OL Sports Round Up

Lancing Rovers

The Cricketer Cup draw has taken place for 2023 and the Lancing Rovers have been drawn away against Bedford School in the first round which will take place on Sunday 11 June 2023. As ever, any loyal Rovers fans willing to make the journey will be met with open arms and a cold refreshment.

OL Golf Society

The Halford Hewitt Cup 2023 took place from Thursday 30 March to Sunday 2 April 2023. The competition puts teams of ten from 64 schools against one another playing scratch foursomes.

The Lancing Old Boys’ 1st XI has endured a challenging season as the team which finished so strongly last April underwent a transition. Despite this, the 1s continue to battle hard in division one of the Arthurian League under the captaincy of William Bainbridge (School 2016–2018) and their efforts have been commendable. They have played some good football at times and have been unfortunate in a number of games; however, a recent home win against the Old Harrovian 1st XI (pictured) was positive and hugely enjoyable. The summer will present an opportunity for the team to reset and come back stronger.

Meanwhile, the 2s have enjoyed a brilliant revival under Frankie Tudball (School 2013–2018) and currently sit mid-table with significant victories against the Old Salopian IIs (4-0), Old Cheltonians and Old Wykehamist IIs to name but a few. A new crop of players has emerged to pull on the famous red shirt and this has resulted in a reenergised team. Lancing has a rich footballing history, in part because many OLs over the years have subscribed to the notion that playing football does not simply stop at school. We hope that this tradition continues for many years ahead, as the Club relies on new players to come forward.

We are delighted to see the current College first eleven do so well and are keen for them to make their debuts. If anybody, regardless of ability, would like to play football after Lancing, we have ‘training’ each Wednesday night at 8pm in Battersea Park on the astro from September to April. We also have fixtures on most Saturdays from September through to April and there is a big social element to the Club too. We would love to get you involved! Please email mrlobfc@gmail.com or contact Frankie Tudball on 13tudballf@gmail.com

OL Fives

OL Fives is being regularly played at the College on Tuesday evenings and all abilities are welcome; we have recently taken on a Rugby Fives player who is adapting well to the different code and loves the game.

If anyone is interested in playing on a Tuesday night, please contact Matthew Beard (Sanderson’s 1976–1980) by email at matthew.beardsehls1962@gmail.com or via his mobile on 07946 113 368.

Initial plans are underway to resurrect the OL Fives weekend, which has not taken place for the last couple of years due to the pandemic. Subject to various permissions, it is looking like this will take place during the first weekend in September. More details to follow.

The OLGS team found themselves up against Greshams in the first round at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club and, on success, round two will be either Charterhouse or Highgate.

The team will share a full report after the event.

The Hewitt is the first OLGS fixture of the year. Some other confirmed dates for 2023 are:

• Spring Meeting, West Surrey Golf Club, 23 May

• Mellin, Burles and Millard, West Hill Golf Club, 28–30 June

• Autumn Meeting, West Sussex Golf Club, 27 September