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The Old Ratclifan 2012 | Ratclifan Association Sports Events RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION SpORTS EVENTS The Ratcliffian Association Ladies’ Netball Cup Sunday 4th March 2012 It was so good to see the Old Ratcliffian team: Lynsey Bagnall (00), Helen McVeigh (00), Roxy Hayes (09), Sophie Old Ratcliffians turn out for Harding (09), India Kirkpatrick (12), Lucy Mason (11) and Hannah Tyler (11) (Captain). the annual netball match against the 1st Team. As the players came into the Sports Hall, Mrs Taylor got a little worried when she saw them. There was a lot of talent on show, despite the age range (from thirty years down to an eighteen year old). The match was played in superb spirit and the ‘Old Rats’ showed they had lost little of their ability and tactical play. The School’s 1st Team had to work hard to stay in front with the final score going to the School, 20-18. Anne Taylor Head of PSHCE The Old Ratcliffan Ladies’ Netball Team The Halley Football Cup Sunday 4th March 2012 Ratcliffian Association: 2 – Ratcliffe College: 0 The Old Boys ran riot over the Ratcliffe 1st Team in a go, but the one constant is the way in which the game is heated encounter that saw their gladiatorial attitude claim played... not forgetting the poor weather. victory. As the cheers from the crowd echoed around We all felt sorry for Phil Gilchrist, Director of Sport, who the pitch, the Old Boys were spurred on to put in the was standing on the side-lines surely cursing this tradition performance of their lives while taking no prisoners along to play in what are always freezing conditions. But, having the way. played at the highest level of football and having been the This may be how the story is told in years to come as part manager of Woking for just over six months, his desire to of a ‘when I was young’ tale of heroics, but it couldn’t win clearly took over. be further from the truth. The Old Boys did win, and I’m sure for most it was their performance of a lifetime, but The weather may have been its usual dreary self but that the game isn’t about winning or losing and neither is this didn’t stop a number of Ratcliffe first team players shining match report. There is one reason why the Old Boys have through as real talents. The 2-0 score line could have gone come back each year for the past twelve to challenge the either way but that wouldn’t have stopped the old guard school team, and that’s friendship. Colin Laurie (03) and turning up next year from far and wide to reunite to play in Dan Jelley (09) might have scored the goals, but the real a game steeped in tradition and team spirit... long may it winner was the spirit in which the game was, and always continue! is, played. Things change from year to year, like the Old Scott Piecha (00) Boys’ waistlines and the Ratcliffe teachers that come and Register online at www.ratclifanassociation.co.uk 21