OWBA Spring Sports 2026

The OWBA Spring Sports event was a resounding success, bringing together players, supporters and past pupils for an evening that was both enjoyable and memorable. The spirit of community was evident throughout, with each sport providing its own special moments. The evening was enhanced by wonderful refreshments provided by Jason and the Holroyd Howe team and courtesy of the OWBA. 

Squash

Squash returned to the programme this year, offering a fitting tribute to Michael Smith, whose passion and dedication helped shape the game at WB. Michael, a former member of staff, was instrumental in refurbishing the squash courts and ran clubs for both day and boarding pupils, fostering a lifelong love of the sport in many. Under his enthusiastic guidance, squash became very popular that courts often had to be booked well in advance. This year, it was particularly special to welcome his sons back onto the very courts he helped revitalise, honouring his enduring legacy.

Netball

Netball proved to be a true highlight, thanks to the efforts of Victoria O’Connor (née Lawson). After several years without a team, the OWBA successfully fielded two squads, with sixteen players travelling from near and far to participate. The event was marked by remarkable spirit and camaraderie among the OWB ladies, who competed with enthusiasm and skill. Despite facing a strong school side that featured a number of talented young players including shooter Aoife O’Connor recently selected for the Ireland U18 squad, the OWBA teams delivered outstanding performances and secured victories in their matches. The atmosphere in the JESC was particularly special, with three mother-and-daughter combinations taking to the court, and support from staff, Kate Corbin, Alice Brown and current pupils adding to the sense of occasion.

Hockey

On the hockey pitch, a fiercely contested match unfolded in front of over sixty dedicated supporters, braving a chilly WB evening. The OWB side, managed by Gerrie ****, Edward Broggio and Joe Hastie, battled valiantly against a school team bursting with talent and fitness. Experience met youthful energy in a match full of sportsmanship and exciting moments. Despite determined efforts from both sides, the game ended in a well-earned 0–0 draw—a testament to the skill and commitment of all involved.

Basketball

The evening concluded with a thrilling basketball match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last seconds. The school’s athleticism and enthusiasm were matched point for point by the OWB side, who ultimately secured a dramatic victory in the dying moments of the game. Already represented in the netball matches, the Lawson (O’Connor) family made a notable contribution to the basketball, with two generations participating on the court and a third watching from the balcony. Although the OWBs missed the magic of Tim Brummit, who was sadly injured, Neil Fenton and his teammates ensured the crowd was treated to fantastic entertainment and outstanding play, rounding off a fantastic night of sport. As always, we are incredibly grateful to Angus Calder for his unfailing support of the OWBA Sports events.

Jan Witheridge (1986-2019S)