THE SOWER

God has willed that the way of cultivation shall not be easy "— Virgil.

DECEMBER, 1946

Published at

LORD WANDSWORTH COLLEGE

THE SOWERbeing the Magazine of

LORD WANDSWORTH COLLEGELONG SUTTON, BASINGSTOKE, HANTS

Trustees

SIR WILLIAM GAVIN, Kt, C.B.E., MA. (Chairman)

DR. THOMAS LOVEDAY, M.A., LL.D.

JULIAN D. MARKS, M.A.

SIR RALPH WEDGWOOD, Bt., C.B., C.M.G., M.A.

CONTENTSPAGE

EDITORIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3FOUNDER'S DAY . . . . .. . . .. . . . . 4SCHOOL NOTES 5PROJECTS 7CLIMBING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7THE GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY .. . . . . . . . . 9VI FORM DISCUSSION GROUP . . . . . . . . . . 1 0RUGBY FOOTBALL . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1CRICKET 22CROSS COUNTRY . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 30SWIMMING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33ATHLETICS . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 3 4HOUSE NOTES .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 44A.T.C. NOTES 55SCOUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56THE DEBATING SOCIETY . . . . . . . . . . .. 57THE SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY . . . . .. . . . . . . 59THE SCIENCE SOCIETY 60THE YOUNG FARMERS' CLUB . . . . .. . . . . 63THE DRAMATIC SOCIETY . . . . . . . . . . . . 64JUNIOR HOUSE NOTES . . .. . . . . .. .. 67ROLL OF HONOUR . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 70OLD BOYS NOTES .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

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AUTUMN MORNING

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EditorialCINCE the last notes appeared under this heading we have passed'-'through a year of peace — but not of peace-time conditions.In August, 1945, when the war in the Far East collapsed, manywere looking ahead and hoping that in another twelve or eighteenmonths the situation in the world generally would have improvedin many respects, that war-time restrictions and controls wouldbe relaxed, shortages of essential commodities lessened (to theschool boy these include food supplies), and that generally weshould no longer have to cut down, substitute, and still " makedo and mend."

This expectancy has not materialized. In school we are still muchrestricted; our supplies of text books and materials are limited,our clothes are still rationed, and the bitterest blow of all—ourbread is rationed.

No one claims that these thiigs can be avoided, but we feel asense of frustation in so many ways. Yet the patience shown inthe war years must continue and economy be practised. It isimperative that all of us strive to do those things we are best ableto do and so hasten a return to more normal conditions.

We record with regret that K. D. Williams, Sub-Lieutenant(Pilot, Fleet Air Arm), was killed on active service on 29th April,1946, within a few weeks of his twenty-first birthday.

We record with regret the death of A. B. Long, which occurredon 29th July, 1946, only a year after leaving school.

Memoirs appear elsewhere in this issue.

We extend our heartiest congratulations to the following :C. E. Hurrell on the award of the Distinguished Service Medal

and Croix de Guerre while serving with the Fleet Air Arm.I. E. Darter on obtaining the degree of B.Sc. (Agric.) in the

University of Wales.P. W. G. Lake, N.D.P., on his appointment as Assistant Poultry

Advisory Officer for Somerset.

All connected with the College will learn with alarm and regretof a proposal to erect a line of pylons for electricity cables overthe estate, corresponding approximately with the site of FrogLane, and therefore in front of Long Sutton House and SheephouseCopse. As a very fine view would thus be spoiled, the Trusteeshave taken all possible steps to have the line deviated to the southward.At the time of writing a final decision on the matter has not beenreached.

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Founder's Day, 1946FOUNDER'S DAY was held on 16th July, when the visitor was

Admiral of the Fleet Lord Chatfield, P.C., G.C.B., O.M.Arriving at noon in the company of Sir William and Lady Gavin,Lord Chatfield inspected the Air Training Corps Cadets underF./Officers Orr and Eveleigh, and the Scouts under Mr. Bacon.After commenting favourably on their smartness and efficiency,Lord Chatfield presented various training awards, and the AirTraining Corps Trophy to Sergt. A. Phillips the N.C.O. of thewinning crew. He then took the salute at a march past.

At the afternoon assembly in the School Hall, Sir William Gavinpresided. In his opening remarks the Chairman said the names ofthose Old Boys who had lost their lives in the war would be read.These names would be honoured by future generations of boys,but he hoped that it would be the last time there would be anyneed for such a list. Mr. Brown then read the Roll of Honourcontaining seventeen names.

In his statement on the session's work, the Headmaster reportedsatisfactory progress in general, and some developments in artsubjects and in experimental work on the agricultural side of thecurriculum. He thanked the staff and prefects for their assistancein a difficult time, and added that the problems met in a boardingschool were those confronting the world on a minor scale. " Withgoodwill and with everyone working for the common weal, we cango forward with confidence," he added.

In his address to the College, Lord Chatfield spoke of the valuabletraining obtained by the boys at school. They were living all theunwritten laws of life which would become part of their character.In his experience he had found the team spirit of a ship of thegreatest importance and this team spirit was needed for the futureof this country and of the world. It was right to aim at success inlife as in doing so they could best develop their own usefulness.Success and happiness came by working for an end beyond themselves,for their country and community. They should always maintainthe standard of right they had been taught at school, regardlessof criticism or popularity.

Edmund Wilson, the Captain of the School, thanked LordChatfield for his inspiring talk.

The various awards and cups were then presented by LadyGavin. The Stamp Cup went to Sheephouse, the Hall MemorialPrize to F. H. C. Podger, and the Myers Memorial Prize to B. C. J.Stafford. The Headmaster's Prize was awarded to E. Wilson.

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School NotesTN JULY, 1946, four boys sat the Oxford Higher School Certificate•••examination and all secured Inter-exemption. This is an excellentperformance, and to these boys we oifer our congratulations.

Thirty boys sat the Oxford School Certificate examination, andtwenty-four passed, six with matriculation exemption.

The boys in Form VIB sat a number of higher subsidiary papers.Results :

FORM VIAOxford Higher School Certificate

D. E. Barker : Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics,Chemistry.

A. Phillips: Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics,Chemistry.

M. F. Smith : Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics,Geography.

E. Wilson: Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics,Chemistry.

FORM VIBPrincipal Biology : P. C. Allen, R. Peacock.Subsidiary Biology : P. R. Hawkins.Subsidiary Chemistry : D. A. Brown, R. Peacock.Subsidiary Physics : D. A. Brown, P. R. Hawkins, R. Peacock,

S. E. Wood.Subsidiary Mathematics : D. A. Brown.Subsidiary Latin : D. B. Coltman, F. H. C. Podger, B. C. J.

Stafford.Subsidiary French : D. B. Coltman, F. H. C. Podger, B. C. J.

Stafford.Subsidiary English : D. B. Coltman, F. H. C. Podger, B. C. J.

Stafford, S. E. Wood.Subsidiary History : F. H. C. Podger, S. E. Wood.Subsidiary English : D. B. Coltman.Additional Mathmatics : (S.C.) D. A. Brown, K. H. Fairbanks,

S. E. Wood.

FORM VThe following boys passed School Certificate with matriculation

exemption :J. R. Armstrong, L. H. Cline, H. C. P. Gooding, J. W. Newman,

P. J. Peet and C. R. Roberts.The following passed School Certificate :A. Adcock, R. E. Barrell, R. D. Bartlett, G. B. Bayliss, R. B.

Brewster, P. A. Bryant, R. C. Camplins, A. G. S. Cheston,W. H. Cole, M. J. Davies, J. R. Ethertonr M. K. Grant, M. F.Hort, B. C. D. Madelin, R. F. J. Orwell, G. Reed, B. E.Torrance and R. A. Williams.

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We congratulate those boys who were successful in theseexaminations, and offer our best wishes to all boys who have leftschool.

The Stamp Cup was won for session 1945-46 by Sheephouse,with Hyde second, Hesters third, and Handcroft fourth.

Edmund Wilson has returned to school and remains Captainof the School. The prefects for this session are P. R. Hawkins,K. H. Fairbanks, R. Peacock, F. H. C. Podger and B. C. J. Stafford.

As Mr, Brown is now concerned with the selection of boysfor entry to the College and with the welfare of Old Boys, hefelt that he could no longer undertake the responsibility of theHousemastership of School House. Accordingly, at the beginningof the Autumn Term, Dr. Bateman took over School House, andwe hope that he will find success and happiness in his work.

Mr. Brown will continue to reside in School House and helpwith a variety of school activities. He will still exert his very greatinfluence for good on the boys going through the College. NoOld Boy will ever fail to appreciate the value of the example of highmoral intergrity set by Mr. Brown.

On 7th October, I. Madelin and P. H. Matthews broke a recordwhich has stood since 1929. On that day, with Mr. Brown (whoalso shared in the 1929 record), they had an early morning dip inthe swimming-pool.

During the session talks were given to the School on a varietyof subjects. Mr. L. A. G. Strong, with Miss Helen Spalding, gavea selection of readings; Mr. Howgrave-Graham spoke on ScotlandYard ; Mr. E. Bunbury on the Bank of England ; Dr. N. E. Odellon the Ascent of Nandi Devi ; and Mrs. Harper on Canada.

