'Old Boys' Sports Fixtures 2024
After necessarily lengthy Old Boys’ warm-ups and physio-taping sessions, the fixtures proper began with a solemn Act of Remembrance led by alumnus the Reverend Fergus Butler-Gallie. Moving readings by current captains Tom Henderson and Owen Casstles preceded the laying of wreaths, a two-minute silence, and the playing of the Last Post. Both matches then kicked off shortly after 2 PM.
Rugby
This year’s rugby match marked the ten-year anniversary of SASJRFC’s Cuppers victory in 2014 (14–12, versus St Edmund Hall). It was a pleasure to see so many of those cup-winners returning to the College, bolstering a remarkable 43-man squad of Old Boys which included 9 former captains.
The match itself proved predictably physical and closely fought, with early tries traded between current captain Owen Casstles and Old Boys’ captain Dr Ellis Parry. Jack Louden sustained the only serious injury, requiring a brief visit to the JR for a shoulder relocation; we wish him all the best with his recovery. After a bruising 60-minute match, it was only Andy Huey’s composure that separated the two sides, his man-of-the-match-winning drop goal clinching victory for the current Saints. Final score: 27–24.
Special thanks must go to Ian Madden, Dr Ellis Parry and the Reverend Fergus Butler-Gallie for organising not only the match but also a formal dinner at St Anne’s on Saturday evening to commemorate the Saints’ 2014 Cuppers victory. This dinner was a wonderful celebration of the value of college sport and a testament to the enduring bonds forged between teammates.
Football
The Old Boys football match kicked off under grey skies after a moving remembrance service at the Fortress. To begin with, the students struggled to find their rhythm against a very physical Old Boys side, but knew that eventually the space would appear as the old men tired out. Sure enough, after 35 minutes play, the match became more even, although neither side could break the deadlock by halftime. Early in the second half, Diego Danese found the net from outside of the box with an audacious finish. It remained 1-0 for a time, but the pressure was mounting, with multiple shots being blocked by the JCR defence. Eventually, club legend Adam Heardman was rewarded for his multiple attempts off target with a shot that slid through a morass of bodies into the waiting goalmouth.
After a penalty shootout that ended in bitter disappointment for the students, the game was soon forgotten about in the electric atmosphere over dinner, watching Brighton defeat Man City. As always, it was a pleasure to see the lads interacting with those who came before them, and everyone was delighted with the close contest, proving that S.J.C.F.C. is once again on the up.