OLD PAULINE SPORT
Old Pauline Cricket Club A full league season returned in 2021 after the shortened seven match Challenge Cup of the year before. It brought a similar season for both 1st and 2nd XIs, with both teams registering some stunning victories but ultimately struggling to string together enough momentum to challenge for the top of the table, finishing 8th and 6th respectively. Both teams will continue to fight it out in Surrey Championship Division 4 next year. Sam Cato (2006-11) topped the runs aggregate for the club, including a truly remarkable 135 not out in a successful chase of 207/8. With the ball it was 1st XI skipper Chris Berkett (2005-10) who led the way with a personal best 35 league wickets in the season. 2021 also signalled the end of OP legend Alex Duncan’s (1993-98) league career, as the opener hung up his boots with a phenomenal 9233 runs behind him. Looking ahead to the 2022 season, we have several changings of the guard as George Waugh, 2nd XI skipper since 2017, is moving north and will be replaced in the position by Jack Turner (2008-13). For the first time in several years OPCC will be fielding a 3rd XI, with Henry Dodd (2001-06) stepping up to the plate to lead the side. This creates a fantastic opportunity to recruit some new players and continue our journey to competing at a higher level across the teams. Charlie Malston (1995-2000) will lead the Sunday XI, after Jamie Lyons’ (1974-79) marathon tenure came to an end. We thank all those individuals who are stepping down for all their incredible effort over the years. The club is due to begin nets this month ahead of a pre-season involving the annual match against the School 1st XI, always an excellent curtain raiser for the full season. If you are interested in becoming involved with the Old Pauline Cricket Club please reach out to Chris Berkett (berkettc@gmail.com) or Jack Turner (turner.jack2@googlemail.com).
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SPRING / SUMMER 2022
Old Pauline Association Football Club (Football) St Paul’s School versus OPAFC A cold, crisp, sunny February morning provided the ideal platform for SPS to host OPAFC in their annual footballing fixture. OPAFC arrived with high hopes of success against the well drilled outfits assembled by Luke Warriner (1997-2002) and Nick Troen (1998-2003). The undercard saw OPAFC 2nd XI take on a St Paul’s Select XI, with the visitors taking an early lead in the 2nd minute through Conrad Barclay (2012-17). The School responded with concerted pressure, Nick Troen was unlucky to see one effort hit the crossbar. OPAFC continued to move the ball well and further goals from Luke Swan, Joe Cohlin and Henry Owen (2010-15) provided a comfortable cushion for the visitors. St Paul’s pulled a goal back through Harry Turner but alas ran out of time to build a comeback. Special mention goes to Alex Stewart and Ian McDonell (Teaching Staff) for helping OPAFC with their balletic wing play and solid centre-back skills. The main event started at pace, with both sides sparring well to create that all important first goal. The crowd did not have to wait long, before Powell
finished incisively after a well-directed press saw an Old Pauline back pass intercepted in front of the goalkeeper. Both sides created further openings but were unable to convert before half-time. The second half followed a similar pattern, and it was the School that made their possession count when a neat through ball behind the Old Pauline defence saw Shai on hand to finish coolly in the bottom corner. OPAFC were now rocking, and more trouble loomed when another burst into the box drew a foul to win a penalty. Spot-kicks and pressure are a heady mix for goalkeepers, and a well hit penalty was superbly smothered by Conor Rowson. Perhaps this was the break OPAFC needed, and further drama ensued when they went straight up the pitch to earn their own penalty. Stand-in skipper George Mayo (2010-15) confidently strode up, only to see his shot strike the post. SPS were in no mood to sit back, and a further lightning break saw Thompson latch on to a slide-rule through ball and finish with aplomb for 3-0. Fortunately for St Paul’s, Mr Warriner had not paid for the VAR extension of the game-recording technology and after some deliberation, the goal stood. OPAFC did manage to respond, with a header from Mayo, but could not muster a further decent attempt in the remaining time.
