in 2015, in May this year Simon de Halpert (F64) entered the same competitions and also the over 75 competitions that were played in

Fontainebleau, near Paris. He reached the final of the over 70s doubles but was defeated in three long sets. In the over 75 World Masters he was beaten in the doubles final in three very close sets and then won the over 75 World Masters singles 6-3, 6-1. Simon is pictured (right) third from left.

Hyde Tennis Club v. Old Canfordians Apparently, OC real tennis hadn’t happened for a few years, so it gave me great pleasure to captain the OC team at the club that I founded in 1998. The tennis was great fun, the match result unimportant…but what was important was giving John Boys, Canford maths master and tennis supremo between (1958-1991) a great day out in West Dorset. For many OCs who are now between their late 40s and 80s, John would have been the reason they developed a passion for the sport. The team consisted of, in chronological order, Patrick Jenkins (C61), Cleeves Palmer (C80), Nigel Watts (W80) and Corin Fisher-Jenkins (C90). At home I knew that I had an unused early 20th Century silver cup and so it gave me great pleasure to get it engraved with John’s name on it. Hopefully future generations will enjoy playing for ‘The John Boys Challenge Cup’ on an annual basis, the matches will alternate between Dorset’s only two courts. I am pleased to say that following our victory, the cup is now sitting proudly on the cup cabinet shelf at The Canford Tennis Club. The next match will take place at Canford on Sunday 11th December.

CLEEVES PALMER (C80)

Shooting

Once again, OCs including Brennan Dyball (S18), Nuala Dyball (W20), Rick Watson (B80), Simon Hughes (B86) and Richard Dyball (S82) made their annual pilgrimage to Bisley ranges in Surrey, on Thursday 14th July, to shoot in the Schools Veterans’ match. As is usual, the chance to meet up went much better than the shooting. All the team members, except for Richard, experienced Rod’s assumption that his rifle was in good working order (it usually is) and as a result managed to hit all extremities of the target even more than usual. Apart from this, the weather was great and a good time was had by all.

RICHARD DYBALL AND ROD PHILPOTT

(l-r) Richard Dyball, Simon Hughes, Rod Philpott, Nuala Dyball, Brennan Dyball, Rick Watson

Rowing

Welcoming the new OC Boat Club

The Old Canfordian Boat Club was founded this summer after the annual OC drinks at Henley Royal Regatta. It was formed with the aim of creating a space for OC rowers to stay in touch and reconnect with former crewmates and other generations of rowers, share memories of Canford rowing and stay up to date with OC rowing events and news, along with supporting the current generation of Canford rowers. With nearly 100 members having already joined the Facebook group, OCBC is open to anyone who was involved with rowing in their time at Canford. An OCBC archive is being collated, OCBC accessories are on their way and reunion rows are being planned, as well as other social events alongside the annual Henley Royal Regatta drinks where OCBC will be officially launched. Hopefully, there will even be the opportunity to race for OCBC in the future. Do please join the group on Facebook or get in touch with us at oldcanfordianbc@gmail.com, we are also eager to hear from anyone who is keen to help with the running of the club.

OC Sailing TOM MONTGOMERY

Our OC sailors have been active on the water, and no doubt the yacht club bars, over the past year with much success. Nick Phillips (SH01) in his J24 Chaotic crewed by OC Tom Montgomery (S98) and others became National Champions in 2021; he followed this up by becoming National Champion in another class too, the J70, in his other yacht also called Chaotic. Nick Hornby (W97) was racing internationally again and with his team came 2nd overall racing for the Royal Thames Yacht Club against 18 other clubs from around the world. In June Tom Montgomery, competing for the Royal Thames Yacht Club, raced against fellow OC Ben Richards (B84), representing the Royal Yacht Squadron, in the Cornerstone Cup. Tom’s crew won the Cowes-based event after some very close racing, which also involved competitors from the New York Yacht Club and the St Francis (San Francisco). Edward Wilton (SH97) continued to have a successful time on the water in his new X35 crewed by Barney Pollock (SH97), Pippa Batchelor (W98) and others competing in numerous regattas on the South Coast and coming 2nd overall in the Taittinger Regatta most recently. Please contact me via Canford Global Connect or by emailing community@canford.com if there is any interest in OC sailors’ drinks at the Royal Thames Yacht Club one evening this winter.

Ed Wilton at the helm during the Round the Island Race (main image) Tom Montgomery and team win the Cornerstone Cup against New York and San Francisco and fellow OC Ben Richards of the RYS (inset).