The following boys left during the year :D. E. Barker, A. Phillips, D. J. Roberts, M. F. Smith, S. E. Wood,

A. Adcock, R. E. Barren, R. D. Bartlett, R. B. Brewster, F. E. C.Brookes, M. J. Davies, J. R. Etherton, M. K. Grant, S. G. Gregory,M. F. Hort, R. F. J. Orwell, P. J. Peet, G. V. Smith, G. B. Bayliss,P. A. Bryant, W. H. Cole, E. C. Gale, J. R. Howard, B. C. D.Madelin, G. W. Rice, B. E. Torrance, R. A. Williams, D. H.Challand and P. C. Allen.

The following boys entered during the year :A. J. Passmore, J. D. S. Dudley, D. Turner, G. H. Albert, K. C.

Allen, J. F. Binmore, J. R. Bishop, D. J. Boulton, C. A. Bullock,M. E. Duffy, J. B. Elliott, R. S. Ellwood, J. Guest, B. Hardwick,C. H. Hilditch, R. J. Hing, H. J. Holding, D. E. Jones, L. W. Kinney,J. S. Morris, A. P. Neeson, P. Ogley, J. Parkinson, J. K. Ryder,A. G. Scott, J. D. Smith, G. Smith, K. G. Smith, P. S. Smith,R. A. B. D. Thatcher, I. G. Trueman, D. C. A. Watts, A. H. Whittle,K. L. A. Whittle, E. Wood, R. H. Wood, G. T. Woodyatt, A. R.Haste and P. Britton.

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ProjectsHTHE Saturday morning Projects have now passed through the

•*• preliminary stage and are taking firmer root. The idea behindthe scheme originally was to replace the previous " manual" bythe introduction of a number of activities, of which a boy wasexpected to choose one, and in which he could carry out a pieceof work, individual and creative, in the widest sense of the term.

The activities range over a wide selection. There are the YoungFarmers' Club, the Gardening Club, the Engineering Section, theModel-making Section, the Sketching Section, the Scientific Section,and the Shooting Club. In all cases the boy is expected to do some-thing definite and personal, and some interesting results have beenachieved. Each Section is looked after by a Master, and again thanksare due to those members of the staff who have helped to developthis very valuable activity.

Cairngorm ClimbingA NEW venture in the history of the College took place in July,

•**-1946, when a party of six boys, E. Wilson, P. R. Hawkins,B. C. J. Stafford, S. E. Wood, D. A. Brown and F. H. C. Podger,spent ten days on a hill walking expedition in the Cairngorms.The party was completed by the Headmaster, Mr. Richard Seaton,and Mr. Stodart, and lived in a mountain hut loaned by the owners,Elgin Academy. Accommodation was good, and the food supply,thanks to the help of Messrs. Melbourne and Chaddock, excellent.Perhaps Mr. Seaton's catering to which the only term applicableis magnificient, should be given pride of place in this report. Wecertainly fed well! Thanks are also due to Mr. Stodart and to hisvaliant car which did very good service.

Although the weather was not good, it never kept us off thehills and Cairngorm, Ben Macdhui, Braeriach, Sgoran Dubhwere the major peaks climbed, and we also did a number of minorwalks. Brief accounts of two days' outings follow.

The Ascent of Ben Macdhui

Our party was composed of Mr. Henderson, Mr. Stodart, Brown,Hawkins, Podger, Wilson and Wood. We started off in high spirits,and walked up a spur of Cairngorm, which led us on to the highplateau, between that mountain and Macdhui. On the plateau wepressed on with some haste until we reached the base of Macdhuiitself. Our enforced speed was due to the fear of a sudden mist,which would have slowed up our pace.

Having reached the summit, 4,296 feet above sea level, weexamined the indicator giving the relative distances and directionsof other mountains, but we were unable to distinguish Ben Nevis,our sole superior in height in Britain. We lunched in the shelter

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of the summit cairn, and did not remain long, as it was blowingrather freshly, and a slight mist did not improve conditions.

We returned via the " Shelter Stone," a very large rock whichprovided a sheltered cavity beneath, made more comfortable byman. We descended to this by the Braemar—Macdhui path, meetingsome climbers coming up from Braemar. Having duly inscribedour names in the log book kept at the Shelter Stone, we ascendedthe steep slope from Loch Avon to the ridge of Cairngorm. I shallremember that climb for a long time. There were five of us dottedup the slope at intervals, with Brown in the lead and Mr. Hendersonrather less hurriedly bringing up the rear. Eventually we congregatedat the top, rather bedraggled in our capes. From there we madegood time home, spurred on by the thought of food and dry kit,to find Mr. Seaton ready to fufil our hopes.

BraeriachAs Braeriach lay at least ten miles from our hut, we decided to

use Mr. Stodart's car to convey us to within a reasonable distanceof the base. The track was rough, and even under water, but theworthy old Morris did the job nobly. Mr. Stodart's party set outone day but was faced by bad weather and climbed Sgoran Dubh,on the opposite side of Glen Einich from Braeriach. We were morefortunate on the day after.

Our four—Mr. Henderson, Podger, Stafford and Wilson, havingparked the car, set off up Glen Einich until we came to the ruinsof a Bothy, were we fortified ourselves with some lunch. Our routelay along the ridge between Coire Bennaidh and Coire Ruadh.The climb at first was over sodden peaty ground and short heather;higher up, the going was easier, as it lay over short grass and unevenstony outcrops ; finally, we had a boulder scramble to the top.I found this more interesting and more truly a climb—the ascentwas steeper, and in places tricky, as the rocks were not always surefootholds.

At the summit, the visibility was not good ; but we could seethe rather square cut peak of Cairn Toul, and the rather shapelessmass of Ben Macdhui. A few feet away from us was a sheer drop ofa thousand feet down to the Lairig Ghru. This precipice has thename of Coire Bhrochain, " Porridge" Corrie ; legend has itthat a herd of deer once rushed over the edge in a storm. I mighthere mention Mr. Henderson's hat, a creation which appeared tobe a cross between a trilby and the traditional witch's headgear.

At lunch a heavy shower of rain visited itself upon us. The rainbecame hail, which rattled down on us as we huddled under ourcapes. The shower left us very cold, so we decided to move down togreater warmth.

Our route back was by a ridge lying between Coire Ruadh andCoire an Lochan. This " Lochan " is the highest permanent pieceof water in Britain, being about 3,500 feet above sea level. Onceoff this ridge we enthusiastically picked what we hoped was whiteheather but which proved to be pink, as we returned to the car.

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The Geographical SocietyT^HE Society has carried on its usual activities in the past year.*• In the Spring Term there was a cycling expedition to the

Hog's Back and Compton, the home of G. F. Watts, a painterfamous at the beginning of this century and much of whose workcan be seen in what must be a unique village art gallery. Nearby,in a sand-pit, the steeply dipping iron-bearing beds of the LowerGreensand were exposed ; the inclination of the beds in this areaexplains the narrowness of the chalk outcrop and the consequentnarrowness of the Hog's Back, from which good views were obtained,northwards over the London Basin and southwards into the Weald.

A second excursion, this time by bus, was made to Winchester,where the Hall of the Medieval Castle was visited in the morning.It was here that Judge Jeffreys began his notorious " BloodyAssize ; " on the wall hangs a circular table reputed to be thatwhich belonged to King Arthur, but which is more probably agaming table of Tudor times. In the afternoon the party went overthe Cathedral and Winchester College.

During the same term there were lectures on "Australia and theFar East" by Lieut. R. R. Rossiter, R.N., and " The Geographyof an Air Age" by R. S, Bacon. There was also a programme offilms on London, Scotland, and the Amazon Forests.

In the Summer Term all members of the Society went on a day'strip to London, where a tour was made from the Pool and theTower, westwards through Billingsgate and the financial andcommercial area of the City, to St. Paul's, from the dome of whicha good general view of the lay-out of the capital was obtained.The party proceeded via Fleet Street to Westminster, where theAbbey and Houses of Parliament were visited during the afternoon.

A cycling excursion to the Cotswolds was planned for half-term,and in order to test the endurance of members an expedition toStonehenge and back was made earlier in the term. This hundred-mile ride was made without casualty, though the return journey overthe rolling and exposed chalkland roads against a head wind provedmore of a test than had the outward one.

The early morning weather of half-term Saturday was mostunpropitious, but the rain cleared away after breakfast ; theparty set out on their journey westwards to Gloucestershire, andwere fortunate in dodging the " cold front" showers. Our routelay through Newbury and Swindon to Cirencester, after whichErmine Street was followed to the brow of the Coltswold escarpmentat Birdlip, from which views were obtained over the Severn Plainto the Malvern Hills. After an invigorating free-wheel down thesharpe slope to Chelthenham, we had to climb again, this time tothe top of Cleeve Hill, before journey's end at Winchcombe couldbe reached.

