History is made at OS vs College Match 2023!

A glorious hot and sunny day in the stunning environs of the Witherden Field at the Doggart greeted our cricketers and fun day guests alike on Sunday 25th June for Foundation Family Fun Day.

The annual OS vs College cricket match took centre stage with OS travelling back, a number from considerable distance, to familiar surroundings to represent Old Stortfordians under Captain Will Cutlan-Smyth  (NH, HH, 15-22).

2023 OS Cricket Team 

Will Cutlan-Smyth (Captain) (NH, HH, 15-22) 

Simon Lindop (WH, HH, 93-04) 

Alex Cleaves (HH, 09-13) 

Austin Sewell (PP, GH, RPH, 02-16)  

Freddie Hiard (PP, WH, HH, 98-10) 

Jake Morris (WH, CH, 10-19) 

Jared Bassingthwaite (GH, CH, 10-21) 

Joe Radley (NH, SuH, 09-20) 

Oliver Radley (NH,SuH,05-13) 

Thomas Radley (NH, SuH, 06-17)  

Max Smith (PP, NH, SuH, 08-22)  

Keir Ansell (NH, SH, RH, 11-18) 

Greg Solomon (MJH, 90-92) 

Team Coach – Paul Bashford (GH, MJH, SH, 77-86) 

History was made for the fixture as the OS faced a talented College team fielding their first 1st X1 female player, Mabel R. An accomplished club cricketer Mabel also plays for both Bishop’s Stortford & Thundridge cricket clubs.

A valiant effort by the OS after batting first saw them out for 129/9 at the end of 20 overs. After a respite for the players from the heat as they enjoyed tea in the Doggart Pavilion the College batted strongly from the outset with team talent on show throughout the innings. The College winning the match by 6 wickets with 132/4.

Many congratulations to the College team, the Hudson Trophy will be safely housed at the College for the next year!

OS President Steve Ross (GH,SHa, 65-72) paid tribute to all the wonderful players & joined Garry Hudson (Head of Modern Languages, 73-13)  in presenting the prizes & Hudson Trophy, which was dedicated in his name in 2013 to mark his retirement after 40 dedicated years service to the College.

Grateful thanks to all the players for representing both teams so valiantly and to all who joined us to enjoy the always hotly contested match.

Special congratulations to:

OS Captain: Will Cutlan-Smyth (NH, HH, 15-22)

College Captain - Liam M.

OS Player of the Match: Thomas Radley (NH, SuH, 06-17)

College Player of the Match: Mabel R

Alongside the thrilling pace on the pitch, younger (and some more mature guests) made the most of all the fun day entertainment provided. Spirits soared on the bungee trampolines, heights were reached on the climbing wall, competitive tests of driving agility were undertaken around the segway course and the zorbs made for some bouncy fun. The crazy golf and giant jenga saw the generations pit their concentration and precision against each other with face painting (or more often arm painting due to the heat) left everyone with a lovely memento of the afternoon.

Delicious bagels, cooling ice creams and a varied menu of drinks from the bar kept everyone cool and refreshed in the glorious sunshine – a relaxed, fun and memorable afternoon all round.

Grateful thanks to all our guests and players who joined us on the day, generously supporting the Stortfordian Bursary Fund through ticket purchases.

Special mention must be made to those without whom the match wouldn’t be such a success: Dave Hughes & Matt Drury, Matt Bendin who was match scorer, Ben Baker, Senior Groundsman & of course the wonderful Paul Bashford who supported the OS team.

Save the date for next years Foundation Family Fun Day – Sunday 23rd June – slightly earlier in the 2024 College calendar with term concluding on Saturday 6th July and all the fabulous activities that the last week of term brings!

Full event gallery can be seen below.