Rex Booth discusses his three Gold medals at the European Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships.
Hampton’s elite set of coaches reveal the best advice that they have received to HSC.
EDITORS' NOTE
In a year of Gold medals, international call-ups and all-round sporting success, HSC continues to report on the highlights of Hampton sport.
This year has seen HSC burst onto a more international stage. Indeed in September, who would have thought we would be writing about rugby giants like Duhan Van Der Merwe or Premier League managers like Marco Silva, but thanks to the incredible successes of alumni Louis Lynagh and Joshua King, here we are.
Closer to home, it has been yet another outstanding year for Hampton sport. Specialist sports have burst into the spotlight, with the growing popularity of basketball, badminton, and table tennis being manifested through a diverse plethora of reports on the HSC website. We would recommend Ben Wisniacki’s summary of these sports (page 17), as well as Rishi Vijayan’s report on his basketball fixture (page 31), both of which epitomise the energy and creativity of our writers.
Theo Payne evaluates the current state of play in cricket, including the growing impact of “Bazball” and franchise cricket.
First XV captain, Finlay Wiseman, talks to Isaac Tarragano about his rugby career with Hampton and London Irish.
A medley of some of the best reports of sports fixtures from the 2023-24 season.
On an individual basis, Hamptonians have found success in all corners of the sporting world, from rowing to acrobatic gymnastics and decathlon. We would recommend pieces on Kieran Bouwmeester-Reid’s rise to success in athletics (page 8), as well as Harry Oliver’s recent call-up to the GB rowing squad for the International Junior Regatta in Germany (page 11).
In a year of many firsts for HSC, we have also ventured into the world of go-karting. Caesar Chen captured the thrill of the race with his report on page 29. Given the recent successes of young British drivers in Formula 1, such as Lando Norris, maybe we will be seeing our first Hamptonian at the top of the Drivers’ Championship in years to come.
As always, this year’s HSC would not have been possible without the tireless work of Dr Colvine in bringing the magazine to life. Mr Sharkey handed over the baton to Mr Baker as HSC supervisor, with both teachers being fantastic to work with. Most importantly, we would like to thank all the writers for their superb articles across the sporting year.
HSC writers, 2023-24:
Rayan Albayatti
Alex Barkus
Caesar Chen
Arun Crowe
James Eggleton
Ben Hawkins
Charlie Helm
Sam Ho
Josh Hood
Rey Jaiswal
Harry Morris
Patrick Moroney
Will Olsen
Ishan Patel
Theo Payne
Alex Pheasant
Vishal Saha
Ollie Scrimshaw
Tom Scrimshaw
Isaac Tarragano
Rishi Vijayan
Alex Watson Ben Wisniacki
ÖMER DEMIRAL AND HARRY MCLUSKY
From the First XV at Hampton to representing Italy in the Six Nations, find out more about Louis Lynagh OH (2019) and his star-studded rugby career on page 12.
LYNAGH DUTY
GOLD RUSH
HSC co-editor Harry McLusky talks to Upper Sixth Hamptonian and GB Gymnast Rex Booth about representing his country
and winning three Gold medals on the international stage.
Upper Sixth Hamptonian Rex Booth is no stranger to success. Ever since he tagged along to one of his sister’s training sessions, aged just eight, his acrobatic gymnastics career has been nothing short of elite, culminating in his recent performance in Bulgaria in October.
Booth’s career started in the completely different discipline of tumbling. The physically challenging somersaults, twists, and flips set the foundations for his gymnastics future, supporting the development of the necessary stamina, creativity, and core strength that are vital for acrobatic gymnastics. Booth described the transition to acrobatic gymnastics as relatively spontaneous, as an initial trial led to his call-up to Richmond Gymnastics Association’s acrobatic squad. Driven by his "desire to win and be involved in a top-level sport," Booth’s first international challenge came in 2019, representing GB at the European Championships in Israel.
Coming into the tournament as the least experienced in his group, nerves were understandably high. Nonetheless, his 11-16 Men’s Four won Silver, catalysing Booth’s passion for the sport. His role as one of the ‘middles’ in the performances requires both mental and physical strength. Not only does Booth have to
precariously balance on the ‘base’, but he also has to simultaneously push and balance the ‘top’ with his hands. This colossal demand of both rehearsal and fitness requires huge sacrifices in Booth’s life. As well as studying for A Levels, playing football for the Second XI and swimming at a high level, he has to manage 20 hours of training per week, a number which only intensifies in the build-up to competitions.
The driving force of Rex’s success is his clear desire to win. He says “since Silver in 2019, I’ve always wanted to win Golds at the highest levels,” showing his mentality to overcome disappointment and convert it into victory.
This was manifested after slightly disappointing results in Italy in 2021 and Azerbaijan in 2022, although the long-term international experience gained from these competitions arguably outweighed the need to win in the short term. For Rex, “it’s about proving and redeeming yourself.” And that is exactly what he did. Months of training prepared him for five three-minute performances over five days at the Palace of Sports and Culture in Bulgaria. Booth and his team would be performing in three different disciplines of acrobatic gymnastics: a fast-paced ‘dynamic’ routine, with daring flips and jumps; a ‘balance’ routine requiring poise
and strength vital to create pyramids and lifts; and the all-round discipline – a mix of the two.
There was tangible confidence in Team GB – training performances had been solid, and the team had a real chance of success. This confidence was immediately transferred into the qualifying round in the balance category. Booth’s team topped qualifying comfortably. Their balance final was choreographed to the iconic The Time Warp from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Booth expertly executed the routine he had trained for in the months leading up to the European Championships. Despite the obvious pressure, the team performed a breathtaking series of pyramidal constructions to near perfection, receiving an excellent score, despite a points penalty; this was enough to beat Portugal to win the first Gold of the week. An incredible start.
Qualification for the dynamic final was not plain sailing, as the judges gave Portugal the win by just 0.150 points. Despite their thirst for redemption, the team would have to perform in the all-round final first. The final was a tight affair between GB and Portugal; however, his team prevailed yet again. A second Gold for Booth, who was "extremely pleased with another clean performance" and "thrilled with an all-round Gold."
There was still one more challenge to overcome. In the dynamic qualification rounds, Portugal again scored higher than GB. Whilst a clean sweep would be brilliant, this final would be their toughest yet, with Booth’s team needing an incredible turnaround to come out on top. In anticipation, Booth said that the team "could only focus on ourselves and the controllables. We must trust in ourselves and our own ability to win." Portugal went first, posting a score of 27.500 points – the lowest they’d achieved so far in the tournament –immediately giving GB a shot at Gold.
For their final showpiece, the team performed to the lively tune of Born to Hand Jive from Grease. Exerting their last gasps of energy and athleticism, the team looked to justify their hours of training in preparation for this performance. They were determined to win their third Gold by impressing the judges with their unique arrangement of flips and twists, and claim a clean sweep at the European Championships. As the music drew to a close, Booth and his team waited with bated breath – their fate in the hands of the 20 judges. At last, the result came in – they’d scored 27.700 points, beating Portugal by 0.200 points and earning their third Gold of the Championships.
Booth was thrilled: "Amazing, pure joy, happiness and a sense of relief obviously. For me, this is my most special Gold, especially after coming back from the qualifiers." The result also brought to a close the event as a whole for Booth and his team.
Five days, three competitions, three Gold medals. An outstanding achievement to say the least.
What does the future hold? Only time will tell.
Currently, acrobatic gymnastics is unfortunately not part of the Olympics; however, Booth certainly has the potential to go far in the sport. Securing a 100% success rate at a European Championships is a rarely matched feat, and it not only emphasises a bright future for Booth, but also British Gymnastics as a whole.
GRASSROOTS OF FOOTBALL
Alex Barkus and Alex Pheasant find out what goes on behind the scenes as a groundskeeper when they catch up with Hamptonian Alec Hamilton.
The spotlight in football shines on star players in spectacular matches; however, a group of unsung heroes work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the games go ahead – the groundskeepers. We had the opportunity to talk to Alec Hamilton, who volunteers for League Two club AFC Wimbledon. He gave us an insight into what really happens on the pitch in the build-up to a game, the ups and downs, and most of all, the importance of the job that takes place with no one watching.
Hamilton revealed that when he first signed up, it was for a volunteering day on their training ground in New Malden, in the summer of 2021. "It sounded like fun," he says, "giving back to the community was a massive part of it." After a couple more training sessions at the club, they offered him a job, commenting on how much of a hard worker he was. With his love for the sport, Hamilton knew it was an opportunity he could not pass up.
Preserving a football pitch has its challenges. In big Premier League clubs, "There are basically staff for every millimetre of the pitch," he explained. Arriving about three hours before kick-off for a home game, Hamilton gets straight to work, from fixing an advertising board to putting the kit out. With a regular workforce of three, "a quick turnaround is needed for the best possible match conditions."
On match days, Hamilton arrives up to three hours before kick-off. Luke Bowden, Head Groundskeeper at AFC Wimbledon, assigns his jobs. Picking up everything he needs for the day, and checking everything is in stock, the mowers are charged and the paint is prepared. After that, Hamilton starts picking up the litter and does basic maintenance jobs such as sweeping and bagging leaves.
He says, "you might give a quick trim to the grass on the pitch or check that the paint around the edge is nice and tidy – maybe even paint it orange if it were snowing."
