It was amazing to have the OPs vs College Sports Day back in full swing and to see so many familiar faces on Saturday 2 September. This popular annual fixture traditionally kicks off the College’s sporting calendar for the year ahead.

Many of the OPs playing this year had just recently returned from the summer South Africa Sports Tour and it was great to see them catching up with pupils. 

The Staff Football Team started the morning in good spirits but the younger OPs team took control late in the second half to gain a close victory.

Next up was the first ever mixed hockey game and it was fabulous to see full teams playing in the spirt of the game with the more experienced OPs taking the victory while the College pupils got some valuable game time in before their season starts.

Moving on to Netball, the College's team secured their first victory of the day with an outstanding performance against an experienced OPs team, the win showed that this team could be set for success this year.

The OPs v College 1st XV John Shinkwin Trophy match produced an entertaining match with a strong OPs team made up from leavers from 2022 and 2023 taking the victory. Although the young College team showed promise for what could be a good season ahead.

The results of the matches were as follows:

• Football – Staff 3 v OPs 5
• Netball – College 40 v OPs 13
• Mixed Hockey – College 3 v OPs 6
• Rugby – College 17 v OPs 41

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

Lee Cassell, Foundation Director of Sport, commented, “It was fantastic to see so many OPs returning to play in some very competitive games against our College teams. 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 all while enjoying 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 31 August 2024 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 and to BTEC Music student Noah Kemp, Year 9 Jasper Nicholls and OP Bowen Kent for performing live during the day.