Sunday was spent in exploring the Winchcombe district. Twoascents of the escarpment were made. The first, in the morning, to

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visit St. Kenelm's Well and a Roman Villa which had, at one time,been excavated and protected from the weather ; the buildingshad, however, mostly collapsed, but on removing some of thedebris the mosaics were revealed, still full of colour and in asurpisingly good state of preservation. In the evening the secondclimb was made to Belas Knap, one of the few remaining longbarrows, which has been carefully preserved and the Neolithicdry walled burial chambers could be entered.

The return journey on Monday was made down the WindrushValley through Bourton-on-the-Water, where we visited a delightfulmodel village made of the local Cotswold stone, and then throughthe blanket-making town of Witney to Oxford, where we halteda couple of hours to visit New College and Christchurch beforeproceeding to Reading and then back to School.

During the Autumn Term there has been a lecture by L.C. Coe,an Old Boy, on his experiences in the " atomic bomb " cities ofHiroshima and Nagasaki, and a programme of films on Winchester,Cyclonic Depressions, and Mountaineering. There have also beentwo cycling expeditions, one to Windsor and the other to Selborne.

R.S.B.

VI Form Discussion GroupThe Vlth Form Discussion Group met in alternate weeks at

Shepewood and Sutton House. In general the topics were fullyand widely discussed, although at times there was a risk of a fewtending to monopolise the conversation. In a discussion group itis essential that all bear their part, and that more value is givento hearing all points of view than to the scoring of debating points.

The following topics were discussed, the opening speaker beingnamed in each case :—

E. Wilson GermanyP. C. Allen . . . . The Medical ProfessionD. A. Brown . . . . Future of ManD. B. Coltman . . . PatriotismK. H. Fairbanks . . RussiaP. R. Hawkins . . . HealthR . Peacock . . . . EvolutionF. H. C. Podger . . CivilisationB. C. J. Stafford . . Love and MoralsG. Reed Education

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Rugby Football1st XV

SEASON 1945-46

26th January v. Reading University 2nd XV (home), won 34-0Reading, who had to borrow a player (W. A. N. Mason), were

unexpectedly weak behind the scrum. There was not much betweenthe packs in the first half, but the Reading backs, although smartin defence, were not able to make a sustained attack. After somemidfield play Wandsworth who were playing with the slope, gottheir first score through Wilson, who made a very smart pick-up.Shortly afterwards two orthodox passing movements gave scoresto Fairbanks, who in each case was up to back up the winger. ThenHort scored following a move by Hawkins, and Gregory sold adummy to cut through to add another try. Fairbanks had his thirdscore following good inter-passing among the backs. Half-timescore, 22-0.

Playing uphill in the second half, Wandsworth took some timeto get going, but the forwards gradually got on top and had a numberof good rushes, in which Phillips, Bartlett and Brown did well.Hawkins scored from a clever run and kick-ahead by Wilson ;Brookes had a good try after a hard run ; Wilson backed up Hortin a three-quarter movement and scored ; and finally Bartlett hada long dribble and shared the touch-down with Brewster. Duringthe game Fairbanks and Bartlett each converted a try to make thefinal score 34-0.

Playing under very muddy conditions our backs handled well,and the forwards, although playing with three reserves, had a goodgame. Brookes, on the wing in place of Stafford, improved as thegame went on ; while forward Podger and Barrell ably filled theplaces of Peacock and Wood, and Brewster in place of Daviesmade quite a good showing.

2nd February v. Douai "A" (away), lost 0-3.This was our off day. Playing against a hard-going team who

defended resolutely, we lacked the finish needed to win. It wasa game in which we had a distinct territorial advantage, but failedto press home our attack.

After some hard midfield play, Douai opened the scoring witha smartly taken try following a quick pick-up. Wandsworth pressedhard, and twice Fairbanks got through and was stopped by theDouai full-back ; on one of these occasions a quick pass to Hortmight have led to a score.

The whole team was off form. The forwards, playing with tworeserves, seldom showed their usual fire and the handling of theback division was poor, in startling contrast to their play of theprevious week. Too often the line lay flat and took their passesstanding, if they took them at all. Credit must be given to the Douai

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defence which kept us out, and to their ability to size up a situationand make the most of it, which made them the better team on theday's showing. In this game Podger, Barrell and Brookes playedfor Peacock, Wood and Stafford, who were ill.

9th February v. Churcher's 2nd VX (home), won 41-0.The previous week's defeat had a salutary effect, for Wandsworth

opened play with much crisper handling. Following an orthodoxmovement, Gale, who was preferred to Brookes on the wing, ranin to open the scoring. Immediately afterwards Gregory dummiedand passed inside to the forwards, who completed the movement,Rice touching down. Then Hort took a pass from Hawkins toscore on the blind side after a scrum on Churcher's line. Furthertries in this half were added by Gale and Hort following goodthree-quarter movements, and by Fairbanks from a loose maul.

Playing uphill in the second half, Wandsworth scored steadily.Wilson touched down after Fairbanks had cut through, and thescoring was completed by tries from Gale, Fairbanks, Hawkinsand Hort. Fairbanks converted four tries, while Gregory narrowlymissed with an attempted drop.

Our attack was a considerable improvement on the previous week,but our defence was not tested. Churcher's fought hard and defendedwell, but were not able to launch a systematic attack. Our forwards,ably led by Phillips, were getting a good deal of the ball, both inthe loose and in the tight, and this gave us the basis on which toscore. The whole team were on their toes, and this was reflectedin the result. In this game Podger, C. R. Roberts and Gale playedfor Peacock, Wood and Stafford.

20th February v. A Guy's Hospital XV (home), lost 6-12.This game, played in a gale against a heavier and more experienced

team, provided the best Rugby so far shown by any fifteen of theSchool. Wandsworth had a fair share of the game, but in the earlierstages were beaten forward by a more robust pack. Two tries werescored from wheels by the Hospital forwards, Wandsworth notbeing able to cope with this method of attack. In the second half,however, Wandsworth's training began to tell, and two very finetries were scored by Fairbanks and Wilson. On a normal day thelighter School side might have given a better account of themselves.As it was, the team played a very hard game, and although theHospital side deserved their win it was no easy victory. Our backsand forwards defended resolutely and attacked with vigour.

23rd February v. Old Boys XV (won) 34-0.A team consisting of eight Old Boys and seven pupils played the

School 1st XV and was defeated by 34 points to nil. The Old Boysplayed a hard game, but lack of practice together told against themand they were unable to hold the combined moves of the Schoolbacks.

We are grateful to these Old Boys for starting a fixture whichwe hope will become an annual event. The Old Boys who played

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were Date, Howells, Cox, Powell, Coltman, S. H. Davies, A. J. Gatesand Dingle. B. Jarvis also journeyed to school, but unfortunatelyarrived too late to take part in the game.

* * *At the end of the season rugger caps were awarded to G. W.

Rice, R. D. Bartlett, M. J. Davies and M. F. Hort, and dates toK. H. Fairbanks, A. Phillips, E. Wilson and P. R. Hawkins.

The following boys appeared in the 1st XV photograph. K. H.Fairbanks (captain), R. D. Bartlett, D. A. Brown, M. J. Davies,S. G. Gregory, M. K. Grant, P. R. Hawkins, M. F. Hort, A.Phillips, R. Peacock, G. W. Rice, D. J. Roberts, B. C. J. Stafford,E. Wilson and S. E. Wood.

SEASON 1946-47

Of last season's XV, Bartlett, Davies, Grant, Gregory, Hort,Phillips, Rice, Roberts and Wood have left school, while Brown,Fairbanks, Hawkins, Peacock, Stafford and Wilson have remained.This meant rebuilding the pack and remodelling the back division.

Hawkins took over the captaincy and remained at scrum-half.Wilson moved from centre to the stand-off position, and J. C.Phillips came in to partner Fairbanks in the centre. Stafford remainedon the right wing, while Holley took over on the left. Singleton wasplaced at full-back.

The front row of the pack was made up of Peacock, Newmanand C. R. Roberts. Podger and Sweet formed the second row, andColtman became lock-forward. The wingers were Brown on theopen and Veale on the blind side. Peacock took over the leadershipof the pack.

Of the newcomers to the team, Podger, Coltman and Robertscame from last season's 2nd XV ; Phillips, Singleton, Holley,Newman, Sweet and Veale from last season's Colts XV.

The early practices showed keenness and sound knowledge oftne game, but the team-work was rather ragged. In the first gameagainst Newbury the younger players in particular showed theirimmaturity, but they profited a great deal from the defeat, and insubsequent games showed more confidence and resolution.

The pack are now working well, and know their job The forwardscould improve individually in handling and dribbling and in defence.

In attack the backs can move quickly. The half-backs combinewell and are always alert and dangerous. The three-quarters havethrust and pace, and are improving as a line. In defence there is attimes a tendency not to take one's own man, which leaves Hawkinsand Fairbanks among the backs and Brown and Sweet among theforwards to do more than their share of tackling.

In general the standard of play is high and is improving.

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1st XV PersonalitiesSINGLETON.—Kicks well usually, but sometimes gets flustered.

Fielding good, sense of position improving. Tackling is uneven.HOLLEY.—Fast, but slow off his mark. Not good with his feet.

