Obituaries
Obituaries for Old Leysians and members of our Leysian community are published in OL News and on the website below.
More InformationLeys Rowers at the 2024 Henley Trials
At the end of June The Leys crew – Archie B, Thomas F-B, Zac R and Monty H (L-R below) – gave it their all in the Henley Royal Regatta qualifying races for the Fawley Challenge Cup. Rowing coach Simon Hames said: “Whilst not successful this year, they are aware of the commitment needed to be more competitive in 2025 and have resolved to raise their training standards accordingly.”
The boys and their parents had a great day. They were supported by numerous OLs spanning the decades including David Cruttenden, West 61-66, Alistair Washbourn, Fen 76-81, Ed Parkhouse, West 06-11, Callan Swanson, Bisseker 06-11 (also competing), Andrew Knight, West 17-22 and Ruslan Ramsay, North A 16-22 (also competing), which made the occasion even more special.
One particular highlight was meeting up with digital artist OL Henry Reichhold, Fen 1967-70, whose specially commissioned artwork for the regatta was on show during the week of the event. The huge collage was created from more than 1500 images taken by Henry at last year’s regatta, capturing countless moments, views and stories that make up this iconic UK sporting event. The lads were also delighted to meet former Leysian rower John Leeson, North A 59-63, who coached early 1st VIIIs.
James Albery is heading to Paris!
Congratulations to James, West 2009-14, who qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics and has now been selected for the team.
“I’m very excited to have qualified for the Paris Olympics with the GB hockey men. We had a fantastic tournament in Oman and managed to secure our place. Hopefully we can have a good few months leading up to the Olympics and give ourselves the best chance of securing a medal!”
World Cup kudos for Noah Thain
Noah Thain, West 2018–23 was selected for the England squad in the 2024 ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa. England’s opening game was against Scotland in January. A total of 41 matches were played, culminating in Australia beating India in the final on 11 February. England placed 6th overall. Congratulations Noah and team – a great achievement.
1st XI vs OLs netball match
“On January 8 the netball girls enjoyed their first match of the season, against a side of OLs. With a high standard and fun atmosphere, the match was great practice for our 1st team, following a long day of preseason training. The Leys side made a strong start, pulling away at the beginning to 7-0, before the OLs soon found their swing and started scoring goals. However, with a strong depth in the midcourt and skill and determination in the circle, we came out with a cracking result of 76-38, doubling their score!
A special mention to Eni for her spectacle of 4 consecutive interceptions and to Freya and Charlotte for their exceptionally consistent shooting and movement in the circle. It was great to see old faces and catch up on and off the court, featuring a sisterly rivalry at Centre between two Hill girls.”
Emily H, 1st VII Netball Team Coach, and Freya H, Vice Captain
Tommy Dann Memorial Match 2024
The third annual Tommy Dann Memorial Match took place on Saturday 23 March at Cambridge University Rugby Club. Over £20,000 was raised for the Jonny Wilkinson Charitable Foundation, from ticket sales and the pre-match lunch, with Jonny himself in attendance this year.
This uniquely special event, which goes from strength to strength, was very well attended, and the match finished Old Perseans XV 45-19 Old Leysians XV. Bad luck, OLs – maybe 2025 will be The Leys’ year, to coincide with our 150th anniversary.
To see a selection of photographs from the day, please click here.
Old Leysian Tag Rugby Report 2023-24
After another successful Summer playing on the hallowed turf of Hyde Park, the Old Leysian Tag Rugby team made the brave decision to commit to the Tag Superleague running from September to December 2023. This was not an easy decision since it is the best league in the country, with the majority of teams hosting a plethora of GB tag talent. After a shaky start to the season where the squad struggled with learning ‘international’ tag rules and faced frosty conditions, they achieved a respectable number of wins and weathered some hard fought losses.
