The annual OS sporting calendar for 2023/24 got underway in memorable style on the evening of Friday 8th September with the always hotly anticipated OS vs College ladies hockey match.The match was hotly contested in more ways than one this year with unseasonably high temperatures matching the competiveness between the teams on the Astro. 

A hugely talented OS team including leavers from 2006-2023 came together for the very first time under the Captaincy of Isabella Good (PP,WH.TrH, 09-23) and fought hard to retain the coveted trophy. A team that was not only playing together for the first time but sometimes meeting for the first time too, a fact that was invisible to spectators due to the flawless teamwork exhibited from the first to last minutes of the match. 

OS team 2023 – Back row, left to right:

Harriet Marsh (YH, 01-06), Hannah Burton (MJH,BH, 01-11), Isabella Good (Captain) (PP, WH, TrH, 09-23), Niamh Clark (BH,21-23), Amy Halligan (NH, TrH, 15-23), Natasha Reid (PP,WH,YH, 09-23), Esha Singh (PP,GH,YH, 09-23)

Front row – left to right:

Emma Povey (NH,AH, 12-19), Hannah Witchalls (GH,AH, 03-10), Olivia Byford (nee Marsh) (GH,YH,03-08), Holly Radbourne (GH, TH, TrH, 07-18), Annie Mcgloin (GH,TH,TrH, 12-20), Imogen Basavaraj (MJH,YH,15-22)

Lightening paced, end to end hockey was played across four 15min quarters to try and provide players with some restbite from the extreme heat during the match.Action so fast paced that the camera struggled to keep up with the speed of play. Numerous spectators cheered on both teams whilst enjoying the provision of cool refreshments to keep the effects of the high temperatures at bay.

Valiant play by both teams was on display throughout the match with all players, including both goalies, showing brave and talented play throughout. At half time the College was leading 2-1 and by the close of play, despite a gripping last quarter where the OS made ground against their opposition the full time whistle blew recording a College victory of 3 goals to 1. 

Huge congratulations to the College X1 on a dazzling performance and deserved victory, a young team which we will take great interest in following in future years until they take their place alongside their OS opposition within the thriving OS community. Congratulations also to the OS team for their high class performance which on another night could have seen them retain the trophy. 

Special recognition goes to:

OS Player of the Match - Esha Singh (Goalie) (PP,GH,YH,09-23)
College Player of the Match - Rori F.
Umpires: Dave Hughes & Sam Davis
OS Captain: Isabella Good (PP,WH,TrH,09-23)
College Captain - yet to be named by the College for this season so trophy collected by Mabel R & their award will be presented in assembly after the Captaincy announcement is made. 

Huge thanks to all the players who battled the hot and humid conditions to give such an enthralling peformance - without such dedicated players there would be no Stortfordian Foundaton sporting fixtures. Thanks also to the umpires and spectators for their match support - it really is greatly appreciated.

Match photographs in the gallery below can be viewed by logging in or registering on the Foundation portal.