About an hour from kick-off, Hamilton will make the finishing touches. Whether it’s fixing a drooping goal net or putting out the kit for the players, the time pressure is on. He will roll out the training goals for the respective ‘keepers to warm up. Setting up the sprinklers is crucial to maintaining the pitch, "and an opportunity to spray the away players if they get too close," Hamilton tells us with a grin. The whistle blows, and the first half is underway. At half time, Hamilton will roll the goals back out in case any substitutes need to warm up. Once the final whistle blows, he puts the corner flags away, and repairs anything that might have got damaged in the match; then it’s done.
"The pressure is very real," Hamilton admits, "with 9,000 people expecting us and the team to put on a show… you can’t stand around doing nothing for even a second." He now understands every time he goes to a Tottenham game, the club he supports, what the groundsmen do to ensure the pitch is in perfect condition.
As our conversation draws to a close, Hamilton underlines the point of always helping in your community and how it’s such an excellent opportunity to meet new people, experience exciting events and support great causes. Connecting to your community can make a real difference, and he encourages everyone to try something new. It’s clear to us that Hamilton has a real passion for his job at AFC Wimbledon, and the next time you watch a lower-level side play, remember all the hard work and effort that has gone into making the pitch look pristine.
MOBBS-SMITH MASTERCLASS
Every rugby-playing Hamptonian knows the name of coach
Mr David Mobbs-Smith. First XV star and HSC writer Joe Cornell
meets the man himself.
A name synonymous with Hampton Rugby, Mr David Mobbs-Smith, has been a mainstay of the rugby programme for longer than any of us can remember. His expert coaching and tactical knowledge have benefitted all rugby players at the School, but who really is he?
When asked how he first moved into rugby, he tells us how he “fell in love with the game growing up”, playing as a utility back at primary school. Yet, his route into coaching was certainly unorthodox: “Originally I started coaching other sports such as swimming and volleyball, but I started coaching some talented players in a school club, and ended up working at Saracens.”
Things progressed naturally, and Mobbs-Smith has now coached some of the best teams in the area ranging from Richmond Women to becoming Director of Rugby at Maidenhead Rugby Club and then further afield, as Head Coach of Sweden Women’s 7s. His favourite role though is coaching an invitational 7s side, called the Ramblin’ Jesters: “it is my highest level of coaching, with numerous internationals and household names all coming together.” Showing the true pedigree of the Jesters, players such as Irish Sevens Legend Jordan Conroy and 40 cap Wales international Sonny Parker, have been coached by Mobbs-Smith; yet, the most famous player, in his own words, he has coached is Love Island star Greg O’Shea, “famous for non-rugby reasons!”
Having coached all around the world, Mobbs-Smith still makes time for Hamptonians, and having been here since 2010, he has his fair share of memories. From winning the Surrey 7s in 2017 to beating a Saracens Academy side at the Rosslyn Park National 7s, containing the likes of Nick Tompkins and Ben
Earl, Mobbs-Smith has had his fair share of coaching triumphs. Yet the one he holds closest to his heart wasn’t even a victory: “The most magical moment, though, is nothing about winning. I was with the U13s at Berkhamsted 7s, and we were playing Kirkham Grammar. We go in at half time and they were battering us. This little lad is standing there - and this shows the standard and intelligence of Hampton Rugby - and I told him to play as a dummy carrier, without any coaching at all, and he performed brilliantly. We ended up only losing 4-3, after being three tries down.”
There have been some outstanding rugby players that he's coached at Hampton, including Louis Lynagh and Gwilym Bradley. But what makes these great players stand out from the good ones? MobbsSmith believes it is decision-making and time on the ball: “You may be smaller than the big academy player, who may be superior, at deadlifting etc; but, on the pitch. it levels out with brilliant decisionmaking.” He cites Jonny Wilkinson, who is arguably England’s greatest ever player, as an example: “Wilkinson’s brother also played ten and was bigger than him, but his decision-making really made him standout.”
Many younger rugby players may be wondering how they can develop their decision-making; MobbsSmith’s advice is to spend as much time with a ball in your hands as possible, and to take part in the small, sided games you play in training, “make decisionmaking second nature.”
David Mobbs-Smith is a Hampton Rugby legend, who has shaped the careers of so many incredible players, and those who we still see at the top of their game, and he shows no sign of slowing down!
DOMINATING DECATHLON
Ranked the number one U20 decathlete in the UK, it would be an understatement to say that Upper Sixth Hamptonian Kieran Bouwmeester-Reid has achieved colossal success in his athletics career so far. HSC co-editor Ömer Demiral catches up with Kieran on his journey so far.
Nestled within the historic and prestigious halls of Hampton School, a new chapter of athletic excellence is being written by Kieran Bouwmeester-Reid, a name becoming evermore synonymous with determination, versatility, and burgeoning success in the demanding world of multi-event athletics. Reflecting on his transformative journey, Kieran states, "I started decathlon back when I was a high jumper," embodying the School's ethos of embracing change and striving for excellence.
Much like Hampton's contemporary prodigal sporting talents such as Josh King, Louis Lynagh, and Rex Booth, Kieran is navigating his unique path, challenging the limits of his physical and mental stamina through the gruelling multievent format of combined event athletics. He was initially an exceptionally talented high jumper; he had even broken the School and borough records with his outstanding 1.83m result. However, Kieran admits that throughout the years, due to physical factors outside his control, his future in the high jump was never going to fulfil his ambitious dreams of representing Great Britain on the global stage.
His early realisation of the physical limitations within high jump spurred a strategic pivot, steering him towards the multifaceted challenges of the decathlon under the guidance of his insightful coaches. This shift was not merely
a change in discipline but a complete overhaul in Kieran's approach to athletics, demanding a significant uptick in his work ethic and a refined training strategy.
Adversity, in the form of injuries, has been an inevitable chapter in Kieran's journey, challenging not just his physical capabilities but also his mental strength. Yet, through these trials, his resilience emerges most prominently, embodying his relentless spirit and perseverance. Discussing the psychological and physical toll of injuries, Kieran admits, "Injuries are hard, especially when you're my age, because you're growing and you don't really know your full capabilities." His ability to maintain focus and passion, despite setbacks, resonates deeply with the ethos of a modern athlete, especially one striving for success in arguably one of the most demanding forms of athletics.
The essence of Kieran’s story – much like most athletes throughout Hampton’s history –transcends athletic prowess, delving into the nuanced balance between rigorous sports training and academic commitments, a duality that he navigates with commendable determination. It is never easy to keep up with schoolwork when there is such a huge commitment in your life such as Kieran’s, but his explanation of this balance highlights the symbiotic relationship between physical activity and intellectual growth. “I found that doing the
sport does have a quite positive impact on my academics,” Kieran shared, joking that academics are “just another event amongst all the others,” that he rigorously trains for.
Kieran has enjoyed a remarkable few years on the athletics circuit, culminating in first place in the U20 Kent Combined Events Championships, his first Senior Decathlon competition. The event involves two days of gruelling competition, with day one comprising the 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump and 400m, concluding on day two when the athletes compete in the 110m hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and finishing with a challenging 1500m race.
In the summer of 2023, Kieran also achieved national selection for the shot put in the English Schools' Track and Field Championships, and in 2022 won a team Silver medal representing Middlesex at the English Schools' Athletic Association (ESAA) Combined Events Championships Athletics Finals. This is a major sporting event and great recognition of his potential as a senior athlete.
The Hamptonian also competed in the England Athletics Senior & U20 Combined Event Championships in early 2024, with his ultimate goal being to compete in the European Athletics U20 Championships in Finland in 2025. Kieran is also focusing on his A Levels and hopes to receive an athletics scholarship to enable him to study at a top college in the USA. "I'm aiming for that, and I'm putting in a lot of work," he says with a
blend of optimism and realism, embodying the aspirations of many young, emerging athletes around the world.
Central to Kieran's success is an unwavering commitment to recovery, sleep, and diet, aspects of his regimen that continue to evolve in line with his growing understanding of their importance. "The main thing is eating and hydrating… just constantly eating will keep you fully fuelled," he notes, highlighting the indispensable role of nutrition and rest in achieving peak athletic performance. Whilst he did admit that diet might have been his one weak point and certainly an aspect of his preparation that he needs to improve on, it is necessary, perhaps, to remember that Kieran is human – as hard as that might be to believe.
Kieran's journey from novice high jumper to multi-event athlete is testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and support. His story inspires others to pursue their passions with equal enthusiasm. As Hamptonians watch his ascent, there is a collective sense of pride. Kieran stands out as a symbol of the modern Hamptonian athlete: disciplined, versatile, and striving for excellence. His aspirations stretch towards the sky, promising a future filled with achievements and contributions to the School's legacy. As he vaults over hurdles, throws the javelin, and sprints towards new challenges, Kieran is an inspiring beacon of dedication, showcasing the importance of balance and the power of resilience.
BY TOM SCRIMSHAW
COACHING TOP TIPS
Tom Scrimshaw asks Hampton's coaches what the most valuable pieces of advice, motivation or guidance they would give to Hamptonians.