Improving in determination, both in attack and defence.FAIRBANKS.—Dangerous in attack and powerful in defence. Has

done a tremendous amount of tackling and defensive workgenerally. Improving in attacking methods and has a good" dummy " when he remembers to use it.

PHILLIPS.—Willing, but very slow in action. Must put his weighton a man in tackling, and speed-up his passing. Potentially agood player.

STAFFORD.—Kicks badly. Good in attack, uncertain in defence.Resolute and fast when going for the line. Very difficult to stop.

WILSON.—Very good in attack. Can hold any pass, and open upplay or cut through. Not always up in defence. Kicking improved.HAWKINS.—Hard working, and determined both in defence and

attack. Goes hard the whole game ; an all-weather player.PEACOCK.—Steady and hard working. Developing well as a leader.NEWMAN.—Improving as a hooker. Follows up well.ROBERTS.—Steady and hard-working. Should learn to dribble.

Handling improving.PODGER.—Has an eye for an opening. Hard-working and intelligent.SWEET.—Going well all the time, tackles hard.BROWN.—A good wing forward who knows his job in attack and

defence.COLTMAN.—An asset at the line-out, works well. Follows up well

in the loose.VEALE.—Hard goer ; should work at his dribbling.BARTLETT.—Follows up well in the loose. Rather light.

28th September v. Newbury Grammar School 1st XV (away), lost3-58.Having suffered a severe defeat from Newbury last season, we

knew that at best we could hope for a slight reduction in the score,but we did not get even this satisfaction. Playing on a day moresuitable for cricket than Rugby, the fast-moving and skilful Newburyteam defeated us very thoroughly, although territorially we had afair share of the game. Our forwards came best out of thedefeat, although they were beaten in the tight and the loose. Toooften our backs, and in particular the three-quarters, were drawnout of position, and left gaps through which Newbury ran to score.Our crumb of comfort came through Hawkins, who scored froma break-up after a maul. It was fitting that Hawkins, our best playeron the day's showing, should have had this score.

5th October v. Godalming 1st XV (home), won 56-0.After the Newbury game we were not at all confident of our ability

to hold the Godalming 1st XV. This was a new fixture, and we didnot know the strength of the opposition. Play opened with the

THE SO WER Page 15

College playing down and in our first attack the ball came out toFairbanks, who made a lot of ground before passing to Holley,who ran well to score in the corner. This early success gave usconfidence and we returned to the attack. Tries were scored byFairbanks and Stafford, and as the game went on it was clearthat we had the measure of our opponents. The pack, workinghard under Peacock, obtained possession from mauls and line-outs,but were not getting their share in the set scrums. Our backs handledwell, and further tries were scored by Fairbanks (3), Hawkins andHolley. Of these, one was converted by Fairbanks, and at half-timethe score was 26-0 in our favour.

In the second half we continued to press, and Godalming, althoughfighting hard, never got a chance to settle down. Tries were scoredby Fairbanks (3), Stafford (2), Phillips (2), Holley and Hawkins,Singleton converting two. Our attempts at conversion were notgood. The final score was 56-0, and it was clear that we had learneda great deal from the Newbury game.26th October v. Leighton Park 2nd XV (home), won 47-3.

We started this game very confidently, playing downhill on apitch rather greasy after showers. Newman was played as hookerin place of Bartlett. Almost at once we moved into the LeightonPark " 25," where from a scrum Wilson cut through cleverly toscore behind the posts, and Singleton converted. Shortly afterwardsFairbanks took a pass at top speed and ran through to score, butthe try was not converted. Play continued to run in our favour ;the forwards were on top and were playing with great dash. Theygave the backs a good share of the ball and tries came steadily.At half-time the score was 42-0, made up of two more tries byWilson, three more by Fairbanks, and three by Stafford. Singletonkicked six goals in all.

Play deteriorated in the second half and a number of scores werelost by faulty handling. Wilson broke away to score a good trywhich, was converted by Singleton. Leighton Par-k then -began- aseries of rushes, and eventually scored a good try, although helpedby weak defence. The final score was 47-3, which rather flattered usin view of our mistakes in the second half. Our opponents foughthard throughout the game, and had more of the play than the scoresuggests.2nd November v. Christ's Hospital 3rd XV (away) drew 12-12.

Two seasons ago this team had beaten us easily, and we were notat all certain of our prospects this season.

Play opened with a run by Wilson, who went through verynicely, but the movement broke down. We kept up the pressureand from a penalty in the Christ's Hospital " 25 " Fairbanks kickeda goal. Shortly afterwards Wilson cut through and ran strongly toscore, but the try was not converted. We retained the initiative,but our movements were not successfully completed, as our three-quarter line lacked cohesion. Our forwards were giving us a greatdeal of the ball, and from a scrum Wilson broke away on the blind

Page 16 THE SOWER

side and gave to Stafford, who ran with resolution to score in thecorner ; again the kick failed.

Christ's Hosptial rallied and, following a break through ourcentre, scored a good try but failed to convert, and half-time camewith the score 9-3 in our favour.

Immediately on resuming, our opponents had a forward rushand scored a second try, which was not converted. Wandsworththen attacked, and Wilson had a good run which just failed. Shortlyafterwards Phillips followed up a kick and scored for us, but againthe try was not converted.

During the remainder of the game play ran from end to end ofthe field. In these attacks Christ's Hospital showed more finishand scored twice to draw level with us. While we countered stronglywe were unable to finish, and the game ended in a draw of 12 pointseach. We had enough chances to win, but our backing up was notso good as it might have been. Hawkins and Wilson played verywell and Fairbanks kicked and tackled strongly, but the otherbacks were below par, and were too hesitant in defence and lackedanticipation in attack. The pack played a good game, having thebetter of their opponents for three-quarters of the game. Thiswas the best game so far this season, hard and sporting throughout.It showed us our strength—the forwards, our half-backs andFairbanks, and our weakness in defence.

13th November v. R.A.F., Odiham (home) won 15-8.Losing the toss, the College played uphill on a dry pitch, with

a slight cross-wind. Bartlett came in for Veale, who was unable toplay. The R.A.F. controlled the ball in the early scrums and theirbacks attacked strongly, scoring with a good break-through by theircentres. The try was not converted. The R.A.F. continued to attack,and it took hard tackling by Hawkins and Fairbanks to keep themout. After a series of mauls on our line they scored again and thetry was converted. From the kick-off we attacked and the R.A.F.were penalized in their " 25 " and Fairbanks kicked a good goal.Half-time came with the score 8-3 against us.

Playing downhill, we immediately attacked and Fairbanks scoredfollowing a quick heel and good handling by the backs. Our forwardswere now playing very well against their heavier opponents, and ourbacks continued to attack. After a very fine break-through byFairbanks, Wilson cut through to score near the posts. Play thenbecame scrappy, but towards the end Fairbanks crashed throughfor a try, and later Phillips let Stafford away to score a fine try inthe corner. None of our tries was converted and the final scorewas 15-8 in our favour.

In this very hard game the forwards did well, Peacock givinga good lead and Brown doing a great deal of hard work. Newmanhooked well in the second half, and Hawkins and Wilson played anexcellent game at half-back, where Hawkins got through a tremendousamount of hard work in defence. Wilson had two very fine break-throughs, and opened up play very well. Fairbanks has never played

THE SO WER Page 17

better, and did some very hard tackling in addition to his power inattack. Phillips and Stafford combined well to score the last try.This was our best game this season against a very good team.

23rd November v. St. George's College, Weybridge (away), drew 12-12.After ten days of rain, during which training was difficult to

organize, we visited Weybridge, with Bartlett in the pack for Brown,to find the pitch heavy and greasy. Losing the toss, we played againsta strong breeze and were forced on the defensive. After playingfor some time in our own half, we opened up an attack and tookplay to the other end of the field. Our forwards began to get theball in the tight, and from a maul Stafford went through on theblind side to score a good try, which was not converted. We continuedto press, and Stafford scored a second try following good work byHawkins. St. George's counter-attacked and from a scrum in our" 25 " scored a smartly taken drop goal. Wilson, Fairbanks andHolley carried the game to the other end of the field, and for theremainder of the half we had a very good share of the ball. Staffordscored two more tries, neither of which was converted.

In the second half the St. George's pack took charge of the gameand kept us penned in our own half. During this time the Weybridgebacks scored two tries following good passing movements. One trywas converted and the score stood at 12-all. For the last quarterof an hour we were fighting hard to get the deciding try, but ouropponents defended grimly and kept us out.

The game ended in a draw of four tries to a goal, a dropped goaland a try. On play we might have won, but our forwards lost holdfor a time and our backs were not running as smoothly as theymight. Hawkins played a very good game and Fairbanks did atremendous amount of hard work in defence. Wilson opened upplay well, but Phillips' handling was faulty ; he lay too flat, held ontoo long in attack, and shadow-tackled in defence. Holley's tacklingshowed improvement, and Stafford was resolute but tended toget easily flustered. Singleton played soundly, although he misfieldedon occasions. Of the forwards, Peacock, Podger and Sweet workedhard, but the pack were too slow in packing into line-outs andmauls. Brown was missed in the open.30th November v. Douai "A" (away), lost 3-6.

