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| 18 Apr 2024 | |
| OW News & Publications |
Richard Johnson (H, 05-10) writes:
We are delighted to report that the OWs have won the Old Boys squash tournament, the Londonderry Cup, for the first time since 1938.
The 30s was a stellar decade for the OWs: E. Snell (A, 19-25), J.A. Gillies (C, 26-31), T.C.S. Haywood (A, 24-29) and A.H.T Crosthwaite (G, 25-30) all won two championships. However, it had been a barren run since then, albeit the OWs reached the final in 1952 and again in 2019.
The 2024 OWs avenged defeat in the 2019 final to the star-studded Old Millfieldians, bringing home the generously-proportioned trophy with a 4 to 1 strings victory at the Royal Automobile Club on 22nd March.
En route to the final, Winchester beat the Old Cranleighans, the old enemy (Eton), and defending champions Old Harrovians.
In the final the OWs came out of the blocks fast, with Sen Man Charlie McCall (F, 91-96) and recent recruit Kevin Cheung (K, 14-19) both registering straight games wins. This meant the OWs required just one win from the remaining three matches to secure their first title in 86 years.
However, drama reared its head as Trant’s contemporaries Richard Johnson (H, 05-10) and Alex Portz (H, 04-09) took to the court. With both matches going Millfield’s way in the first two games, it seemed like a final string decider may be needed. But Johnson and Portz both prevailed with 5-set wins, taking the OWs to an unassailable 4-0 match score. Oliver Coulcher-Porter (C, 19-22) then played a good match which Millfield took as a consolation victory.
Huge thanks to the other OWs for their playing contributions during the tournament: Matt Hall (X, 99-04), Shiloh Wu (E, 18-23), Dylan Roberts (A, 12-17). Notable mentions to Charlie McCall (F, 91-96), Richard Johnson (H, 05-10) and Alex Portz (H, 04-09), who went undefeated throughout the tournament.
Dinner after the final capped a fantastic evening for the OWs. With young talent coming into the squad this year to join the old guard of McCall, Portz and Johnson, OW squash is in a healthy place… Carpe vinum!
