Cheltonian Society Sport

Our thanks to all OCs and other Cheltonian Society members involved in running sports clubs. All clubs receive an annual grant from College via the Development Office. Please contact Sebastian Bullock, Cheltonian Society and Development Director for any further details, s.bullock@cheltenhamcollege.org

Cricket

The Summer of 2020 was like no other and as such there was little to report in terms of cricket seasons. That said, there were still impressive contributions on club and county circuits by many former Cheltonians.

The Cricket Club aims to continue the strong tradition of cricket that is instilled into Cheltonians of all abilities once they have left College. There are a number of fixtures through the course of the season and highlights include a game straight after the Cheltenham Cricket Festival, on the county square against the Gloucestershire Gipsies. At the top level, the OCs compete in the Cricketer Cup, which is the premium old boys’ cricket competition.

Any are welcome to show an interest in playing in various fixtures. We are especially keen to hear from those who might be keen to match-manage fixtures as we are currently looking into expanding our fixture base. If you would like to know more, please contact Kyle Willis-Stovold (OJ & S, 2006 and past staff) at kmws.willis-stovold@radley.org.uk

Football

The 11-a-side Football club is newly formed in 2021. The Club has now formally joined The Arthurian League, an official FA League of old boys, based in London. We will be playing 14 matches from September 2021. The club is keen to hear from anyone interested in dusting off their boots! Please contact James Wheeler (BH, 2013) and Jock Jamieson-Black (H, 2013) at jockjblack@gmail.com

Golf

2020 has been a difficult year with most of the large golfing tournaments cancelled, however we have been able to run a number of successful matches against Marlborough, Birkenhead, Dean Close, Sherborne and Wellington. The society has a full fixture list planned for 2021 and we look forward to playing matches against a host of other school societies at wonderful venues such as Royal St Georges, Royal Wimbledon, Little Aston and Royal Porthcawl.

The Golf Club is open to golfers of all abilities. For membership and other information, contact Angus Baillie (OJ & L, 1994), at angus.baillie@me.com

Golf Club Autumn meeting, Denham Golf club, September 2020

Women’s Hockey

It was a great shame that the Dean Close Sixes Tournament couldn’t go ahead in 2020. This is an annual alumni hockey tournament for teams from all over the country. Last year’s tournament was a lot of fun, made even sweeter by being crowned champions on away turf!

The date for the next Hockey Sixes is Sunday 24 October 2021. Fingers crossed it will go ahead. I think that the tournament will mean so much more to everyone as it will be a comeback year and, if anything, it will just be great to have some normality on the hockey pitch and be around friends. Anyone can play and there isn’t a maximum number of players, the more the merrier, and it would be lovely to see lots of faces swapping on and off the pitch. Check the Facebook group for all the details: facebook.com/groups/ochockey

Men’s Hockey

The Men’s Hockey Club is going from strength to strength. We currently play in the Old Boys Hockey Cup, along with other founding members Sherborne, Radley, Clifton and St Edward’s School, Oxford. These games take place under the lights on Sundays at Battersea Park and there are

enjoyable evenings afterwards. Looking ahead, we hope to continue competing in the Haileybury Sixes Tournament, pick up the traditional OCs vs XI fixture at College, run some type of tour, and throw a dinner in London.

Men's Hockey team after game against Radley College, December 2019

We currently have a strong core of around 25 OCs, but we’d love to expand the club. Whether you played hockey at College and want to dust off your stick, or fancy turning up to watch and join the match tea after, it would be great to have you. If you’re a keeper you’re definitely picked. If any of the above sounds of interest, or you just want to pull on a tight Cerise and Black quartered top once again, then get in touch with Charles Stuckey (OJ & NH, 2010) at cmastuckey@gmail.com

Rackets

While we are disappointed that the Old Cheltonian Gold Racket weekend and the Noel Bruce were unable to go ahead in 2020, we believe having two OCs in the World Doubles Championship is a first for us: Jamie Stout (H, 2002) is in the Men’s Doubles and India Deakin (W, 2019) is in the Women’s Doubles. Congratulations also go to India for winning The Renny Award at the Annual Rackets Awards 2019/20, awarded to the player who has shown the most improvement over the year.

We very much hope that the next Gold Racket weekend will be able to go ahead. It is currently planned for 12-14 March 2021. For more information on the Gold Racket weekend, please contact Mark Briers at m.briers@cheltenhamcollege.org. Anyone who would like to continue playing rackets can contact Tom Floyd (Xt, 2005) at tfloyd@winkworth.co.uk

India Deakin (W, 2019) won The Renny Award at the Annual Rackets Awards 2019/20

Rifle Shooting

The Rifle Shooting squad takes part in the Bisley Schools Veterans Competition, which we hope will be able to go ahead in 2021. We don’t practice throughout the year but have a strong squad, which is open to all members of the Cheltonian Society. If you are interested in joining, please email Ed Compton (Xt, 1999) at info@bisleyhomeservices.co.uk

Rowing

We are keen to relaunch the Caterpillar Club which will be based at the Boat House in Tewkesbury and will have the full support of the College Boat Club. A framework is currently being established. The Caterpillar Club will be open to all members of the Cheltonian Society and if you would be interested in joining, please email John Barter (OJ & NH, 1989 and current parent) at john@barter.uk.net

Sailing

The Sailing (or Yacht) Club’s main event each year is the Arrow Trophy, a great two-day event on the Solent where up to 25 independent schools test each other’s sailing skills on board standard charter yachts. A typical first day may see up to seven short Upwind/Downwind races followed by a nice dinner in Cowes. On the second day the aim is to improve the results achieved on the first day with some very competitive sailing. All levels of experience are eligible; it’s the taking part that matters!

Are you in the rail for the 2021 edition of the Arrow Trophy? If you are interested, please contact Paul Koch (H, 1984) at p.koch725@gmail.com

Sailing Club racing for the Arrow Trophy, 2018

Photo by Michelle Littleboy

Squash

Squash in 2020 has, I’m afraid to report, been a complete write off. The Londonderry Cup was initially postponed back in March just as it was reaching the culmination and subsequently cancelled for the year. We are very much hoping that the competition and squash will be back on in 2021.

We are always looking for new ‘younger’ squash players, so please do get in touch if you would like to get involved. For details, please contact Angus Baillie (OJ & L, 1994) at angus.baillie@me.com