Mr Burke
The footballing career of Mr Burke, Director of Football, is one of prestige and success despite curveballs thrown along the way. At school, he played for Brighton & Hove Albion youth team before joining non-league side Lewes FC. He explains how he “decided I wanted to become a professional football coach” and had been advised by his coach at Lewes FC to take his FA coaching qualification alongside training as a PE teacher. This turned out to be “excellent advice” as Mr Burke became a coach in the professional game with roles at Brighton, Derby, Fulham and Southampton. His advice to Hamptonians: “Work hard at everything you do. If you work hard, you normally get what you deserve.”
Mr Sims
Having been a Hamptonian himself, Mr Sims is no stranger to Hampton sport. As coach of the U14C team, he has enjoyed a successful campaign, winning the majority of their fixtures this year, no doubt a result of his expert mentorship and guidance. The best piece of advice that he would give: “Enjoy sport as much as possible and take every opportunity you can. I was once told as a young Hamptonian that sport at Hampton would be the best I would ever experience. It is incredibly well-organised, on fantastic facilities, and you’re playing with your childhood mates – it doesn’t get any better than that.”
Mr Cumberbatch
As a former Second XI and current U15C coach, Mr Cumberbatch tells HSC that the best piece of sporting advice he has been given was “control the controllables, be accountable, and be a student of the game.” He continues, “doing this will always have you thinking about what’s next habitually,” meaning that you are “always ahead of your opponent,” before remembering “to enjoy it because the work that you have put in to do the above will fuel positive results and long-term development.” Perhaps these non-negotiables, passed on to Hampton teams over the years by Mr Cumberbatch, are a factor in so much of the success experienced by his teams to date.
Mr Hooper, Head of Specialist Sports and coach of the U14A football team, explains that his father, who was a professional sportsman, said: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” This message proved pivotal when facing adversity and is certainly one the U14A team used under the guidance of Mr Hooper, driving their ESFA Cup and County Cup campaigns, reaching the round of 16 and semi-finals, respectively. Another important message that Mr Hooper received during his sporting career was from his cricket coach at university for the Oxford MCCU academy: “Losers make excuses, winners find the solution.” This proved important when dealing with troubles in a sporting and life environment, pushing Mr Hooper to “be the one to look for a way to resolve the difficulty or rectify the problem rather than be the one who sits and makes excuses for your failings and shortcomings.”
Mr Hooper
BY PATRICK MORONEY
ROWING FOR GOLD
HSC writer Patrick Moroney talks to GB rower Harry Oliver about his success at the Munich International Regatta.
Hampton has a superb rowing heritage, and Lower Sixth pupil Harry Oliver is one of the distinguished group of Hamptonians who has represented GB. The rower was in the U19 squad at the Munich International Regatta, winning two Gold medals, alongside George Buckingham. Harry talked to me about the gruelling selection process and the regatta itself.
Harry progressed through an impressive array of testing over the year, including highly competitive seat racing. With rowers from across the country competing for selection, and only 14 getting the chance to represent GB, the process was highly competitive. Harry commented “it’s such a highperformance environment and everyone is so good, you really don’t know where you stand at first”; but, following initial success, he observed how “you can’t get complacent,” and knew he had to keep going. Harry and his fellow trialists were told very little about where they stood in the group until the end of five days of seat racing in the Easter holidays.
This did not come without its setbacks; Harry recounted how he bounced back from disappointment in the trialling process. After having been matched with a triallist from another school, they raced a time trial in which he was predicted to finish fourth, but they came third last. He was now in the bottom half of the 30 remaining triallists. The belief that he was better than this performance kept him going, as he won his following seat races to climb back up. Harry said “having to fight for your international vest and knowing you’ve messed it up a little bit, it’s really good to learn from.”
Going to Munich after he secured his seat was “one of the best experiences in my life.”
Competing against athletes from other European countries who had gone through a similar selection process, Harry said that he “just wanted to win” to “make the people who selected you proud” and show that they had made the right decision to choose him. Munich was for him “the highest performance environment [he] had ever experienced.”
Spending time with famous athletes such as the European and World Champion in the single (1x) German Oliver Zeidler.
Reflecting on what Munich meant after missing the annual GB vs France regatta last year (a regatta at U16 level) through injury. “Munich was the day I never thought would come. Having gone through that summer with a broken wrist, not being able to train at all, to bounce back and do that, I never thought that would happen for me.”
Harry’s story is one that is truly inspiring and proves that hard work and resilience can propel you to extraordinary success. Two international Gold medals for GB, in the eight (8+) and the pair (2-), is an amazing achievement. He will now be looking forward to this year’s Henley Royal Regatta on the back of a great performance at the National Schools’ Regatta. We look forward to the prospect of following Harry’s future rowing successes starting with him retaining his seat and competing at the U19 Junior World Championships in Canada in August.
WHISTLEBLOWER: REFEREE SAM GOVIER
James Eggleton interviews Lower Sixth Hamptonian and FA-licensed referee Sam Govier about how he began his journey, the challenges he has faced, and his advice to aspiring referees.
Hampton School has an illustrious history of producing superb footballers, its history filled with cup success and professional alumni. Across the world, footballers are admired as heroes, icons, and legends. On the other hand, referees are often viewed as villains in the footballing world, with players, pundits and managers criticising and doubting officials. But ultimately, they play an essential and noble role in our beloved game. To discover more about referees and their experiences in the footballing industry, I spoke to Lower Sixth referee Sam Govier.
Govier’s footballing inspiration had always differed from others even at a young age. "It sounds a bit cliché," he says, "but refereeing was something I always wanted to do; whilst everybody else was getting the Spurs shirt, the Arsenal shirt or the Liverpool shirt, I was asking for the referee kit." His eyes were opened to the refereeing pathway as a young player. "I remember when I was seven or eight, we bumped into a referee in the car park, and my Mum said to the him ‘how old do you have to
be to start?’" When he replied, ‘14’, in my mind it was always "right when I turn 14, I am going to qualify to be a referee. It always appealed to me to be the one that enabled the game to take place, and I absolutely love it."
Having seen the game from both perspectives – as a player and as a referee – he was able to provide me with a useful insight into just how different the experience of a game could be when officiating: "It differs massively. You see the game from a completely different perspective; because you are looking at it from a completely impartial standpoint, you can look at the game much more objectively. As a player you are analysing what you can do, but as a referee you need to know exactly where the ball will go and what you expect to happen."
These are called ‘drop-zones’ and Govier’s description of this analysis helps one appreciate the difficulty of a referee's task and the focus they must maintain throughout the 90-minutes.
"Refereeing has also taught me a lot about teamwork and leadership," he adds. "I now often go out in teams of three or four with assistants and 4th Officials, so I have to balance how I work with my team. With a team of officials, the ‘prematch’ – when the instructions for the game are shared among the officials – is crucial. These are all really transferrable skills that I have learnt, and I am still learning more with every game, which is why I would recommend getting into refereeing to anyone who is interested."
With refereeing being one of the most scrutinised professions in the sporting world, Sam must cope with lots of pressure and stress. "For me, when I am out in the middle, I can deal with the pressure well, in the moment I detach from everything else and wholly focus on the game before me, that release from the other stresses in life is brilliant."
However, despite Sam’s thorough enjoyment of refereeing, abuse is an unfortunate reality. Last year, the FA published a study warning of the decline of grassroots referees, which was mostly a result of the abuse suffered by officials.
"I don’t think that it would be fair to say that abuse towards officials started in the last few years, but certainly as it gets worse, the idea of sportsmanship is being very much lost. On a practical level, it is also very much a threat, younger referees are not going to carry on refereeing and new referees are not going to sign up."
"As older referees give up, either they retire or lessen their commitment; you will be looking for a new generation of referees who just are not going to be there, if the abuse carries on at the current rate, we will be in a very difficult situation."
Although Sam does often get abuse, he finds that he handles it well. "I will always come back and referee because I do not want to let these people put me off; but this certainly is not the case for everyone, some referees will get abuse, go away, and never come back, and that is not because they are not strong enough but because the level of abuse directed towards them is damaging and hurtful."
Sam, like many others in the footballing industry, is not satisfied that this level of abuse is allowed to carry on. "I am part of a committee that looks to see how we can implement new things to combat this, there are always trials taking place regarding this: blue cards, armbands that say ‘I am under 18’, body-cams. Yet, for a true solution, I think there will have to be a huge culture shift in football and given the ingrained nature of ‘dissent’, I struggle to see a big change coming."
Sam also had some insightful comments about the incredibly controversial VAR system widely implemented across the top leagues around the globe. "I think it is an incredibly difficult topic, I think it does undermine referees’ authority, which is not the intended effect, but I believe it is the reception to VAR which has that effect. Fundamentally, the goal of VAR is to try and get as many decisions as we can correct and that does not undermine referees. Whilst I believe that given time VAR will be a force for good, people will have to be patient; it has got lots of problems," he stated.
Despite the plethora of problems in football with the treatment of referees, Sam is keen to encourage others to give it a go. "I would 100% recommend refereeing to others. If you like football, especially if playing is not necessarily your thing, but you have a passion for the game, contact your local FA or football club and give it a go. Sign up for a course; if it is not for you then there is no commitment to do it, but, like I found, it may be something you love!"
For those who have taken refereeing up, Sam’s final advice is simple: "Use your whistle and use your voice, those are your best weapons and use them both."
