For the Spring Matches Football fixture we were delighted to welcome two Old Bradfieldian FC teams back to the College. The OB 1stXI, captained by Dan Hodgkinson (H10-15), played the College 1stXI and the OB 2ndXI, captained by Felix Lapidus (H 14-19), faced the College's U17A team. We were also hoping to field a girls' side but sadly fixture scheduling did not allow on this occasion

So, while the OB runners were on the cross-country course the OB Footballers took part in two competitive fixtures versus the College. The games as always were played in good spirits in beautiful sunshine and the OBs came away 3-1 winners, with goals scored by Josh Buchan E 17-22), Justin Foord (C 99-04) and Samuel Raphael (H 15-20).

It is the first time that the OB men's footballers managed to raise a second team, mostly made up of the team from 2019 who loved being back at Bradfield again but sadly lost 2-1 against the college Under 17 team. The OB footballers included: Sam Probert (C 14-19), Billy Bolt (D 14-19), Hugh Murray (D 14-19), Tom Wynne (F 15-19), Johannes Jansen (C 17-19), Jeevan Singh (C 16-18), Tom-Eric Mullikas (H 15-19), Miles Atkins (H 14-19), Matt Graves (H 14-19) and Finn Brabham (A 13-18).

Thank you to everyone for joining us back at Bradfield for such a wonderful day of competitive, but friendly sport and to James Fox (G 97-02) and Jack Surgay from the College staff along with Sarah Thompson (M 12-14) for organising the football fixture from the college side and in the case of James for playing for a short time for the Bradfieldians as well!

Match Report OBFC 1stXI v College 1stXI to follow

Match Report OBFC 2ndXI v College U17As

Saturday brought glorious sunshine to Bradfield as the Old Bradfieldian 2XI returned to their old stomping ground — the first time back for many since leaving school.

The U17A side started the sharper of the two teams, taking advantage of our early lapses in structure and fitness to grab the lead. As the half went on, we began to find our feet, moving the ball well and creating real chances through Billy Bolt and Tom Mullikas, both forcing saves before the break.

We came out in the second half full of determination and quickly took control, playing with width and energy. Sam Probert found himself in good positions on a few occasions but couldn’t quite convert. Eventually, our persistence paid off as Matthew Gannon tucked a lovely finish into the bottom corner to bring us level at 1–1.

The game remained open and competitive, with both sides threatening at either end. Mr Fox brought renewed solidity after stepping in at centre-back, making some big tackles to keep us in it. But late on, a rebound fell kindly for the U17As in our box, and they made it 2–1.

Despite a final push, we couldn’t quite find another goal.

A tough result but a brilliant day all round - well done to the U17As on a top performance. We’ll be back next year, hungry for that revenge win.

Felix Lapidus (H 14-19)