The first OS sporting event of the new academic year was a series of rugby matches played on Sunday 13 September.  Fifty spectators and participants enjoyed the autumn day with splendid support from Alex Smith, Phil Hulston, Sean Holden and referee, Richard Snowden.

Four mixed teams of OS and current students started the day with a touch rugby competition.  As each of the teams managed to win two games a sudden death play off was required which was won by the green team captained by Wills Ellis, thanks to a try scored by Sam Stevens.

The main rugby match between two OS teams followed.  The final score of 46-34 meant a victory for the blue team, seen below left, and a second victory of the day for their captain Will Ellis. 

Following on a succession of 4th or 3rd place age-group finishes in the London, New York, Chicago and Boston (2hr 25min) marathons over the last 4 years Ben went to the World Masters Athletics Championships near Helsinki, Finland, to run in the over-45's 5,000m on Thrusday 30 July.  Although fearful of returning empty handed Ben was delighted to win by 60m in 15:14 and thus earning the title of World Champion.  This also proved to be his first experience of a medal ceremony complete with National Anthem.  Ben hopes to run in the equally prestigious Knole Run in January. 

The OS Golf Society played a series of matches this year which started with the Grafton Morrish Qualifier at Knole Park.  The team managed to squeeze home in a close finish on the final green to book a place in the finals in September. 

The Spring Meeting was held at Littlestone in May followed by a match against the Royal Cinque Ports, Deal and the Autumn Meeting which took place on the links at Rye. 

A full report of all these matches can be read by clicking here.

If you are interested in joining the Society please contact the Jeremy Smith - jeremyomega@aol.com.

On 21st June, the school's 1st XI once again entertained a team of Old Sennockians on a warm summer's day at Solefields.  After a successful season to date, the school were looking for their 9th win of the campaign to set a post Millenium record for the number of victories in a season.  The OS side had a more youthful look about it than in previous years with four of the 2008 school team making their first appearance.

On winning the toss, captain Nick Tunnell elected to bat first.  The decision was vindicated as openers David Franklin (20) and Stuart Seldon (32) got the side off to a quick start, before Dan Haley (51 in 26 balls) took a particular dislike to the school attack, dispatching the bowling to all parts and sending spectators scurrying for cover with three huge sixes.  The OS looked to be criusing at 110-1 after 15 overs, before the loss of three quick wickets reduced their momentum.  Solid rebuilding work from Ollie Jones (23), before he was cruelly run out, laid the platform for Sam Cox to score a well placed 47 and lead the OS to 214 all out from their 35 overs.

In reply the school suffered an immediate setback with one of  the openers removed in the first over.  After this however, the two young batsmen equipped themselves well and it looked like being a tight affair until the introduction of the spin of Ollie Jones and Will Wilkin.  The pair claimed 2 and 3 victims apiece at regular intervals to halt the 1st XI's progress and ensure the OS were always on top.  They were assisted by an excellent fielding performance that saw Bryan Richardson snare a sharp chance at slip and captain Tunnell cling on to four catches in the deep.  Josh Parker claimed three late wickets to seal an impressive 70 run victory as the school eventually succumbed to 144 all out, four overs before the end.

Team: Nick Tunnell (captain), Stuart Seldon (wk), David Franklin, Dan Haley, Mark Spelman, Josh Parker, Ollie Jones, Sam Cox, Will Wilkin, Bryan Richardson.

The second annual 5-a-side football tournament for Old Sennockians took place in the Sennocke Centre on Saturday 2 May.  Twelve teams competed for the impressive Sennockian Football Cup.  It was great to see such a wider range of age groups represented from former pupils who left the school in 1990 to those who left in 2004.  Once again there was also a good contingent of supporters to cheet on the teams.  The tournament was won by the OS of 1994 who were captained by James Fraser who beat the 2003 OS led by Miles Gardiner in a compelling and keenly contested final.  The cup was presented by Alex Smith who had organised the event.  It was a highly enjoyable day and we look forward to seeing everyone back again next year.

Five OS rain in the 36th annual Knole Run on Saturday 17 January 2009.  Ben Reynolds, having been absent for a number of years, returned in good form to record the fastest time of 33:02.  Elliott Bourne, Marcus Fanshawe, Sam Gregory and Geoffrey Kitchener joined Ben in the race.  Elliott, Marcus and Sam will be celebrating their 10th anniversary of leaving Sevenoaks in 2010 and have promised to start the year by participating in the Knole Run.  Please come and join them, all OS are welcome.