From his own experiences, Sam would encourage any aspiring referees to give it a go; the rewarding nature of being able to conduct the ‘beautiful game’, the challenges it poses and the confidence it can create are among a long list of reasons for Sam’s intense passion for the profession.
U14A GLORY AT PRESTIGIOUS HALE END TOURNAMENT
Hampton's U14A footballers impressed in the prestigious Arsenal Academy Invitational Tournament winning all their matches. U14A midfielder Tom Scrimshaw tells us more.
Whilst it would be an understatement to call the Hampton U14A team’s season anything short of brilliant, the Arsenal Academy Invitational Tournament provided the perfect opportunity for the team to bow out for the summer in style, whilst also picking up their first piece of silverware of the season.
On a mild but gusty spring morning, the U14 team set off across London to Hale End - the venue for the highly anticipated tournament. The round-robin format involved matches of 25 minutes and the team knew that they had it in them to play their usual attractive brand of football in all five of their matches.
Game 1 vs UCS Hampstead
Up first for Hampton was UCS Hampstead; and the black and yellows were fired up for a massive first game. Despite the opposition’s confidence, Hampton dominated possession from the off, moving the ball quickly along the state-of-the-art 3G pitches. After a handful of half chances cropped up for Hampton, UCS Hampstead’s only meaningful chance whistled just wide of the post. Hampton dug deep and in the dying seconds of the match, their midfield gathered the ball and switched it out wide to Ben Whiteley on the left wing.
With only a few touches needed, Whiteley expertly cut inside and buried a shot into the
bottom corner, just before the final whistle, to give Hampton a precious win and momentum as they headed into their second game.
Game 2 vs Reading
Next up was Reading Blue Coat, who Hampton had beaten comfortably earlier in the season. Hampton approached the game with confidence but were aware that the opposition would most definitely come out fighting.
With the substitutes who sat out the first match ready and raring to make an impact, the game started with a lively tempo as both teams battled to gain possession. After Hampton fought hard to regain the ball, a string of intricate passes by the team resulted in the ball being fed to Ned Leonard, who was set through on goal. With a composed touch, Leonard gave Hampton a well-deserved lead. The pressure lifted and, despite a few attempts by the opposition to claw themselves back into the game, Hampton pulled through for their second win of the tournament; this saw them rise to the top of the table.
Game 3 vs Buckswood
Looking to maintain their fine form, Hampton next faced Buckswood, who had also enjoyed a strong start to the tournament.
FOOTBALL
After a nervy opening from Hampton, Buckswood capitalised on some sloppy defending from Hampton and grabbed the first goal of the game with a thunderbolt of a strike into the roof of the net.
Things went from bad to worse for Hampton, as another break gave Buckswood a 2-0 advantage. Despite the setback, Hampton dug deep and Oliver Khaksar grabbed a goal back with a brilliant strike past the helpless ‘keeper. This sparked a hidden fire inside Hampton; well worked attack brought with it an equaliser at the back post from Tolu Idowu, shortly followed by a third Hampton goal from Khaksar in a flurry of footballing flair.
With Hampton now leading, the momentum was with them. In the final minutes, Hampton pressed up the pitch and the ball fell to the feet of Whitely who calmly slotted the ball into the Buckswood net to secure Hampton’s comeback victory, coming from two goals down to win 4-2.
Game 4 vs Royal Russell
With Hampton now sitting at the top of the leaderboard, focus shifted to the penultimate fixture against Royal Russell School. Despite having won their first three games, Hampton were not complacent as they were aware of the threat that Royal Russell posed to their winning streak.
Despite a slow start, Hampton looked the better side thanks to their desire to win the ball and urge to attack. A chance came midway through the game as striker Khaksar used his body to first collect the ball and then sprint through on goal. With a powerful finish, he struck the ball into the back of the net to give Hampton the lead.
However, Royal Russell were determined to get back in the game; possession swung their way, providing them with opportunities on goal, none of which tested the Hampton ‘keeper. Despite the late pressure, Hampton stood strong and held on to the victory, putting themselves in a great place heading into the final game.
Game 5 vs Rossall
The final match against Rossall School was a must-win as both teams were level on points having won all their games. With Rossall holding the advantage on goal difference, Hampton knew that the opposition needed only a draw to win the tournament, whilst only a Hampton win would result in the trophy heading back to Hanworth Road. The stage was set. Hampton knew that this was their most important game this season and
could feel the trophy within their grasp.
As the game kicked off, both teams flew into challenges, seeking any advantage over the opposition. As Hampton gathered the ball in midfield, play was threaded through to Khaksar, who was brought down illegally in the penalty area to give Hampton the chance to lead from the spot. Alex Pollock stepped up, striking the ball against the bar, keeping the game goalless.
However, Hampton didn’t let their spirits drop and pressed on, eager to win back the ball. As a result, Hampton once again won a foul in the box to win another penalty. Pollock bravely stepped up once again; taking the responsibility amazingly well and slotting the ball home to give Hampton a 1-0 lead. With passion and desire, Hampton held on in the dying seconds as Rossall School brought everyone forward for their last attack. As the ball was thumped clear, the final whistle blew, crowning Hampton’s U14A team as the Arsenal Academy Invitational Tournament champions.
As Hampton lifted the trophy and celebrated their achievement, everyone reflected on the perfect end to an unbelievable season for the U14A team.
SPORTING SOUNDWAVES
Fourth Year Will Olsen explores the ever-growing industry of sports podcasting, and gives us his recommendations of the best listens.
Over the years, sports podcasting has increased exponentially in popularity and is due to increase by 29% in the next seven years. This growth is in part due to continued popularity of sports but also the fact that more current and former sportsmen are joining the podcasting industry. In this article, I’ll have a look at some of the best podcasts around.
The High Performance Podcast
The High Performance Podcast has been a highlight for much of 2023, finishing second in the Best Performance & Wellbeing & Fitness section of the 2023 Sports Podcast Awards. What this means is, whatever your sport, if you’re into music or even just looking to boost your grades, this podcast will help you get the best out of yourself and life overall.
On The High Performance Podcast, they talk to world class athletes, leaders in the business world and much more. In 2023, they talked to England cricket legend, Stuart Broad, two-time Rugby World Cup winning captain, Siya Kolisi, and Gareth Southgate. They discuss what high performance means to the athlete and how we can all relate to them to improve our personal performance, whatever that may be in. The breadth of people they talk to is brilliant for opening your mind and considering other sports and professions. I love this podcast and think it has hugely boosted my performance on the sports pitch and my general outlook on life.
The Totally Football Show
The Totally Football Show came first in 2023’s Football Podcast of the Year at the Sports Group Podcast Awards. Twice a week, James Richardson and his team talk about recent football news. Richardson expertly discusses FA Cup controversy, Premier League highlights and much more. A personal highlight was Tom Williams, who brought a unique twist on the football world. He frequently changes his guests who each bring their own brilliant views on the footballing world. Now I am not the biggest football fan - don’t hold it against me - but I love to listen to Richardson and his guests;
so, even if you don’t watch every football game, it’s a great podcast to keep you up to date with all the highlights and what to look out for next.
The Rugby Pod
The Rugby Pod is a brilliant podcast that discusses the most recent rugby news and events.
The hosts Andy Goode, Jim Hamilton, and Andy Rowe, all rugby icons of their time, are brilliant at taking you through all things rugby and making you laugh. The hosts are great to listen to and they are brilliant at capturing all audiences.
They discuss current tournaments, regularly consider the best moments of the week and get amazing greats of the game onto the pod. A personal highlight was Courtney Lawes, the England rugby legend who discussed career highlights and his Six Nations predictions.
They also talked to World Cup winning Springbok, Jean Kleyn who talked about his incredible journey to the top of world rugby.
Other Great Podcasts
But it doesn’t stop there. For The Love of Rugby, hosted by legendary England rugby players Dan Cole and Ben Youngs, discusses all things rugby. Furthermore, That Peter Crouch Podcast has just started its new season where the England football legend talks about what he makes of the football world while making you laugh.
There is much to look forward to in the sports podcast world, so get listening!
SERVING UP SPECIALIST SPORTS
HSC writer Ben Wisniacki explores the world of specialist sports on offer at Hampton.
Hampton is one of the leading schools at football, rugby, and rowing, boasting numerous titles and competition wins. However, Hamptonians are also incredibly lucky to have the facilities, teaching, and opportunity to participate in specialist sports including table tennis, badminton, basketball and even volleyball; with regional competitions and matches for all of these sports, Hampton pupils also prosper in the Sports Hall.
The rise in the numbers playing basketball highlights the dramatic increase in the popularity of specialist sports. Basketball Club was started 20 years ago by Ms Garrido-Soriano, and to have full squads from U12 to U18 is remarkable. Furthermore, basketball players benefit from an external coach, helping improve technical skills and understand the tactics of the game.
Hampton’s outdoor basketball court, which was once mostly disused, is now rarely without pupils playing – even before school starts! Having seen alumni featuring in national and international sport, such as Louis Lynagh at Quins and Josh King at Fulham FC, could we maybe see the NBA’s first Hamptonian in the future?
Table tennis has also been a success and is a further example of the growth of specialist sports. Table tennis at lunchtimes often has more than ten tables featuring both friendly and fiery matches. Hamptonians are also extremely lucky to have an external coach who comes most lunchtimes as well as Monday’s evening squad session to help pupils learn the specialised skills needed to become a top player.
