Saturday 12 September, although starting cloudy with patchy showers, could prove no damper on the OVS Touch Rugby and Beer Festival. Hosted on New Field, the event saw Old Vikings heading back to Shiplake College, bringing the sun with them for what proved to be a fantastic day of unequivocal sporting prowess. Many Old Vikings donned old boots and joined in the tournament. Some of the players were budding sportsmen during their school career and still train with local clubs today, whilst others had not stepped back onto a rugby pitch since leaving the school. Mixed abilities and teams only made for a more exciting event, and ten teams battled it out across two pitches to become the reigning champion of the inaugural games.
The matches were close and results closer, but, after 22 intense games, legs were tired and hearts were racing. Only two teams were left standing ready to battle it out in the grand final: Staff Tall, captained by Mr Jonnie Howorth, and Staff Small, captained by Mr Adam Mallins. The pitch was surrounded by spectators as the two teams took their places, ready to face the complicated rules of touch rugby one more time. The whistle blew and the teams were off: ten minutes of expertly played touch rugby followed, with the crowd and the players alike shouting encouragement. Just one point separated the two teams, and with one minute left and everything still to play for, the Tall team put their all into scoring a final try. However, only one team could be announced winners, and eventually the speedy Staff Small team got the better of the long-limbed Tall team, and walked off the pitch with an incredibly close victory, winning the trophy by just three points to two. Captain Mr Mallins was overwhelmed with the win, accepting the trophy to tumultuous applause. Mr Diez-Urkidi, Mr Paul Jones, Mr Duncan Miller, Mr James Gaunt, Mr Tiki Ebun-Cole and Mr Andy Dix were all part of the Staff Small team, helping to make the spectacular win possible.
The sun shone down on spectators and players alike. It was not just a day for sport; an inflatable bungee run and gladiator joust ensured that young families were kept entertained. Tours of the College site were available for Old Boys, and many commented on the growth of the school since their time here. A BBQ and hog roast proved incredibly popular, whilst the bar never had a quiet moment. Beer and ale was provided by Old Viking Alasdair Large, from his own brewery in Wiltshire: Keystone Brewery. At just £1 a pint, the attitude of the day definitely favoured the more the merrier and the barrels were empty by the end of the day!
Chairman of the Old Viking Society, Mr Ben Fitzwilliams, thanked everyone for making the return trip and for such an outstanding effort on the pitch. The enthusiasm on the day made an electric atmosphere, and a wonderful day.