Play opened on a water-logged pitch which soon became a mud-bath, Douai having the advantage of wind and slope. Under thecircumstances handling was extremely difficult and the greaterpart of the game was fought out between the two packs. Douaishowed themselves better at foot rushes, and brought play into ourhalf, where from a maul a handling movement developed and Douaiscored a good try, which was not converted.

Crossing over three points down, we continued to have a fairshare of the ding-dong game, but the Douai forwards had a goodbreak-away and got over for another try.

We now pressed strongly and good kicking by Fairbanks gainedus ground. From a maul Hawkins broke clean through and scored

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a well-taken try, but the attempt to convert failed. Play continuedto swing from end to end of the pitch, but neither side could score,and the game ended with the score 6 points to 3 against us.

Playing against a heavier team, which included about half ofDouai 1st XV, we can claim a good deal of credit from this match.The forwards played a very hard game ; Hawkins, Wilson andFairbanks were best among the backs, who all did well and againand again stopped the Douai rushes.14th December v. Wellington College 3rd XV (away), cancelledbecause of ground conditions.

2nd XV NOTESThe 2nd XV have played four fixtures this season and have

shown uneven form. Their captain, Stafford, at stand-off, is nippyin attack and kicks well. Clatworthy at scrum half defends well,and Powell at full-back has a sense of position and can field. Of thethree-quarters who have played, Price, Turner, Barker, Houghtonand M. Roberts are all uncertain in defence and ragged in theirhandling, but Skinner shows some promise. In the pack Bartlett,Price and Smith go hard, Gooding and Long have been prominentand Campling, Hicks, Ide and Millson work well, but the pack as awhole, while better than the backs, is rather lacking in dash.19th October.—v. Churcher's College 4th XV (away), drew 3-3.

The forwards got a good share of the ball, but the three-quarterslacked penetration. We pressed hard and were nearly over severaltimes, but our efforts were too individual and there was littlebacking-up. Churcher's scored a try, and Stafford kicked a penaltygoal for us to draw the match.2nd November.—v. Christ's Hospital 4th XV (away), lost 0-63.

We were outweighted and outpaced in this game. Two brightspots occurred—Bartlett's hooking and Clatworthy's tackling.16th November.—v. St. George's College 2nd XV (away), lost 0-27.

During the first half the three-quarters were unable to turn toadvantage the liberal supply of the ball they received from theforwards, and at half-time the score was 6-0 against us.

In the second half St. George's got a great deal of the ball, andslackness in our defence enabled them to beat us finally 27-0.30th November.—v. Reading School 3rd XV (home), lost 0-9.

This game, played under very heavy and difficult conditions,was a forward game throughout. There was no score in the firsthalf. Reading played down the slope in the second half, scoringthree unconverted tries from forward movements. Wandsworthplayed with great energy and determination against opponentslarger and heavier than themselves, kicking to touch and followingup punts ahead with all the vigour which the state of the groundwould allow. The first half was very even, the second mostly defensive,though on more than one occasion the Wandsworth forwards brokeaway and looked as if they might force a try.

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COLTS RUGBYThe 1945-46 Colts XV finished in a blaze of glory, defeating

Reading School Colts at Reading on 2nd February by 6 points tonil, and the following Saturday gaining a well merited win overChurcher's College Colts at Petersfield by 22 points to 8. The Schoolteam for these two matches was Powell ; Holley, Skinner, Price,Bayliss ; J. Phillips, Cline ; Mason, S. Bartlett, Newman, Veale,Farbrother, Scott, Ide and Millson.

At the end of the season the Colts record read : played, 9 ; won,7 ; lost, 2 ; points for, 198 ; points against, 34.

It is very seldom that a school can field first-rate Colts XV's intwo successive years, for, owing to anno Domini it may be necessaryto build up a practically new team at the start of another season.This season only Mason, Scott and Farbrother were still eligiblefor the Colts. It was hard luck that Powell was just one day tooold to play for the Colts a third year.

The Colts opened their 1946-47 season with an away matchagainst Leighton Park School on 26th October. We fielded thefollowing team : Torrance ; A. Cheston, Farbrother, Burlingham,Brazier ; Scott, Freeman ; Mason, Dennis, Mills, Burdge, Duffett,Whittington, Grosvenor and Hearn.

In spite of having territorial advantage for the greater part of thegame, we scored only one try against our opponents' three. Thisdefect was due to lack of finish, hardly surprising in an inexperiencedteam, but in the main to the fact that there were too many gaps inthe defence—not so excusable. The Park forward rushes werealways dangerous and two scores came that way. Freeman was oneof the few in the back division who was always ready to tackle orto lie on the ball. Torrance was adequate at full-back. The forwardsdid reasonably well in the tight, but their play was not aggressiveenough in the loose.

Two changes were made in the team for the home game againstDouai on 9th November. Hunt came in for Brazier (ill) and Keardisplaced Hearn in the forwards. Up to half-time, playing up theslope, we produced some sound rugger, the score at the intervalbeing 8-6 in Douai's favour. At this stage the spectators werejustified in thinking that with the slope in our favour we shouldgain the ascendency. In the second half, however, after a couple ofsnap tries by Douai, the home side faded away. There was a lackof tenacity under pressure and this was just where last year's Coltshad been so good. Douai eventually won by 20-6.

For the game at home against Newbury on 23rd NovemberDuffett was tried at stand-off, Scott going to right centre, Burlinghamto right wing (displacing Cheston) and D. Phillips was the newforward. On a very wet pitch the forwards were grand. They morethan held their own against the Newbury pack and in a sea of mudfought with spirit right up to the end. The final score, 17-6 in favourof Newbury, was hardly a true reflection of the game, three ofNewbury's tries being snatch ones from melees near the line. Duffett

Page 20 THE SOWER

made a favourable impression in his new position, handling wellunder adverse conditions, his defence was an asset, and he combinedwell with his partner. Freeman was his usual dogged self at scrum-half. The threes as an attacking force were disappointing, missingchances through inept passing, but there was some improvementin defence.

The next fixture was away against Wellington, and it was expectedthat the Colts would be up against the strongest opposition theywere likely to encounter. Two changes were made, Scott returningto wing forward and Etherton came in to the three-quarter line.With the exception of two forwards and one three-quarter, Wellingtonput out their best under 15 team.

For the first time this season the Colts played like a team. Theyshowed dash and resolution in attack, and their defence was muchmore dependable. When Wellington went ahead we rallied to thechallenge. The pace was fast throughout—sturdy, robust rugger.At half-time Wellington led by three tries to nil. The only otherscore came towards the end of the game, when, after a period inthe Wellington " 25," Grosvenor from a melee touched down inthe left corner.

Colts PersonalitiesTORRANCE did most of what was required of a full-back. He was,

however, young and light for an under 15 side.BURLINGHAM, both at centre three and on the wing, always went

hard for the line. A fault, due to overkeenness, has been aninability to hold passes. Defence not too certain.

FARBROTHER was a little disappointing after the promise he showedlast season. Defence still his weak point, though there was anotable improvement in the Wellington game. His attack, par-ticularly on a dry ground, is good. Scored an excellent try againstLeighton Park.

HUNT has a safe pair of hands and a useful punt. Not enoughresolution in going for the line. Defence could be improved.

SCOTT, while in the back division, was better at spoiling than inattack. Held the ball too long and was frequently caught inpossession. Handling and defence were both effective.

DUFFETT at stand-off was a discovery. A safe pair of hands,resonably good acceleration and game in defence. With moreexperience should do well.

FREEMAN a very capable scrum-half. Very plucky and never crackedunder pressure. Has taken many hard knocks but, like the bestscrum workers, seems to be made of rubber and is indefatigable.Needs to speed up his service.

MASON (captain) came into his own in the Wellington match,playing his best game of the season. Led his forwards well.Useful in the line-out.

GROSVENOR was perhaps the beau ideal of the pack. A hard-working,tough, aggressive player. Will be eligibb for the Colts next year.

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DENNIS, hooker and always there in time. The youngest in thepack, he is steadily improving and should develop well.

WHITTINGTON admirable in the loose but not shoving hard enoughin the set scrums.

KEAR follows up well and is at his best in an open game. Readyto go down on the ball and break up forward rushes.

BURDGE a tenacious, hard working forward. Began the seasonquietly, but latterly has put plenty of vigour into his play, usinghis height and weight to advantage.

MILLS steady and able rather than spectacular. Has the stamina tokeep going all the time. A useful place-kick.

UNDER 14There were two under 14 games in the Autumn term. Unfortunately,

the fixture with St. George's College had to be cancelled owing tofloods at Weybridge.

On 19th October, on a very muddy pitch at Petersfield, wescraped a win against Churcher's College by 12 points to 11. Itwas an exciting game to watch, the two teams being very evenlymatched, the scores coming almost alternately and the result beingin doubt almost to the final whistle. Our forwards were superiorin the set scrums, but in the loose Churcher's pack was a shadeahead. Grosvenor, Hancock and Dennis were often prominentin the mauls, and had they been backed up better the score wouldhave been higher. Torrance and Bye at half combined nicely andboth did good work in defence. The " threes," Darke, Pagett,Etherton and Brazier, really looked like a three-quarter line, theirhandling and tackling being above reproach (they were much saferthan the Colts' " threes"), but were too inclined to run across andcramp the attack.