A key aspect of table tennis is the importance of spinning the ball; top spin and back spin are essential for attacking and defensive play. Doubles play is another unique aspect of the game as players are required to alternate shots. For this, communication is key to prevent collisions as players swap in and out of the playing space!
Badminton Club is also popular and pupils have plenty of opportunities to play, not only to develop their skills but also to enjoy the game. For many Hamptonians, including myself, a PE lesson in First Year is the first opportunity to hold a badminton racket. Yet, as pupils progress through the years, the improvement has been exponential at every level.
The common assumption is that badminton is essentially tennis with a shuttlecock: a smaller court and a smaller racket. Whilst there are elements of badminton that are similar, overall, it’s an entirely different sport. Footwork must be sharper and players need quicker reactions – which is hard to believe given how fast tennis is! Positioning is constantly changing from a defensive (side-by-side) play to an attacking (front and back) one. Pupils are able to learn how the game works, one which many knew so little about when they first started at Hampton.
Head of Specialist Sports at Hampton, Mr Hooper, observed that “specialist sports are introduced to Hamptonians in their practical PE lessons, and the engagement and enjoyment is clear to see. Lunchtime clubs are a chance to have a game with your friends or get tips from our experienced coaches. Specialist sports have an important place in Hampton life, mixing pupils that have not spent time together in teams, practices, or even just a casual game at lunchtime. They offer transferable skills that can be used in other sporting endeavours, or, for those not representing Hampton in the major sports, this may be their route to playing against other teams – and even winning tournaments.”
The importance of specialist sports at Hampton is difficult to understate. They offer the opportunity to improve fitness, play competitive sport, and improve sport specific skills, as well as offering pupils the opportunity to enjoy relaxed game play during a busy school term. A wonderful respite from essays and maths equations!
TIMED OUT: THE FUTURE OF TEST CRICKET
First Year Hamptonian Theo Payne explores the challenges and prospects of test cricket.
I haven't always been a fan of test cricket. My first impression was of a dull game played by boring people in whites. Well, that’s how some people feel about this format; but, there's much more to test cricket than that. Yet, could test cricket disappear in 20 years?
We are going through a time of change in the cricketing world. Franchise leagues are springing up globally, offering huge financial incentives. Yes, it’s great, cricket is spreading worldwide. Places such as the UAE (the ILT20) and the US (Major League Cricket) have launched their own T20 franchises. But, as more white ball tournaments emerge, other, not so financially rewarding formats of the game, are disappearing. This is the quagmire that test cricket is falling into.
I have no doubt that the ‘big three’ (India, England and Australia) can afford to, and will continue, to play the longest format of the game for decades to come, but it is the smaller, lowerpaid nations that I am worried about. As is the case with most, if not all, sports these days, it all comes down to money.
You can’t possibly blame the players for trying to make the most out of their playing days, but by going elsewhere, they leave their respective nations with gaps to fill in their test and one-day sides.
Take South Africa, a decent cricketing nation. Yet, they are having to take seven debutantes to New Zealand due to key players’ commitment to the SA20. This decision was described by Steve Waugh as “a defining moment in the death of test cricket.” After all, it is their choice, and a logical one; yet, it creates problems for the selectors, and, as a knock-on effect, the whole of test cricket.
This is a problem shared by other test nations too. For example, the West Indies have sent an almost ‘Second XI’ to Australia, due to the absence of major players such as Jason Holder and Nicholas Pooran, who are currently competing in the ILT20 league in the UAE. This reduces the entertainment value and competitiveness of the series. However, the West Indians are paid a mere $2,500 per test match, whereas the most valuable Australians are paid up to £1,000,000, making it much more inviting.
That brings us on to the more recent dilemma of twotest series. They are hardly test match cricket at all. It doesn’t give either teams enough time to get into the series and rhythm of the test. When they begin the first test having not adapted to the conditions, it will be an embarrassing defeat. They may haul it back to draw the series 1-1, or they may still be adjusting to the time zones and conditions and the series will end 2-0. Soon the only five test series that will be left will be the Ashes and a few others crammed into a frantic 6-week window.
Central contracts are another problem. Most nations have already offered their major players contracts. But, understandably, some have refused them. The reason is simple: they want to be available for other opportunities. Yes, this does make them flexible, but it is their way of saying that they would rather play franchise cricket than play for their country in either ODI or test, and in some instances, even T20s. Despite this, central contracts can keep players committed to test cricket.
If logic prevails, it is critical for the survival of the longest format that in the future, India, England and Australia share their wealth with poorer cricketing boards such as Sri Lanka, the West Indies, or Afghanistan. This is vital for the survival of test cricket, as those nations are financially struggling and cannot sustain the rigours of test cricket. This isn’t the only solution; but, in my opinion, it is the most effective one. If nothing is done, or, as I will mention later, T20 exhausts itself, I can see test cricket dying out in the next fifty years.
But, it is not just the international game of red ball cricket that is under threat. The domestic game is also struggling. Many young, talented players such as Will Smeed have already declared themselves white ball specialists - a decision that is becoming increasingly and worryingly common.
Bazball, oh Bazball. The marvellous reinvention of the already versatile test cricket. Another branch to the pantheon of styles that have graced the game. There is the West Indies team of the 70s and 80s, there’s the Australian team of the 2000s, and then there’s Bazball. The way that Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes have reengineered England’s approach to test cricket has been astounding. The transformation from a cagey team that won only one in seventeen tests to a fearless, ultra-attacking, close-knit group has been drastic, not to mention effective. Countless times they have answered the critics by winning against all predictions and overwhelming their opponents with their ‘no fear of failure’ brand of cricket.
It turns the general concept of test cricket on its head. If this method of red ball cricket is embraced, the way in which test cricket is played could be completely transformed, and it could be seen by some as a longer form of white ball cricket. This could be what saves test cricket. Could this be the way test cricket is played in twenty years?
I was glued to the TV and spent hours listening to Test Match Special last summer. Whether it was the Ashes or the tests against Ireland, I was
CRICKET
enthralled by the extraordinary tactics used by the England test team. This display fully encapsulates the potential of test cricket. Whether it’s the final Ashes test at the history-steeped Oval, or a quiet, almost unnoticed Division Two county match at Sophia Gardens, red ball cricket has and always will be the greatest format to have ever graced the game. It would be a huge loss, and one that would change our sport forever.
But all is not lost. I believe that test cricket will not disappear in England for a long time. It could just be a dip in popularity of test cricket. Test cricket has had its ups and downs, it is just part of sport. After the heated 'bodyline' series of 1932-33, test cricket, or the Ashes at least, was balanced on a knife edge. Despite the impact of the 'bodyline' series, test cricket soon returned to its former glory.
Some of the most influential players, such as Ben Stokes and Virat Kohli, have said that test cricket is the best format and should be protected, and I believe that T20 cricket has pretty much reached its full, limited potential. It will exhaust itself. People will grow tired of the same players being recycled again and again around the world. After all, you can’t see much of what cricket has to offer in just forty overs.
Even if it's played by fewer nations, the countries that will still be playing test cricket will play it to the same high standards. Test cricket could become a closer-fought game as a result of some of the weaker nations dropping out - a change that may prove to enhance the popularity of the format.
I feel that the cricketing world doesn’t have the courage to say goodbye to the original form of the game. It has been the game of legends - such as Sir Don Bradman. It is the only format - along with ODIs - the cricketing great ever knew, and I dread to think what his view would be on the franchise twist on the modern game.
I sincerely hope that in twenty, or even fifty years’ time, eleven English and eleven Australian players in white will be striding out to the roar of the Oval crowd, with the greatest rivalry in the history of the game tied at 2-2, and the fate of the historic urn finely poised.
Test cricket has always been an integral part of the sport and it wouldn’t be the same without it. With shifting opinions on its popularity, let’s hope it stands the test of time.
PLAYING THE HAMPTON WAY
Alex Watson analyses Hampton's footballing philosophy as he talks to coaches and players about the secrets behind Hampton's recent success.
It’s not easy to summarise Hampton football. The largest participation sport, played by over 70% of new pupils, has upheld a strong and vibrant culture in Hampton life. Coaching, fixtures, and opportunities may vary between different age groups and squads, but all teams share Hampton’s overarching footballing philosophy.
"Our football philosophy?" questionned Fourth Year footballer Arun Crowe. "I’m not too sure what it is, but I’d imagine it’s just focused on having fun and always trying to improve."
Hampton’s specialised coaching programme is perfectly suited to incorporating these values into the footballing setup. Mr Fuldner, a football coach at Hampton, stressed the importance of "having that release away from being in the classroom, going out onto the fields and being able to play with your friends." Also teaching Physics at Hampton, the coach of the U16B team sees football, or any other sport, as a key part of Hampton life and a much-needed break from the academic side of things for both him and his pupils. "The relationships you form on the football pitch, you also take back into the classroom," he remarks, "and that makes a big difference."
These relationships are one of the main focal points of the Hampton footballing philosophy, with the significance of team spirit not being underestimated. Players are expected to put the needs of their teammates before their own, whilst promoting sporting values and fair play.
Unity and friendship in Hampton squads often translate into success on the pitch. A huge feature of Hampton’s tactical approach is that, when out of possession, both defence and midfield should be connected in a rigid line, with this system proving to be more successful when there is a deeper understanding in the squad, both of their role in the team and of each other.
