It was wonderful to host our OPs vs College Sports Day at Princethorpe on Saturday 31 August, and to welcome so many familiar faces back to the school. This popular annual fixture traditionally kicks off both the College’s sporting calendar and the Old Princethorpians’ social calendar for the year ahead.

The Football started the morning off in good spirits, with the College First XI participating in the day for the first time; strengthened by some staff members, they gained a victory over the OP team.

Next up was the mixed Hockey game and it was fabulous to see full teams playing in the spirit of the game. Whilst the more experienced OPs took the victory, the College pupils got some valuable game time in before their season starts.

Moving on to Netball, where there were three teams playing, the College's team secured victory with an outstanding performance against an OP team from 2024. The College then followed this up with a victory against an OP team from 2023; these wins showing that this team could be set for success this year.

The OPs vs College First XV John Shinkwin Trophy match produced an entertaining match, with a strong OP team of leavers from 2023 and 2024 taking the victory. The young College team showed promise for what could be a good season ahead.

The results of the matches were as follows:

Football – Staff 6 vs OPs 4

Netball – College 12 vs OPs 2023 7

Netball – College 10 vs OPs 2024 5

Netball – OPs 2024 2 vs OPs 2023 11

Mixed Hockey – College 1 vs OPs 4

Rugby – College 15 vs OPs 46

Lee Cassell, Foundation Director of Sport, commented, "It was fantastic to see so many OPs returning to play in some very competitive games and it was great to see the College First XI being included for the first time. The day showed the true spirit of the Princethorpe community and gave staff, pupils, OPs and parents the opportunity to watch plenty of entertaining matches over the course of the day.”

He continued, “A huge well done to all those who played and made the day so special. We look forward to seeing you all again next year on Saturday 30 August 2025 at 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 A-level Music student Robyn Shaw for performing live during the day.

The next OP event to look forward to is the popular London Meet, this year taking place on Friday 27 September at The Clachan on Kingly Street. See our Events page for details and sign up information. We'd love to see you there.