The other game was played at Oxford on 16th November againstDragon School 2nd XV. The onlookers were treated to someglorious rugger, beautiful passing, determined running and hardtackling. No quarter was asked or given, yet the whole match,like the Colts game at Wellington, was fought in the best sportingspirit. The forwards, ably led by Grosvenor, were untiring, and mostof the tries came as a result of their efforts, Grosvenor crossing theline four times. The whole back division deserved praise, there wasno gap in defence, and the combination in attack was a tremendousimprovement on the previous game. The display put up by thisunder 14 team was a credit to the College and augurs well for thefuture. The game was a closer one than the final score (22-3 in ourfavour) would seem to suggest. We look forward to a return matchnext year.

The following have played for the under 14 team :Cowan, Darke, Pagett, Hubbard, Etherton, Brazier, Torrance,

Bye, Grosvenor, Dennis, Hancock, Martin A. Dennison, D.Phillips, Francis, K. Williams and Creed.

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Cricket, 19461st XI

Played 9: Won 0; Drawn 3; Lost 4; Abandoned 2.for against

v. Long Sutton H lost 46 78v. Nautical College, Pangbourne H lost 62 169 for 9v. Newbury Grammar School A drawn 76 for 5 129 for 9v. Charterhouse 3rd XI .v. Winchester 2nd XI.v. Kingham's Sports Clubv. Wellington College 3rd XIv . M r . Marval's XI . . .v. Reading School 2nd XI .

A drawn 79 for 4 143 forA lost 30 86H abandoned — 41 forA drawn 81 for 9 104H abandoned 64 for 7 150 forA lost 51 52

With seven of the previous year's team available it was hopedthat the 1st XI might settle down to a promising side. However,the team generally lacked confidence in itself and this, allied to astronger fixture list, gave us a disappointing record. With theexception of Wilson, Gregory, and Hawkins our batting was weakand the tail began all too early; our bowling was undistinguishedand had too little variety; generally speaking our fielding was ofa higher standard than these other departments of the game.

Moreover the weather throughout the season was not conduciveto enjoyable cricket; in the early matches a strong cold windchilled enthusiasm and later on the rain was heavy and persistent.The wicket and outfield improved remarkably under our new groundsman's care and attention. We were unable to use the new squarebecause the turf had not knitted and was far too spongy. Nextseason there should be two good squares.

The first game against Long Sutton was lost. The village battedfirst and had 5 wickets down for under 30, then came a stand bythe brothers Silver, and these, with some luck and vigorous batting,put on nearly 50 runs. The innings closed for 78; not a very goodscore. Grant bowled well to take 4 wickets for 18, and Torrancefinished off the tail, taking 3 for 17. The fielding was adequatewithout reaching great heights. When the school batted they werenervous and ineffective, only Hawkins reached double figures(13) and the whole side was out for 46.

Pangbourne Nautical College were much too good for us. Theiropening pair batted soundly and put on 53 before they wereseparated; the rest of the side were not so good, but we had nobowler who could press home our advantage. Wilson to his surprise,took 2 quick wickets and Powell showed that he might do well withan accurately placed field. The whole team became a little rattledwhen the tail hit energetically with more vigour than science.Pangbourne declared at 169 for 9, and after Hawkins ran himselfout, our innings was all Gregory. While the rest of the team failedagainst a medium right-hand swinger, he batted excellently toscore 34 out of a total of 62.

Visiting Newbury Grammar School we did much better. Thehome side batted first and scored very slowly against good length

THE SO WER Page 23

bowling and snappy fielding; three were run out and one fell to amarvellous catch by Fairbanks. Newbury declared at 129 for 9and left us an hour and a half to get the runs. Gregory and Hawkinsstarted at a funeral pace—the first seven overs were maidens—butwhen the former warmed up it looked as though we might do it.However, after scoring 18 in one over, Gregory hit over a ballthat kept low and the rest of the side plodded on to draw. Wefinished with 76 runs for 5 wickets, Gregory getting 38.

The next game against Charterhouse 3rd XI at Godalming, ona true fast wicket, never did look like finishing in the time at ourdisposal. Batting was always on top of the bowling and after thehome side had declared at 143 for 5, we scored 79 for 4. Hawkinsbatted well to carry his bat for 52 not out; the only fifty of theseason.

We were badly beaten at Winchester against the College 2nd XI.On a very wet wicket and outfield, we captured 8 wickets for 52runs, Torrance bowling well to secure 4 for 16. Then the ninthwicket pair put in some lusty hitting and the final score was 86.Against this total the school failed dismally and could only muster30 runs.

The weather decided our next home game against Kingham'sSports Club. Our opponents had scored 36 for 4 wickets when therain set in for the afternoon and evening. Grant took all the fourwickets for 17 runs, with good length bowling which was nippingback smartly from the off.

The game against Wellington College 3rd XI produced one ofthose desperate draws against time. Our opponents totalled 104,Grant securing 5 wickets for 32 runs and Fairbanks 3 for 16. Weshowed fighting qualities and at the last over had scored 81 for 9wickets. Of these Grant scored 21 not out; a good all-roundperformance.

Mr. Marval collected a strong team for the fixture on 23rd June,our opponents batted first in hot oppressive weather and the schoolfielders were given considerable leather hunting. Our bowling wassteady but not dangerous. Mr. Topham drove hard for his 51 andthe innings was closed at 150 for 8 wickets. The chief feature ofthe school's batting was an excellent innings by Wilson, who scored31 and did himself justice for the first time in the season. The totalhad reached 64 runs for 7 wickets when a heavy thunderstorm,which had been threatening for some time, turned the wicket intoa lake. A pity that such an enjoyable game was so ended.

The last game was very exciting. Against Reading 2nd XI wewere without Wilson and Fairbanks, but nevertheless hoped andeven expected to win. Our opponents batted first and scored only52, Torrance bowling extremely well. He came on when 5 wicketshad fallen for 37 runs and at the finish his analysis read: 6 overs,3 maidens, 5 wickets, 5 runs. Even 52 proved too large a scorefor us. Gregory hit 33 and then became excited and was easilybowled trying to hook a straight good length ball. We needed but2 runs when the eighth wicket fell, but Davies was out leg before

Page 24 THE SO WER

almost at once, and then Cline, attempting a mighty hit, wascaught on the square leg boundary. All out 51, and defeated by1 run!

P. R. Hawkins was capped. During the season the followingplayed for the 1st XI: E. Wilson (captain), P. R. Hawkins, S. G.Gregory, B. E. Torrance, M. J. Grant, K. H. Fairbanks, R. D.Bartlett, R. E. Barrell, M. J. Davies, R. F. J. Orwell, M. F. Hort,A. J. Powell, L. H. Cline, G. W. Rice, G. V. Smith.

Individual criticisms :—WILSON (Captain).—A sound bat who needs less restraint and more

freedom, particularly on the leg side. Feidling always of a highstandard whilst his bowling is much better than he thinks. Hiscaptaincy was able and intelligent throughout the season.

GREGORY.—Best all-rounder in the side. A good bat lacking mentalstability; too often got himself out when well set. Bowlingaccurate and of a good length but without " nip." Fielding smartand sound.

HAWKINS.—Adapted himself excellently to wicket-keeping andkept better each match. A dour defensive left-hand bat, but alwaysliable to flick at the ball which runs away.

FAIRBANKS.—Had a poor season with the bat. Tried hard and hasimmense possibilities if he can watch the ball on to the bat andmove his feet towards the ball. Fielding always keen. Bowlingusually short of length.

GRANT.—On his day bowled very well. Batting very uneven andfielding not up to standard.

TORRANCE.—Batting showed little improvement throughout theseason but bowled well, whilst his fielding was excellent.

BARTLETT.—His batting suffered from insufficient left elbow forward.Very strong on the leg side. Always showed keenness.

ORWELL.—Showed distinct promise as an all-rounder but wasrather casual in his approach to the game.

HORT AND DAVIES.—Two of last year's team who were disappointing.Batting failed to improve; Davies usually fielded well.

POWELL.—Should develop into a useful left-handed all rounder.Too talkative to make a first-class fielder.

CLINE.—Has possibilities as a left-handed bat. At present lackspower of concentration. Felding weak.

BARRELL.—A steady bat who played forward to every ball.RICE.—His physique should have helped him in bowling and

batting. Suffered from a severe lack of confidence in his ability.

2nd XIThe second team, composed of the most promising of the Colts

and those who were on the fringe of the 1 st XI, were not fortunatewith the weather. Two of their four fixtures—against FarnhamGrammar School and Leighton Park—were cancelled because ofrain.

\gainst Douai 2nd XI they secured a creditable victory scoring72 to their opponents 38. Rice (18), Barrell (14) and Orwell (11)

THE SOWER Page 25

batted well, whilst Rice took 5 wickets for 16 runs and Orwell 5for 22.