Indeed, specialist coach Mr Ritchie explained: "Whenever I do a pattern with a team, or try and show something, I talk about a unit, and synchronising everybody’s movement. For example, if you and I are centre-backs, where you go, I have to be aware of the distance I am from you." Off the ball, this arrangement is crucial. Mr Ritchie and Hampton’s Director of Football, Mr Burke, agree that they aim for teams to be ‘solid, well-organised and difficult to beat in defence", with the latter conveying the idea of "always keeping the play in front of defensive lines."
However, in the final third, players are given the freedom to attack with creativity and expression. Most teams at Hampton begin by building a solid foundation in defence, whilst going forward they are encouraged to use technical ability and flair.
Hampton teams are encouraged to attack with speed, with coaches looking for quick, strong and skilful forwards to fully utilise this approach. Mr Burke also stated that "decision-making is key" in this regard, with pupils expected to quickly weigh up the risks of any situation. "You need to know the areas of maximum gain and minimum risk, and vice versa," commented the head coach.
Although Hampton often look to identify players with specific technical and physical abilities, such as strength and pace, these type of traits are not viewed as the most important in a player. Generally, key features of a successful Hampton footballer include the following traits: intelligent game understanding, high levels of fitness, and a motivation to both train and learn. "What Hampton boys have got is resilience; we are never out of a game," observed Ritchie. "I have never seen Hampton boys give in."
It’s true that pupils are taught to develop mental toughness and perseverance. Many asked have struggled to remember a time where a Hampton A or B team have been completely outclassed, which is testament to the positive environment and growth mindset coaches strive to create.
This optimistic atmosphere remains with all teams through their school journey. Up until Fourth Year, teams train twice a week during their games afternoon and at lunchtime, with the First XI, Second XI and U16A squads training during an additional lunchtime. Bespoke tours are also on offer; squads have travelled to Amsterdam and trained in Porto, as well as pre-season training at England’s St George’s Park. It’s important to
appreciate this unique opportunity; many schools perhaps undertake only one football session per week, with occasional fixtures on weekends, or otherwise, only play one term of the sport.
Hampton’s value-based football programme allows pupils to take their footballing careers into their own hands, offering an optimal environment to develop their individual skills and techniques, both at Hampton and beyond.
This balance of self-motivation and expert coaching has resulted in success for Hampton in recent years. In 2023, the First XI celebrated winning the U18 ESFA Cup for the second time in four years, with the U13A side matching that feat in 2021. There has also been plenty of success for teams in the ISFA and Surrey Cups, and the Elgin and Hudl Leagues.
Looking to the future, hopes are high for Hampton football. A combination of high quality and specialist coaching, hard-working and committed players, and a positive, feel-good environment there's every reason to believe that Hampton will be able to build on these successes.
WINNING WISEMAN
Rugby star Finlay Wiseman talks to Isaac Tarragano about his call-up to the England U18 squad and his experience playing rugby for Hampton.
In August 2023, during a match against the U18 Western Province XV, debutant England winger, Finlay Wiseman, made a significant impact by scoring the game's opening try with just his second touch of the ball.
Wiseman's journey began at the age of four, when he started playing for Wasps. Over the years, he honed his skills through matches, steadily improving and gaining valuable experience week after week. His dedication and hard work culminated in his England debut during their tour to South Africa, proudly representing his country as a London Irish academy winger.
London Irish has a long-standing tradition of nurturing talented players, and this reputation was solidified with their third academy league title win this year. Their previous victories came in 2016 and 2020, with the most recent triumph being against Northampton Saints. Wiseman played a pivotal role in this success, and his exceptional performance earned him a place in Hampton's First XV, where he joined the team for the prestigious St Joseph's Festival in 2021, while he was only in Fifth Year.
Hampton School has a rich rugby tradition, producing notable talents like Simon Amor, First XV coach Mr Beattie, and Louis Lynagh. Wiseman is the latest in this lineage of accomplished rugby players. His dedication to the sport and relentless work-ethic have been evident since his early days at Hampton. He emphasised the importance of consistency and continuous improvement, saying, "Hard work beats talent; constantly trying to improve every day, every training session."
Wiseman's ability to score tries for Hampton is a testament to his unwavering commitment to self-improvement. He stressed that meaningful progress takes time and dedication, encouraging young players to stick to their training routines and strive for gradual improvement. His mindset aligns with the principles followed in the England camp, where the focus is on getting better with every training session. These elite-level camps provide invaluable exposure to the rigors of professional rugby, offering a glimpse into the life of a professional player.
While the high-pressure environment of the England camp can be daunting, Wiseman found the experience beneficial, thanks to the support of his teammates and coaching staff. He explained that despite initial feelings of being overwhelmed, he grew into the occasion. The intense training regimen, although demanding, is the environment
RUGBY
that aspiring players like Wiseman aspire to be part of as they aim to reach the highest level in rugby.
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the mental health of athletes, and Wiseman recognizes the importance of mental wellbeing in sport. He acknowledged that a healthy mindset is crucial for optimal performance on the field. Wiseman has been actively working on his mental side, which has contributed to his progress and success. Enjoyment of the game is also vital, especially in schoolboy rugby, where playing with friends on a Saturday is a cherished experience.
Dealing with nerves is a common challenge in sport, and Wiseman shared his approach to conquering them. He emphasised the significance of focusing on fundamental skills and small, manageable tasks. By concentrating on catching the ball, making accurate passes, and contributing to breakdowns, players can build their confidence gradually. Wiseman's pragmatic approach helps him avoid unrealistic expectations and allows him to perform at his best.
Wiseman's ultimate goal is to play professional rugby, and he remains committed to improving and following in the footsteps of rugby stars like Ollie Hassell-Collins. When asked about his dream teammate from any era, Wiseman expressed his admiration for Dan Carter and the incredible crossfield kicks he could provide. He even stirred up a bit of debate by boldly declaring Carter as the "best of all time I’ve ever seen on a rugby pitch."
The Hampton community eagerly anticipates Wiseman's continued success on the rugby stage. His inspiring mindset and dedication to improvement serve as a source of motivation for all aspiring athletes at Hampton, reminding them to strive for progress every day, just as Wiseman has done throughout his journey.
CATCHING UP WITH THE CAPTAINS
THEO PAYNE AND HARRY MORRIS
Theo Payne and Harry Morris talk to this year's joint First XI captains Conrad Knight and Jamie Wilson about the trials and triumphs of their Hampton footballing careers. First up, Conrad!
Conrad Knight has been playing in the first team since Fourth Year, and he has not looked back. He has won two county cups, and most importantly, was part of the team that won the prestigious 2023 English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) Cup – when he even got his own chant from the Hampton faithful!
ESFA is the biggest trophy in school football, with around 370 teams entering the knockout competition. We talked first about his ESFA final win against Shrewsbury School, which was only the second time Hampton have won the title and which Conrad understandably described as “one of my best experiences ever.” He found walking out was a bit intimidating as it was his first time playing in a professional stadium, especially one that large, but those butterflies soon disappeared as the crowd surged behind the team when they stepped onto Stoke City’s pitch.
Conrad loved hearing his name in the chant made just for him. Despite some nerves, he said that before the match he was confident that “if we played our football, we knew we would win.” It must have been a very special moment to lift such a prestigious trophy. The victory also compensated for what he described as one of the lowest moments in a Hampton shirt, losing 3-1 at home in the ISFA semi-final to a strong Royal Russell School earlier in the season.
Unfortunately, the 2023-24 season has not miirrored the success of the previous year, with the First XI out of both ESFA and ISFA earlier than anticipated. Nonetheless, in the Hudl league, Knight’s side hit a rich vein of form, climbing to first in the table following a slow start.
Knight is honoured to be captain this year as only a small number of boys achieve this, and it is something he has always wanted to do. He believes that leadership is the most important quality for a captain, being able to talk to your teammates and bring the team together. He also thinks that you need to help the younger team members, as they are the ones that look up to you, just as he once did when he was the youngest player back in Fourth Year.
So, has Conrad always been so successful at football? He tells us he has always been in the A team, except for the first match in First Year, when he was in the B team, but he was swiftly moved up. He has been the captain since Third Year, although he now he shares it with Jamie Wilson, who captained the side in the First and Second Year. His team have always been strong, although they were unfortunately slowed by COVID, which Conrad thinks was a time where they could have won a few more trophies for Hampton. Despite being a goalkeeper, Conrad has actually scored in a game, in a penalty shootout which they won a few years ago, he told us fondly.
Conrad was quick to praise his coaches, above all the Director of Football at Hampton, Mr David Burke, as the most helpful coach he has had: “he knows what’s he’s doing and has got a lot of experience in this field.” He also praised Mr Hurst, saying that “everyone likes him and he is a great presence to have around.”
Finally, we talked about Josh King - find out more about him on page 28. Conrad says that “you would definitely want him on your team” rather than against you, as he is impossible to tackle and “he glides across the pitch.” Conrad tips him to go on to do great things, and he is proud to say he’s played alongside him. Hopefully Conrad’s strong performances will continue beyond Hampton. We can’t wait to see what he does next.
Now over to Jamie to tell us more...
FOOTBALL
What is your favourite moment in a Hampton shirt?
