It was fantastic to have the OPs vs College Sports Day back in full swing and to see so many familiar faces on Saturday 3 September. This popular annual fixture traditionally kicks off the College’s sporting calendar for the year ahead.

With the new Science Centre construction underway, the hub of the event, including the BBQ and OPs marquee, moved to the top of the Orchard, which seemed to work well for players and spectators alike.

The Staff Football Team started the morning in good spirts and the result - a resounding victory for the younger OPs team - does not reflect the quality of the game.

With the College Girls away at a tournament, all hockey attention was focused on the Boys’ match, with the OPs taking the honours in a highly entertaining game. 

Moving on to the Netball, the OPs showed their experience and quality on the court with a high scoring performance against the College team.

The OPs v College 1st XV John Shinkwin Trophy match produced the closest score line for years, with the OPs (leavers of 2021 and 2022) winning by just two points!

The results of the matches were as follows:

•           Football – Staff 0 v OPs 7

•           Netball – College 14 v OPs 30

•           Boys’ Hockey – College 5 v OPs 8

•           Rugby – College 12 v OPs 14

At the After Match Awards, the OPs proudly raised both the Alex Wallis Memorial Shield and the John Shinkwin Cup.

Attendees enjoyed seeing the progress of the new Science Centre, which is halfway through its build now.  As well as OPs from across the decades and current families, we were delighted to welcome incoming Headmaster, Grove du Toit, and his family.

Lee Cassell, Foundation Director of Sport, commented, “It was fantastic to see so many OPs returning to play in some very competitive games against the College teams. Once again it showed the true spirt of the Princethorpe community and gave staff, pupils, OPs and parents the opportunity to watch entertaining matches over the course of the day and enjoy some fabulous food.

A huge well done to all those who played and made the day so special. I look forward to seeing them all again next year on Saturday 2 September 2023 for the next OPs vs College Sports Day.”

Thanks to all the players, supporters, organisers and caterers for making the day such a lovely, relaxed affair.

Save the date: Next year’s OPs vs College Sports Day will take place on Saturday 2 September 2023, we are looking at the format of the day and may mix things up a little, watch this space!