The Army Technical School XI came over anticipating a matchwith our 1st XI: consequently the 2nd XI did very well to dismissthem for 58, Smith taking 7 wickets for 14 runs. The batting howeverfailed miserably and the whole side was out for 17.

COLTS

The Colts played 3 of the 4 matches arranged for them and werenot successful in any of the finished games. Nevertheless therewere sufficient cricketers discovered to give hope for the future.

Against Newbury Grammar School away, the opposing teambatted first and were dismissed for 104 runs. Only Skinner of ourbowlers showed up well; going on first change, he captured 7 wicketsfor 27 runs. The other bowlers and fieldsmen showed the effectsof nervousness and failed to give of their best. Our batting was notequal to scoring 104 and we were all out for 44, Scott (12) andPowell (10) sharing in the one minor stand of the innings.

The match against Douai was played on a very tricky wicket,and although the scores were low, proved very exciting. We battedfirst and could only muster 25 runs. Low as it was, this total wasnot beaten until Douai had lost 6 wickets and their final score was33. The fielding and the bowling showed an improvement in thisgame, but the batting was again poor.

The Leighton Park game was one that had " Rain stoppedPlay " against it. The home side had scored 8 runs for no wicket,when the rain started to fall heavily and steadily.

The last game, against Reading was played in good weather andwith Bowen (18) and Farbrother (15) putting on over 30 for thefirst wicket, it looked as though we might do well. Three wicketswen; down for 47, but then came a long collapse and 65 was ourtotal. This was not good enough to extend our opponents whopassed the score for the loss of 4 wickets and totalled 87 at thefinish.

The following played for the Colts during the season: C. J.Skinner, O. R. L. Farbrother, A. J. Powell, D. Bowen, W. A. N.Mason, D. W. Scott, R. F. W. Hunt, G. D. Grayson, E. H. Etherton,A. Singleton, K. E. Duffett, D. J. Barker, M. I. D. Stafford, D.Grosvenor.

CRICKET—JUNIOR HOUSE

The worst of summers but some good cricketers.HOUSE CAPTAINS

St. George.—A. TorranceSt. Nicolas.—E. T. PagettSt. Christopher.—R. D. ByeSt. Francis—M. R. Dennis

The following were starred :

Page 26 THE SO IYER

St. George.—A. Torrance, E. Darke, J. W. Hubbard, D. J. Foster andM. Cousins.

St. Christopher.—R. D. Bye, D. E. Thomas, J. E. Moseley, C. Rayner andM. A. Hutley.

St. Francis.—M. R. Dennis, E. J. Francis, M. G. Cowan, G. Newson andM. I. J. Andrews.

St. Nicolas.—E. T. Pagett and J. E. Foster.

ST. GEORGE 1st XIPlayed, 7 ; won, 5 ; lost, 0 ; drawn, 2 ; points possible, 84 ; points

obtained, 64.They were unbeaten. St. Francis in a drawn game at the end of

the season took first-innings points, having skittled them out for13. G. Newson took 6 of their wickets for 4 runs. Any one of theirfirst six batsmen could make runs or, equally important, stay therewhile others did. They were : Torrance, Darke, Hubbard, D. Foster,Cousins and P. Taylor. They should all, in a year or two, becomegood bats. D. W. Bennett, W. J. Bartlett, G. J. R. Coleman andC. P. W. Taylor played regularly. Bennett was the best of thesetail-enders. Taylor kept awake when fielding, which cannot be saidof many of the others. P. Kemp was tried at the end of the seasonwithout much success. As well as this formidable list of batsmenthey had the cream of the bowling. F. Darke, the best of them, wasfast and bowled at the stumps, keeping a good length. Torrance,always all out, tried at times to bowl too fast and consequentlyoften became ragged. Cousins, a slow left-hander, wasn't afraidto pitch them well up. D. Foster was quite useful, and Hubbard,if not behind the wickets, could hit them.

ST. FRANCIS 1ST XIPlayed, 6 ; won, 2 ; lost, 2 ; drawn, 2 ; points possible, 72 ;

obtained 32.They had at least seven batsmen who could and did make runs,

but there was always a feeling of anxiety when they were batting.E. J. Francis improved a lot and at the end of the season was battingnicely. He should do well. G. A. Mort was another who tried hardand succeeded. Neither of them made a " duck " in their ten innings.M. G. Cowan, G. Newson, M. Britton-Jones, M. R. Dennis andM. I. J. Andrews were all hovering round the " straight-bat class,"but their lapses into the bad old ways were rather too frequentand generally meant their downfall. Dennis was the best of them.R. Andrews, L. A. Williams (a very good fielder), J. HancockP. A. Plumley and B. Newbigin made up the side. Their best bowlerwas R. Andrews, who with Newson had to do most of the hardwork. M. Andrews, Mort, Cowen and Dennis were tried. They were? good fielding side, keen and generally on their toes.

ST. NICOLAS IST XIPlayed, 7 ; won, 0 ; lost, 5 ; drawn, 2 ; points possible, 84 ,

obtained 8.

THE SO WER Page 27

E. T. Pagett had very little with which to build a team. J. E.Foster (as good as any bat in Junior House) opened with G. G.Pavey. Pagett followed at first wicket and when they were out itwas pretty well all over. J. K. Eades and D. F. James, out of theremainder, were the only ones ever to make double figures. R. A.Betts in his last three games tried hitting and it was a success ;some of his driving was good. A. B. Dennison, W. J. Rice, W. D. L.Revill, N. J. Palmer and R. C. Spencer made up the side. Of that" tail " Revill was the most likely to score. J. Foster and Pagettwere the opening bowlers, with Revill and Betts generally as firstchange. Eades, Pavey, Palmer and Dennison were tried. The fieldingwas only fair, in spite of the excellent example set by Eades andPagett.

ST. CHRISTOPHER IST XI

Played, 6 ; won, 1 ; lost, 4 ; drawn, 1 ; points possible, 72obtained, 16.

Weak in both batting and bowling it was always a struggle.In J. E. Moseley, C. Rayner and D. E. Thomas they had threegood batsmen who watched the ball on to the bat and always triedto play the correct shot. R. D. Bye didn't make many runs, butthey will come. G. G. Brown tried hard and improved. M. A.Hutley was a disappointment, while D. P. Cheston, D. W. Gibbs,J. F. Gibson, G. B. Martin and P. N. Gillibrand never learned toplay straight enough to stop a good ball hitting the stumps. Byeand Moseley were always alert in the field. Rayner developed intoa sound wicket keeper. Moseley and D. E. Thomas were the mainattack, helped by Bye ; Gillibrand and Hutley were tried.

COLTS

Final Order : 1. St. Francis2. St. George3. St. Nicolas4. St. Christopher

St. Francis won all their nine matches. M. Britton-Jones was aprolific scorer. Not out six times, he never made a " duck." Heand Mort made most of the side's runs. P. A. Plumley and L. A.Williams were the best of the remainder. R. Andrews and Mortdid the bulk of the bowling. Williams, Plumley and Britton-Joneswere tried.

ST. GEORGE

Played 9; won, 5; lost 4They were a good batting side with P. Taylor top of the batting

averages. D. W. Bennett, W. J. Bartlett and M. Skinner all did wellat run making. M. J. Purton was only called upon twice, but hescored on both occasions. P. Taylor and Bennett were their openingbowlers with C. P. W. Taylor and Bartlett as second strings.

Page 28 THE SOWER

ST. NICOLASPlayed, 8; won, 3; lost, 5

J. K. Eades, W. J. Rice, G. G. Pavey and W. D. L. Revill allscored freely. Eades had the best aggregate, but Rice with 28 notout had the highest individual score. R. A. Betts and Revill bothbowled well as the first line of attack. Pavey was used quite a lot,while Eades, R. J. Thomas and A. B. Dennison were tried.

ST. CHRISTOPHERPlayed, 8; won, 0; lost, 8

Without G. G. Brown and P. N. Gillibrand runs would havebeen scarce, for between them they collected more than half theruns scored by the side. Both tried hard and showed they couldbring off the correct shots. D. W. Gibbs and D. P. Cheston wereuseful. The bowling was very weak ; Gibbs, Gillibrand and Browndid most of it. A. W. J. Juggins, M. A. Hutley and J. F. Gibsonwere tried.

Both Champions v. The Rest games were drawn, the scorebeing :

St. George : 52 and 81 for 3 ; The Rest : 47 and 55 for 7.St. George batted first. Hubbard, who opened with Darke, was

the only one who looked at all comfortable. When he had made20 he was caught by Pagett off Newson. Both Darke and Cousinsfailed. Torrance stayed in for a short time to be bowled by Newson.D. Foster (5), Bartlett (8) and P. Taylor (6) were the best after that,and the side was out for 52.

The Rest could do no better and were out for 47. J. Foster andRayner opened to the bowling of Torrance and Darke. In his firsttwo overs Darke had both of them bowled. Rayner had made 7.Moseley, Mort, Pagett and Bye all failed. Newson did better andmade 11. The "tail" didn't wag and the Rest found themselves5 runs behind on the first innings.