It has to be last year in the ESFA final. I enjoyed the whole cup run and playing in a team with boys who aren’t all in your year. The Upper and Lower Sixth had bonded so well, so then to win the ESFA final as well, that was probably the best day of my life.
What was it like playing in the massive stadium in front of so many fans?
Honestly, you can’t really compare the feeling to anything. All your closest friends, everyone in the school, all your teachers, and your family watching you; you sort of zone out from the actual occasion itself. All the adrenaline, you’re tired in the first ten minutes, blowing, and then the feeling of winning and getting an assist in the game, it’s just incredible. I was trembling walking into the stadium, on the coach there I was sweating, I had butterflies in my stomach, but at that point, when you have butterflies, you know that you care.
How honoured are you to be captain?
I’m very honoured. If you asked anyone in my year who would be the First XI captain four years ago, no one would have said my name, but it shows that Mr Burke has a lot of trust in me. He believes that I have the ability to help the camaraderie and get the team going.
What are the most important qualities for a captain to have?
The ability to influence the team and get spirits high, as well as to make an impact on the squad. If you’re losing a match or you go one nil down, the ability to get your team back and motivate others and be a leader is probably the most important quality for me.
What was your lowest moment in a Hampton shirt?
I got a red card last year. I missed the ISFA semifinal, and the school banned me for two games. That was a very low moment for me.
How would you rate your season so far?
It started off well, and then we got knocked out of the two major cups, but since then we have had a really good run of form. We are first in the Hudl League. We have played really well and showed a lot of fight to come back even though we don’t have the big trophies to play for. We just need to keep winning our games.
What is your favourite goal you have scored for Hampton?
This season in the second round of ESFA. Last year, in the quarter final of ESFA, I scored a hat-trick after coming on from the bench. We were 1-0 down in that match, so it was a pivotal moment.
Was your team good lower down the School?
We have always been a well-rounded team. We had a player called Chibby Nwoko, who is now at Fulham, but we’ve always been strong and had a good team.
Which coach has been most inspirational for you at Hampton and why?
Mr Burke is a bit more serious with you, in a tough love way; he won’t show as much. He will always root for you, but he will be more constructive. Mr Hurst coaches you one-on-one and gets to know you as a person. He motivates you and gets you going if you aren't doing well in a match. He also has the ability to get the squad fired up. I’d say those two coaches in particular.
LYNAGH DUTY
Harry
McLusky catches up with Italy international and Quins star Louis Lynagh OH (2019) on
his
national team success and rugby career since Hampton.
In March, Louis Lynagh OH (2019) was handed his first international cap for Italy ahead of their Six Nations fixture against Scotland. The introduction of Lynagh was one of three changes made by head coach, Gonzalo Quesada, with Simone Ferrari and Sebastian Negri returning to the side. Gli Azzurri were looking to pick up where they left off, having come painstakingly close to securing a famous victory over France two weeks prior.
Italy’s last victory against Scotland came in 2015, after a last-minute penalty try gave them a dramatic 22–19 win at Murrayfield. Since then, Scotland had won all thirteen outings between the two sides, but Italy’s victories over Wales and Australia in 2022 showed promising signs of a miracle win.
Lynagh moved to England from Italy at the age of four, joining Harlequins Academy at the age of 13. Having racked up 58 appearances for Quins, he will move to Italian side, Benetton Treviso, at the end of this season, marking the end of his ten-year stay at the club.
The son of Wallaby great, Michael Lynagh, Louis captained Hampton’s First XV in the 2018-19 season. For Quins, Lynagh made his mark on the rugby world in the 2021 Premiership Final, in which his two late tries helped them gain an historic 38-40 victory over Exeter Chiefs.
Lynagh’s performance against Scotland would see him burst into the senior international spotlight, performing exquisitely in a dream debut for the Italy-born superstar. Gli Azzurri recorded a historic Six Nations victory, defeating the Scots by 31-29 against the backdrop of a roaring sea of home supporters at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
His maiden international try in the 44th minute was the catalyst for an Italian resurgence, as the hosts turned it round with an extraordinary second-half display to secure just their second Six Nations win since their victory over Scotland in 2015.
Italy drew first blood in Rome, with Paolo Garbisi splitting the posts with an early penalty,
immediately showing signs of the young side’s determination to make history. Nonetheless, Scotland came back stronger, with Zander Fagerson bundling over the line following 18 breathtaking phases of rugby. Kyle Steyn doubled down on Italy’s defensive vulnerability, breaking through and piling over despite the last-ditch efforts of Ange Capuozzo. Finn Russell’s conversions were typically flawless, giving Scotland an early 3-14 lead.
Italy’s response was Martin Page-Relo’s cute chip, setting up Juan Ignacio Brex to sneak round the post; however, Scotland’s maul proved too powerful, with Pierre Schoeman powering over the try line to put the visitors in a commanding position at half time, despite Garbisi and Page-Relo’s late penalties.
With the game poised at 16-22 in Scotland’s favour, Lynagh was yet to leave his mark on a match which was, so far, largely focussed down the centre. George Horne’s disallowed try just after the break was arguably the turning point for Italy. Just two minutes later, Lynagh’s moment arrived. As Garbisi collected the ball from the ruck, Lynagh’s eyes lit up, spotting space behind the Scottish defence, turning on the afterburners with lightning pace, before collecting the fly-half’s kick and touching down to spark delight amongst the crowd. A try on his international debut – something Lynagh could have only dreamt about. Despite Garbisi’s wayward conversion missing the opportunity to give Italy the lead, Lynagh’s try was the catalyst for history to be made.
Capuozzo and Lynagh combined brilliantly to neutralise the ever-present threat of Duhan van der Merwe, a player so often the differencemaker for the Scots, having scored a hat-trick against England. The former brushed their physical differences aside, dragging down the Scottish winger, before Lynagh came across to knock him into touch, quickly shutting down any opportunity to utilise his insurmountable pace and punish the Italian side.
Replacement Stephen Varney was the man to give Italy a deserved lead. After Lynagh released Ross Vintcent’s magnificent break, Italy’s persistence five yards out unlocked a faltering Scotland backline to earn a six-point advantage with twenty minutes left. Having gained the all-important lead, it was backs to the wall for Italy, in search of their first home Six Nations win since 2013 against an in-form Scotland side.
Following Garbisi’s penalty to extend the advantage, Sam Skinner’s late converted try set up a nail-biting finale, but his knock-on meant that Italy were able to hold off Scotland’s surge enough to earn a famous win. A magnificent display of rugby rewarded the thousands of Italian fans with just their 14th ever Six Nations victory. Gli Azzurri moved above both France and Wales in the Six Nations rankings, with one weekend of fixtures remaining.
Speaking after the game, Lynagh said “I don’t think I have any words right now. One try, one win – I might retire! It’s an amazing thing, we’ve been working towards it the whole week, there was something in the air the whole week… it just all clicked for us.” Italy showed similar tenacity in their following victory over Wales, condemning The Dragons to their first Wooden Spoon since 2007. In test matches, Lynagh remains unbeaten, as Gonzalo Quesada’s revolutionised Italian side marches on to a promising future.
HAMPTON'S KING
Ömer Demiral catches up with football wonderkid Josh King OH (2023) about his Fulham FC senior squad and national call-up.
On 3 February 2024, having just turned 17 only a months earlier, Josh King OH (2023) was called up to Marco Silva’s Fulham FC squad for their Premier League fixture against Burnley, marking the first time a Hamptonian has ever appeared on a team sheet in the most-watched league in the world. Fulham are no strangers to giving debuts to young players, previously holding the record for the youngest appearance in the Premier League, after Harvey Elliot (now at Liverpool) was introduced at just 16 years and 30 days old. And with Fulham gaining a two-goal lead early on, it seemed possible that King could be brought on, as Hamptonians waited in eager anticipation to see their very own on the biggest stage in English football.
King spoke to HSC last year, stating that he was “hoping for some chances with the Fulham U21s next year,” adding that, “sometimes during preseason you can even get chucked up into the first team.” King’s humility and model personality has always been one of his best attributes, but the earlier than expected call-up was something that many of his teammates predicted. His midfield partner between 2020-24, Ben Moffatt, reinforced this point, “You could always see the quality he had on the ball and in a positional sense, but he’s got stronger and fitter physically which was maybe the final piece of the puzzle for him to become a proper first-team option.”
Having captained the U18 side on numerous occasions the year before, King received his call-up to Fulham’s U21 side last October. On his debut, King netted a goal with a brilliant low-drilled strike into the bottom corner, contributing to the team’s 4-0 victory over Leicester, exemplifying his ability to stand
out even whilst playing in higher age groups. Clearly, his performances so far this season have caught the eye of Portuguese manager, Silva, with King signing his professional contract with Fulham on 16 January 2024.
King, who plays as a dynamic midfielder, also shone on the international stage, captaining England at U16s level. So far, he has accumulated 11 caps for the U17 side, particularly shining in his performances against Spain and Portugal where he picked up two assists, and also wore the coveted captain’s armband for his national youth side. However, he unfortunately had to miss out England’s U17 Euro campaign due to injury but will be back for Fulham’s preseason preparations. No doubt, King’s absence was a huge loss to the England side who went out in the quarterfinals to eventual champions Italy.