The squad are now in full rehab before getting ready for the next summer season in Hyde Park. The team continues to host a number of Old Leysians stalwarts such as Dante O’Reilly, Dan Sellers, Dougie Turner, Mark and Jonny Horsford, but they continue to look for more Old Leysians to join the team – please contact team Captain Jonny Horsford or Doug Turner if interested.
Old Leysian Real Tennis
OLRTC Tournament
The annual Old Leysian real tennis doubles tournament was held in Newmarket on Saturday 25 November 2023. Competitive, skilful and evenly matched tennis was played throughout. Congratulations to the eventual winners, Mark Elliott, Fen 1977–82 and Jack Elliott, West 2010–15: the first father and son OLRTC champions!
If you would like to be involved in future OLRTC matches and tournaments, or would just like to know more about the game, please do not hesitate to contact team captain Joel Humphrey. All Old Leysians are extremely welcome.
OLRTC team from left to right: Damian Humphrey (E 88-92), Joel Humphrey (E 92-97), Will Spriggs (A 92-97), Peter White (Current Common Room), Gratton MacGiffin (F 85-90), Tom Hartley (B 81-83), Mark Elliott (F 77-82), Jack Elliott (W 2010-15)
In addition to tennis, our congratulations go to Joel and OL friends Will Spriggs, North A 1992-97 and Nick Peters, East 1995-97, all of whom all successfully completed the French Riviera Marathon in November 2023.
Old Leysian Golfing Society
Autumn Meeting
As usual, we were made very welcome at Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club on September 15, and enjoyed our day’s golf with some good scores.
O L Cup (Medal)
P A Quin, 79-8, 71 Nett
R F Innes, 89-16, 73 Nett
Howard Cup (Stableford)
R F Innes, 33 Points
Secretary’s Salver (Spring & Autumn Aggregate)
N C D Lloyd, 69 + 76, 145 Nett
R F Innes, 75 + 73, 148 Nett
Tom Page Foursomes (Stableford 9 holes)
C M Kidman & N K Dendy, 16 Points
I M Stuart & M A Elliott, 14 Points
Halford Hewitt Centenary Dinner
The Centenary Dinner was held on January 10 at The Grosvenor House Hotel, incorporating this year’s draw. It proved a memorable evening, with two tables joining up with Wrekin, and was supported by over 800 from the 64 schools with additional guests.
At the Halford Hewitt in April there was a further reception and all the school flags were flown at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club.
Halford Hewitt Centenary Match
This was a rematch of the first match in 1924 against Harrow at St. George’s Hill Golf Club, held at Weybridge on Wednesday May 29, with the OLGS victorious.
Senior Bernard Darwin (Over 65) June 11/12
In the first round we have drawn Harrow at Woking Golf Club on June 11. Play off is at 9.40 am. Supporters will be welcome.
Veteran’s Bernard Darwin (Over 75) June 12
Afternoon Stableford Foursomes Competition: we hope to field a team.
Bernard Darwin Trophy (Over 55) July 4/5
In the first round we have drawn Wellington at Woking Golf Club on July 4, with play off at 8.45 am. Supporters will be welcome.
Team and Supporters
Fixtures 2024
1 June Alba Trophy (Scratch Tournament) Woking
4 June Putting Tournament (Provisional) 1700 Royal Wimbledon
11/12 June Senior Bernard Darwin (Over 65) Woking
12 June Veteran’s Bernard Darwin (Over 75) Woking
13 June Putting Tournament Finals 1700 Royal Wimbledon
2 July Match v Old Fidelians 1400 Gog Magog
4/5 July Bernard Darwin Trophy (Over 55) Woking
20 August Old Aldenhamians /Old Millhillians 1300 Porters Park
23 August Uppley Cup 1400 Ilkley
6 September AUTUMN MEETING Gog Magog
26–29 September Grafton Morrish Finals Norfolk
Supporters are always welcome. Players wishing to join the Golfing Society should contact Nigel Washbourn.