Another successful Old Boys Sports Day where the Old Boys were able to retain the trophy for another year

The annual Old Boys v School Sports Day took place on Friday 23 October on a beautiful Palmerston North day.

Sevens – A fast and skilful game took place on the school field in front of a good crowd. The Old Boys prevailed 6-4 utilising their experience and physicality to strong effect. The school were very willing opponents. Thank you to Old Boys and staff members Jacob Meehan, David Braddock, Flyn Yates, and Andrew McDougall for their organisation of this game.

Of note, current Turbos player Johnny Galloway has initiated a plan to organise an Old Boys Sevens team (Palmy Steel) to play some tournaments in the central North Island. More information will follow as plans unfold. We are still looking for three businesses to sponsor the team jerseys, if you are able to help with this please contact Stu Leighton (leightons@pnbhs.school.nz).

Tennis – took place at the Manawatu Tennis Club as the school courts are not in good shape. On a particularly warm afternoon the Old Boys won 7-2, taking out 6 singles matches and one of the doubles. After the singles, some of the OBs “ran out of steam”.

The fixture was held in memory of Matthew Ratana (1980-85), a former school champion, who tragically died in the line of duty as a London policeman.

Thank you to Rodney Grieve and Bruce Kensington for their enthusiasm and especially to staff members Sophie Belcher and Kathryn Rankin for arranging the venue and facilities.

The Cricket was held at Wallace Park due to the renovation of the school fields. The short boundaries meant a high scoring game. Harry Wenham pounded one shot onto the roof of the house behind the Elm Café on Fitzherbert Avenue. Mason Hughes, currently Manawatu’s premier batsman, was at his elegant and powerful best. Just as well there was no one playing tennis on the Wallace Park courts. The legendary Manawatu cricketer, Robbie Laird secured 5 wickets, all caught on the boundary. The OBs had a comfortable victory. Two COVID-19 refugees Duane White (Sydney) and Scott Robson (Melbourne) played. Good to see Angus Macmillan who made the trip from Auckland. We are currently working on a PNBHS Old Boys v Auckland Grammar Old Boys match. The Old Boys v School match this year was played for the Paul Hodges-Nick Parkinson Trophy, both former 1st X1 players who are deceased. This cup was kindly donated by Ken Malcolm who usually travels from Ballarat, Victoria for this game but couldn’t attend this year because of COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Thank you to Bryce Grant and staff member Grant McQueen- Davies for their contribution to a successful day.

The Old Boys had a “clean sweep” in the Squash. Mark Gunning showed you don’t lose your skill or touch with fitness and advancing years.

Thank you to Jason Fletcher and Old Boy staff member Rhys Harold for bringing this match together.

Hockey saw the Old Boys continue their dominance of this event. In an annual match which goes back some 30 years, the school have failed to register a win despite a number of draws. In a fast but at times scrappy match the Old Boys won 3-1.

Thank you to staff members Matt Davidson and Jake Blanks for umpiring and organising the match. Thank you also to the Old Boys President Simon O’Connor for his energy into “rounding up” the Old Boys team.

The Golfers teed off on a stunning PNth day at the historic Manawatu Golf Club which is celebrating its 125th year. The school team, fresh from winning the Manawatu-Whanganui Inter-Collegiate championship, were not able to repeat their success and were defeated 6-2. Full time professional, Lachie McDonald, a recent 2nd placegetter at a Charles Tour event in New Plymouth, unleashed one of the longest drives (315m) ever seen on the 17th fairway. Good luck to him as he attempts to secure his playing card on the China Tour.

Thank you to Rolf Leenards and Lance Retemeyer for their significant role in arranging this fixture.

This year’s Football match was played on the excellent artificial playing surface which has been laid on the background at CET Arena. The lift in the skill level is very noticeable with precise passing and trapping.

After struggling early in the week for a team an SOS was sent out and 16 guys responded to form a useful unit. It was good to see another COVID-19 refugee Tim Goodman (Melbourne) who answered the call for players. However, the school won impressively 3-2 in a quality game.

Thank you to the talented Ian Robinson and staff member Willy Hodge for bringing the team together.

The Old Boys would also like to acknowledge the school management team of coach Steve Dawson and manager Mike Liddicoat who are “stepping down” from their roles after a number of years. Thank you for your contribution to PNBHS Football.

It was good to see current All White and Phoenix player Alex Rufer as an interested spectator. He would have liked to have played but he is off to Sydney this week for a pre-season camp with the Phoenix and may not be home for 5 months. He obviously could not afford an injury.

In a very evenly fought match, the Old Boys took out the Basketball 55-51. The Old Boys serious intent in this match was demonstrated by having a practice the night before.

Thank you to Dean Burgess who travels up from Christchurch every year for this event. Thank you also to staff members Mark Smith for his organisation and Tim McTamney for refereeing.

Old Boy Howard Wills has set himself the task of writing a history of the first 60 years of PNBHS Basketball. He will be contacting a number of former players.

The traditional after match took place at College House. The challenge for Old Boys is to get more people back from various venues to attend this. Over 50 people were at the after match, but it would be rewarding to see more. As a future reference, we encourage all Old Boys whether they have participated or not to attend the drinks at the conclusion of Sports Day. 

Overall, it was another successful Sports Day and it was good to see the Old Boys retain the trophy.  

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