Our brand new OS Rugby fixture failed to disappoint!

Outstanding afternoon of Rugby action on the pitch from two full squads of talented players, containing OS from 2004 to 2021 and very well supported by spectators from across the College community. The wonderful action packed images within our large match photo gallery (included at the bottom of this article) provide a real feel for the action on the pitch and speak volumes about the match.

A brand new format of fixture, with an OS under 23 Team facing an Over 23 Team and dedicated in the memory of talented sportsman OS Billy Hookway (HH,00-02) with the winning Trophy proudly dedicated and presented in his name by his family to the victorious team. We were honoured to welcome along Billy’s Sister, Sarah Barrett (YH,96-98) and her family and Billy’s parents, Alan & Wendy Hookway along with his Daughter Leila to the Doggart whom were also joined on the touchlines by Billy’s College Head of Rugby Bob Kisby (73-11).

Billy was a key and hugely popular member of the legendary unbeaten College 1st XV Rugby team of 2001 and a very proud Husband and Father to four young Daughters. He formed strong and lasting friendships during his time at the College and was liked and respected by all.

A moving dedication to Billy’s life written by his College friend OS Tom Foulkes- Arnold (MJH,RPH,CH, 95-02) can be read here.

We are very proud to announce the first recipients of the Billy Hookway Rugby Trophy to be.....

The OS Under 23 Team!! winning 37-15

Huge congratulations to the whole team and huge thanks to Will Civil (PP,WH,CH, 03-17) & Jake Morris (WH,CH, 10-19) for rallying and Captaining the team and to 'Sir Alex' Swart-Wilson for acting as Team Manager.

Many thanks and congratulations to:

Under 23's Players of the Match: Jake Morris & James Basavaraj (MJH,SuH, 12-19)

Over 23's Player of the Match: Jack Bennett (SH,14-16) & James Rea (NH,CH,96-04)

Over 23s Captain - Freddie Hatton (SH,14-16)

Referee - Matt Bendin

Team Managers: Paul Bashford & Alex Swart – Wilson

Winner of the Raffle for Twickenham Rugby tickets - Mr Morris

Billy’s Sister Sarah (YH,96-98) spoke beautifully about Billy’s passion for Rugby, for life and for his family and thanked all the players and spectators for supporting the fixture and explained how much it meant to the whole family to be involved in the fixture in Billy’s memory for many years to come.

The inaugural presentation of the Billy Hookway Trophy was made very professionally by Billy’s Daughter Leila, Niece Eliza and Nephew Frank to the victorious Under 23’s Team Captains.

A huge thank you to all the OS who made such a special effort to play, all the spectators from across the College community who created such a fabulous atmosphere at the pitch side & support the raffle, the Hookway family for donating and presenting our brand new trophy, OS President, Head of Rugby & Estates Team for their support & a special mention for Bash, for all he did to help make the match become a reality.

An additional special thanks to OS David Evans (MJH,NH,SUH, 92-02) for donating the Twickenham tickets for which a wonderful £300 was raised through the raffle for AMMF The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity is www.ammf.org.uk, the winning ticket was drawn by Billy’s Father Alan and tickets were won by Mr Morris, Father of OS Under 23 Captain Jake Morris.

We are already looking forward to next year’s fixture!