College connections make the sporting world a smaller place.

Wonderful to hear from OS Charlie Wright (AH,83-87) recently that he was able to see our Senior School cricketers in action during their half term tour to South Africa. Based in Cape Town, Charlie was able to go along and see the College team in action during the first match of their February tour.

Not only was Charlie able to see our fabulous cricketers in action right on his doorstep, he was also able to see some familiar faces, in the form of the son of his College contemporary & friend Mark Jarrett (MJH,HH, 79-87) and the son of College Master Charlie Bannister, who coached both Charlie and his OS Brother James (AH,83-87) during their time in the 2nd XV.

Charlie thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet the College team and their Sports Staff after the fixture and was impressed by the team’s technique and style. Feeling a real reconnection with the College after the match he took the opportunity to reach out to Charlie Bannister and share his visit with his OS cricket team mates from the pioneering College 1985/86 Sri Lankan cricket tour, with whom he still keeps in contact.

A priceless global OS/College connection while our Senior School cricketers had a wonderful time on their tour in South Africa during which they explored Cape Town, watched the opening match of the ICC Women's World Cup, played an opening 1st XI fixture against Fairmont High School which saw some positive play from our team, and went on an inspiring trip to Robben Island.  Further exploration saw our pupils visit Cape Point, Simonstown and Muizenberg, as well as climbing Table Mountain and taking on Pinelands High School in another fixture.

Adventures which are sure to remain with players and coaches for many decades to come – just like Charlie’s Sri Lankan cricket tour memories live on with him nearly 40 years later!