Yet another warm and dry Speech Day at West Buckland. The Gods are definitely looking down on the organisers every year and despite the disruption the building work is currently causing, all ran very smoothly.

The guest speaker this year was Stanley Johnson, former MEP and father of Boris!  This was definitely a departure from usual as he filled the sports hall with laughter in his relaxed style.

The OWBA involvement started early with David Cummins’ (Patron of the OWBA 40-50 G) coffee morning in the Downward Room where former members of staff and former Presidents of the OWBA gathered prior to the main event. The girls OWBA sports teams came out in force for some nail-biting matches.

The girls’ hockey team, captained by Emma Moss (04-11 F) fought tooth and nail to secure a 2-2 draw.  Fortunately, they were blessed with enough substitutes to use as the heat on the pitch was exhausting at times. The netball players, led by Rebecca Markham (00-11 F) were a strong side fielding two teams to play the U19 and U16 school teams. The senior team beat the school 13-23 while the U16 school team won 19-13. Unfortunately, due to other commitments, the OWBA boys’ teams in rugby and hockey were not well represented and thanks must go to South Molton 2^nd team for making up numbers to enable the rugby match to take place and also to Max Flynn (05-12 G) for his help in trying to raise enthusiasm. 

The boys’ hockey match against a school team made up of staff and pupils narrowly beat the OWBA, but thanks also to Rob Wheeler (80-86 F) for captaining the side.

While rugby, hockey and netball were being closely fought, the OWBA shooting team were competing in the Rifle Range, captained by Chris Wilson (67-72 B). A report will follow separately.

The BBQ situated in front of the pavilion was well supported and thanks must particularly go to Baz Norden’s (head groundsman) wife Donna who expertly took on the role of chef throughout the afternoon. The OWBA committee were out in support to provide back up and to ensure that the guests were well looked after.

Particular thanks must go to the support staff at the school for ensuring that the day ran smoothly and to all those OWBA members who gave up their time to represent the Association. We look forward to the Summer Term to compete for the Loving Cup in Tennis, Shooting and Tennis.