GRIFFEN 2024 | 20 Kevin Barnard (1971) I have a sporting reminiscence from my time at Abingdon and it involves a much loved and respected chaplain, The Revd David Street. In my first year everyone did everything in different sports. When it was my turn to be wicket keeper his comment was that I reminded him of the Ancient Mariner – he stoppeth one in three. Mike Nurton (1961) It is amazing just how much cricket influenced the lives of so many pupils who experienced the coaching and wise advice of Tony Hillary and Gerald Smithson during their time at Abingdon School. John Bunce (1962) still thinks ‘a bouncer’ is someone who stands outside an Abingdon night club. Peter Shellard (1964) is convinced ‘a yorker’ is a chocolate bar. Mike Hill (1970) was a wicket-keeper who enjoyed a professional career at Hampshire and remained the healthiest because he never caught anything. It is tribute to the contribution sport and the teachers of different activities can make to the lives of students during their time at school and for many years after. There is a group who attended Abingdon School in the early and late sixties who regularly communicate to discuss not only what has been happening at test matches, but also in the wider world. Others who were educated at different establishments, such as the international and Commonwealth gold medallist javelin thrower John Fitzsimons (and whose brother attended Abingdon School), also contribute to the fond memories of times spent on War Memorial Field and later Hales Meadow. It is also interesting how these friendships can cross generations. Rupert Evans was, for many years, a teammate and is now carrying on the tradition of coaching cricket and instilling a love for the game. One pupil has grandparents based in Sherborne and they are always keen to ‘sing the praises’ both of Abingdon and of the coaching he receives. I guess some things never change which is comforting to a very ‘Old Boy’. Sasha Barras (2013) On Friday 16 June, with the sun shining over War Memorial field, a full afternoon fixture between an OA XI vs Abingdon’s 1st XI was played. With some confident PR coming out of the school expressing their excitement about beating the said OA XI, and with day one of the 2023 Ashes providing an additional backdrop of excitement, the day could not have been set up better. The OA XI ‘won’ the toss and opted to bat. After a positive start from openers C Russell and F Smith, the school XI fought back impressively. However, a mature innings from veteran J Smith, alongside some powerful hitting from L Bethell and A Davies, allowed the OA XI to post an impressive 236 in their 30 overs. After losing a couple of early wickets, the school 1st XI went about the run chase with a maturity beyond their years. They steadily built partnerships and chipped away at the total, taking a thrilling and close contest down to the wire. However, the OA XI showed their experience and cricketing nous to get over the line in the late evening sun. The game was followed by a delicious barbeque hosted by the OA Club, and it was great to see many teachers, parents, and OAs (from different generations) in attendance. After such a successful event, plans are already afoot for a full day fixture vs the school 1st XI in summer 2024. If you are interested in finding out more or would be interested in playing for the OA cricket team, Sasha would be delighted to hear from you. Please reach out to him by email. [email protected] Cricket
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