The sun shone on Hamptonians past and present, their friends and family, as they returned to the School on Saturday 26 March for the Walter Bailey and the Alex Green Memorial matches. The annual event sees the Old Hamptonians football teams take on the School First and Second XI footballers.

The First XI game is played in memory of Walter Bailey, a much-loved member of staff and respected referee who passed away in 2007. The Second XI game is played in memory of Alex Green, who left School in 2014 and tragically passed away in 2017.

This would be the penultimate Hampton First XI match of a very busy season, with only the Surrey Cup Final to be played after the Easter break. The Old Hamptonians select First XI was led brilliantly by Ollie Warren OH (2013), the Old Hamptonians Second XI Captain, who stepped in due to a date clash for the Old Hamptonians First team at the LOBS Senior Cup Final that afternoon (which they went on to win 3-1 – well done lads!). The Old Hamptonians had the brighter start, having a couple of decent chances falling for Calogero Scanella OH (2018), who pounced on several effective crosses from Gabriel Lewis OH (2018).  As the match went on, the School started to impose their quick passing, resulting in two very good moves ending with fine finishes, making it 2-0 at half time. The second half was less intensive, yet entertaining and with the OH legs getting tired in the midday sun, the School secured the win with another good finish with the match ending 3-0.

The Old Hamptonians select Second XI was led well by Adam Hawcroft OH (2016), the Old Hamptonians Third XI Captain, and played against a School’s mixed XI of Second and Third XI leavers. The OH team benefitted from having three teachers playing for them including Masters Sims, Hurst and Lees, who all started and contributed to a commanding performance. The School did try to use their youthful energy to exploit the OH team, however, were missing the final touch in front of goal. On this occasion, experience won through with the match finishing 3-0 to the Old Hamptonians Second XI team.

Thank you to all who attended – it was a lovely occasion to come together and remember, as well as raising money for the nominated charity, Neuroendocrine Cancer UK.  If you’d like to donate, there’s still time!  Donations can be made using the JustGiving link.