In a Hampton shirt, King’s career was certainly memorable. Having first caught the eye of the Hampton masses in the ISFA semi-final against Royal Russell, King’s highlight at the School was undeniably his performance in the English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) Cup final in 2023 at the Stoke City Stadium. Within two minutes of being introduced, King latched onto a loose ball just inside the box, effortlessly gliding past two defenders and perfectly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to double Hampton’s lead.
Having left Hampton after sitting his GCSEs, King described his special goal in the ESFA final as “the best way possible to end my career at Hampton,” going on to say that “it felt so good lifting that trophy.”
The very best of the sports reports featured on the HSC website from Caesar Chen, Charlie Helm, Rey Jaiswal, Patrick Moroney and Rishi Vijayan.
J15 achieve opening season
victory at Wallingford by Patrick Moroney
In May, the J15 squad travelled to Dorney Lake for our first side-by-side open summer regatta of the season, competing over 2000m in the Co-op Funeralcare Trophy for J15 eights. Being a smaller event, there was no time trial, with qualification for the final coming through three heats.
We were drawn in Heat A, where we faced competition from KGS B, Westminster, KCS Wimbledon B, and St George’s Weybridge. We were fast off the start, but the race took a turn for the worse when faced with a strong headwind; the KCS crew got pushed off course so that our blades on bowside clashed with theirs. We managed to stay composed though and pushed past the KCS crew to establish an early lead with Westminster and St George’s both only two seconds behind at the 500m stage.
Nonetheless, we managed to consolidate our lead and, by the halfway mark, led by a length having broken past the whole of the field, bar Westminster.
From there, we conserved energy, bringing the stroke-rate down by two pips (strokes per minute) holding off a sprint from Westminster to win by four seconds and go through to the final as the secondfastest qualifier, behind Windsor Boys' School.
Windsor were undoubtedly challenging opponents, having finished second at last year's National Schools’ Regatta. However, we knew, in the absence of reigning national champions St Paul’s, that we would come into the race as favourites, having finished second at SCHOR.
We controlled the race from the start, pulling away from the rest of the field to lead crossing the 500m line in improved conditions, 1.5 seconds ahead of Radley, with the rest of the field 5 seconds behind them.
We moved though seat by seat past Radley to establish clear water by halfway. The early chase would prove costly to Radley though, as by 1500m, Windsor had overtaken them and were sprinting for the win; but, ultimately they could only just gain overlap by the end as we won by ¾ of a length to claim our first piece of silverware of the 2024 regatta season.
What a race feels like by Caesar Chen
The thrill of a go-kart race is nothing short of amazing: from trying not to crash to facing up to your fears, racing with your friends at the highest level is a feeling that is incomparable.
My most recent race was at Clay Pigeon Raceway, somewhere I had never been, so I thought I would try to learn and improve my knowledge of the track. In practice, I had a good feeling on how I was going to do today: top 30. This track was short, yet high-speed, reaching upwards of 60 mph. I put in a decent 46.318 seconds as my fastest lap on a slightly wet circuit.
However, it all went downhill from there, as going into turn one from a rolling start, somebody drove into the back of me, causing me to collide into someone else, which almost ended my race. Despite this, with my engine still running, I wasn’t going to give up.
Being in P17 was difficult, but I fought my way back and finished in P13, which meant that P11 was where I would begin the race. I got a nice start, leaving me at P4, hunting down the top three, until I was punted off the track at the first corner of the chicane.
Nevertheless, this didn’t ruin my race. I decided to floor it and go 50 mph. I managed to hold on to P7 for a few laps then pushed for P6. He had way more traction around the outside, so it was difficult to overtake, but I took advantage of his battle with people in front to finish in P6. What a race! My best race yet.
REPORTS
Penalty shootout drama sees Third XI progress to Trinity Cup Semi-Final by Charlie Helm
In a tense and electrifying 100 minutes of non-stop back and forth football, Hampton’s Third XI came out victorious in the quarter finals of the Trinity Second XI Cup, against a strong Alleyn’s side.
The first half saw a brilliant display of classic Hampton football. The midfield three of Jay Cairnes, Ollie Davies, and Robin Neil, skilfully helped move the ball around the pitch away from the Alleyn’s players, yet the half ended in stalemate.
But early into the second half, the deadlock was broken by Alleyn’s: a long-range strike into the bottom right corner took goalkeeper Will Brown by surprise. The game sprung to life shortly after, with Ollie Davies winning a free kick in an ominous position just outside the box. Harry Gregory’s delicate cross was met by the head of Ben Rollason, who struck it into the net.
Fierce play continued, and before long it was back to a frustrating game of box-to-box football, all players working hard, taking the game to extra time.
Hampton created numerous chances down the right wing, through Oli Lacey and Davies, but they struggled to penetrate the Alleyn’s net, leaving it to penalties to decide the game.
Freddie Bate bravely stood up for the first penalty, slotting it neatly in the bottom right corner. A lacklustre effort from the next-in-line petered nicely into the arms of Will Brown. Convincing penalties from Gregory and Shivam Handa maintained the lead, but a saved effort from Rollason squared things up.
Egged on by Hamptonians on the sideline, Cairnes also took his penalty calmly. It all came down to the final penalty. Will Brown leapt excellently to keep out the shot, sealing the victory for the Third XI, standing up only to be jumped on by a hoard of fans and players in celebration.
Entertaining match gives U12B team their first rugby win of the season by Rey Jaiswal
Jogging onto the 3G pitches, I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists as I set my eyes on the match ahead. The battle was against Caterham School on a Friday afternoon. The rugby U12B team hadn’t won a proper match yet, so we were determined to make this our first win.
Before we knew it, we were lining up in our formation with the whistle only seconds away. Adrenaline coursed through my body as I got ready to sprint, tackle, and dive at the opposition.
The whistle blew and the ball came flying at us straight from the Caterham kicker. I caught it and sprinted into the Caterham ranks, making metres before getting tackled to the ground. We kept advancing forward, getting closer to the try line. In a blur, the ball dropped from our hands, and it was grabbed by Caterham who dashed to
the try line, putting the ball down on the try line, despite our best efforts to stop them.
Our chance to equalise came when I passed the ball to my teammate, David Tam, and he broke through the crowd to level the scores. Caterham weren’t going to give up though, and they soon scored another try. But we were hit with a fresh wave of determination, and, by the end of the first half, we had managed to draw level.
A couple of quick tries from both teams put the score at 8-8, as the minutes left were decreasing. The ball was passed to me by George Corbett, and, as I accelerated towards the try line, I knew I had a try in the bag, as I dodged the Caterham players and slid past the line. The final whistle blew, with Hampton securing a fantastic 10-8 victory.
REPORTS
REPORTS
U18 Basketball team bounce back with dominant 40-point victory by Rishi Vijayan
“You have no choices about how you lose, but you do have a choice about how you come back and prepare to win again.”
Now, I admit that it’s somewhat unlikely that five-time NBA championship-winning head coach Pat Riley had the mighty Hampton School U18A basketball programme in mind when he delivered those wise words. However, if someone were to fill Mr Riley in on the hugely impressive response of the squad in November to a close loss in their last game, there is no doubt in my mind that he would approve.
With the team’s star talents of Ömer Demiral and Dante Patel making long-awaited returns to action, to supplement an already strong core of talented team players led by captain Leo Fredanus van Gelder, the towering Joseph Earle and, the mercurial Matt Lyons, it should not be surprising to anyone familiar with the team to hear of an emphatic victory in the squad’s first game with almost everyone available.
That being said, the victory to the tune of 69 points to just 29 against Rutlish School was impressive enough to shock even the most fervent of Hampton fanatics with just how well the team clicked together.
When Ömer and Dante executed some of their trademark flashy passes, there was no doubt that targets such as Fifth Years Noel Yonas and Mikael Nur would be on hand to finish the job.
Speaking of Mikael, it’s imperative that I mention that he scored the most points in the game in a remarkable performance that stood out even amongst strong showings from the whole squad.
Zakir Mughal and Joseph Bakr kept the defence honest, with their ability to punish anyone that dared to leave them open from the three-point line, making the net ripple once each.
Whilst the notion that the biggest and strongest teams are inherently better is misjudged, when a team has the size and strength offered by Theodore Tyler-Low and Danny Settle, it makes the lives of their opponents very difficult as any attempts to score close to the rim were met with the fiercest of resistance ending up with several blocks between them.
Finally, whilst it may not have been as jawdropping as the beautiful acrobatics displayed by Dante and Matt in some of their finishes, nor as impressive as the ruthless efficiency of Ömer and Mikael, it would be disingenuously humble of me if I weren’t to respectfully mention a nice ‘coastto-coast’ play of mine, stealing the ball at our end and hurtling down the court to finish at the other end whilst being fouled. Don’t mind if I do.
As the buzzer sounded to signify the end of what had been a successful game of basketball, there were smiles on everyone’s faces as the blend of athleticism, technique, and teamwork displayed by the team left us with an impressive score line and plenty of hope for what lies ahead for Hampton, and indeed the country’s, fastestgrowing sport.
It seems Mr Page and Mr Hurst were onto something in organising those almost unbearably early training sessions on Tuesday mornings.
Hampton Sports Chronicle meetings take place on a weekly basis at lunchtimes. See Mr Baker in the English Department for more details.