Darke took a couple of 4's off Newson in the first over of thesecond innings and then Andrews had Hubbard caught by Dennisfor a " duck." That put them on their toes, but on Cousins joiningDarke 50 runs were to be put on before the Rest had any furthersuccess. Darke after a capital innings of 38 was caught by J. Fosteroff Newson ; he hit six 4's. Torrance joined Cousins. Both playedwell, and when Cousins (25) was smartly run out Torrance declaredthe innings closed ; he made 14. Score 81 for 3.

The Rest were left with a little under an hour and a half to make86. They went for it and at the close of play, with 7 wickets down,needed 32. Moseley (13 not out) and Mort (17) both batted verywell.

The Colt Champions were just beaten by the clock after a grandgame. The Rest batted first and made 58 (Betts 25). The Championstopped this with a good 83. Williams (20), R. Andrews (15), Mort(10) and Newbigin (8) were the best. The Rest, after losing Brownat 3, went hard at it. P. Taylor (12), Eades (15), Revill run out for

THE SOWER Page 29

a " duck " ; but Belts came to the rescue with 19. Rice, havingmade 4, thought things a bit slow, so put Andrews out of the groundfor 6. They made 67, which left St. Francis 42 to get.

Bowling well, Bennett and Belts soon got three of Ihem for 15.Then Newbigin and R. Andrews gol together and, slowing downconsiderably, played well and carefully. They were still undefeatedwhen stumps were drawn with only 14 needed.

JUNIOR HOUSE IST XI v. EDGEBOROUGH

Lost; Junior House, 28; Edgeborough, 36.

This was a case of coming lo grief on a soft grass pitch afterplaying all our own cricket on matting. We were a good ballingside down lo No. 7. They made 13! The " tail," in making 13, maybe said to have wagged. Wilh the 3 extras Ihe side was oul for 28 ;Darke was our top scorer with 7. Excuses are odious, bul here wassomething entirely foreign to us : it was almost like playing a newgame for the first time. The wicket was perhaps even more difficultwhen Edgeborough batted, and Darke and Torrance, bowling well,had 6 of them out for 16. Here was excitement. More was to come,for with their last man in they wanted 1 run for victory. Tucker whowent in No. 3, was not out for 12 and really won the game for them.They made 36.

JUNIOR HOUSE IST XI v. A DRAGON XI

Drawn; Junior House, 67; A Dragon XI, 34 for 7.

A missed train and then a very late one cut down the hours ofplay considerably. We won Ihe toss and took first knock on agood, fast wicket. J. Foster (10) and Hubbard (11) opened steadily,but with 10 on the board Hubbard was bowled by Hunt. Darkejoined Foster and batted well, starling confidenlly wilh a good4 past cover point. He made 10. Fosler was liming his slrokesnicely, but, lifting one, was well caughl by Moore off Hunt. 21 for 2.Mort came in and, with Taylor bowling good off-spinners, had lobe very careful. He had a nice 4 off Hunl before Taylor bowledhim. Moseley and Torrance failed. Rayner, coming in at No. 5,hit oul well before he was run out for 12. Dennis was l.b.w. toTaylor. Bye made 5. Taylor got his three wickels wilhout a runbeing scored. Pagett and Williams did not score. The Dragons hadlitlle lime left and went for the runs. This resulted in four of thembeing run out. Darke and Torrance bowled well.

Page 30 THE SOWER

JUNIOR HOUSE AVERAGES

IST ELEVENBATTING

(Qualification: 6 or over)

TorranceHubbard . . .CousinsMortM. I. J. Andrews .Francis . . . .D. E. Thomas . .Darke . . . .J. E. Foster . . .Newson . . . .

Darke . . . .NewsonTorranceR. Andrews .D. ThomasMoseley .

Britton-JonesD. Taylor . . .Mort . . . .Eades . . . .Brown . . . .W. J. Bartlett . .Revill . . . .L. A. WilliamsRice . . . .

R. Andrews .Mort . . . .Bennett . . . .Belts

Innings Not out Runs8 3 192

12 3 13610 3 8710 4 697 2 49

10 — 9011 2 7312 1 7813 2 8411 1 69* Denotes Not Out

BOWLING(Qualification: 20 wickets)

Overs Maidens Runs158 87 112150 62 10894 32 8596 39 109

139 55 144. 124 31 202

COLTSBATTING

(Qualification: 6 or over)Innings Not out Runs

9 6 848 5 64

. 8 5 3 27 2 448 2 52

. 8 3 4 0

. 7 2 3 92 1 78 1 42

* Denotes Not Out

BOWLING(Qualification: 10 wickets)

Overs Maidens Runs. 5 4 2 8 3 4

. . 60 33 45

. . 59 19 70

. . 49 17 65

Highest54*362923163828*222217

Wickets543930272429

Highest19*19*9*

2228*18*12*6

28*

Wickets29211612

Average38-4015 11124211-509-809008-117-807-63690

Average2-072-762-834-03600696

Average28-0021001066

8-808-668007-80700600

Average1-172-144-305-41

Cross-Country, 1946•"THE Cross-Country Championships were held on the morning-^ of Saturday, 30th March. Both the Seniors' and Colts' courses

had been lengthened, the former to just under four miles and thelatter to about two and three-quarters.

Seniors' course: sports field (hedge end)—gardens fence—

THE SO WER Page 31

Parks—Chalk Pit—Frog Lane—Bumpers—White House—SuttonCommon—Drove—south ride of Copse—Well Road—Whitelands—Frog Lane— Parks—gardens fence—sports field.

Colts' course : up to the junction of the Drove and South Ride ;this was the same as for seniors. Then Colts' course lay to left(instead of right at junction), the ride leading into a well-definedpath which eventually met Frog Lane at the Chalk Pit gate. Thefinish, through Parks to sports field, was the reverse of the outwardjourney.

For the third year in succession the conditions were ideal forcross-country running, fair, mild weather and a dry ground.

At 10 a.m. competitors for the Junior House Championshipwere sent off on their one-and-a-half-mile circuit. An account ofthis race appears in the section on Junior House.

The Colts were next. They got away to a good start and therewas not so much stringing out in the first half-mile as in last year'srace. The first six runners into Frog Lane were M. Stafford, D. W.Scott, W. J. Turner, A. Singleton, F. Holley and O. R. Farbrother ;then, well bunched together, Mills, Skinner, Long, Price, Auldand Cheston.

There was a general speeding up on the rather easy down slopeto Bumpers. Then came the steep hill to White House—the mostkilling part of the whole race. Here lack of condition and staminatold on some of the competitors, who had to drop to a walk. Themajority of those in the first two dozen, however, managed tokeep to something like their rhythm of stride, though naturallyat a reduced pace.

In the open heath country above Sutton Common the line ofrunners was still stretching ! Holley was well to the fore, andWebley, Kear and Whittington were now in the first twelve. Itwas reported from the Drove—the limit of the outward course—thatthe leading fifteen or sixteen runners seemed very fit, but that the" tail" was not wagging too happily.

Holley was the first to enter the Parks in the run home, followedby Stafford, Turner, Singleton, Scott, Webley, Farbrother, Skinner,Auld, Kear, Long and Whittington ; and this was the order inwhich these competitors finished.

Championship result : Average1. Sheephouse (4, 10, 13, 15, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 30, 34, 39

49, 59) 26-22. Handcroft (5, 6, 9, 12, 18, 20, 29, 32, 36, 38, 40, 53, 55) 27-23. Hyde (3, 7, 8, 11, 14, 19, 24, 27, 28, 31, 35, 41, 45, 47, 48

49, 51, 58) 30-44. Hesters (1,2, 16, 17, 33, 37,42, 43,44, 50, 52, 54, 56, 57) 36-0There were fourty-nine starters in the Senior Championship.

Hesters and Handcroft were joint favourites, and it was expectedthat one or other of these would provide the winning team ; agreat deal would depend upon the form shown by the last five orsix runners in each House. There was the prospect of another close

Page 32 THE SO WER

fight between Hyde and Sheephouse for the third place.Right at the start Wilson took the lead, with Hawkins at his

heels—these two had kept together in nearly all the training runs,and each seemed to have adapted himself nicely to the other'space. Tout, Orwell and Podger were well up on the two leaders.

After the chopping and changes of places usual in the first quarterof a mile of a cross-country race, the runners kept their positionsuntil Bumpers Road was reached. The hill took its toll of thefaint-hearted and the unfit. Of the first twenty to arrive at the road,some were never in the picture again!

The leading runners entered Well Road—a little over half-way—inthe following order : Wilson, Hawkins, Orwell, Tout, Podger,Barker, J. Phillips, Etherton, Gooding, Peacock, Torrance andArmstrong. At the stile to Whitelands there was no change inposition among the first six ; then came Gooding, Etherton, J.Phillips, Peacock, Torrance and Peet.

Going down Whitelands, Orwell went into first place, and hemanaged to retain his lead right along Frog Lane. Up the Parksslope, however, though he tried gallently, he had hardly enoughspeed to hold off the Hesters challenge, both Wilson and Hawkins,who finished first and second respectively, passing him before thegardens fence.

In the last half-mile Barker passed Podger, Torrance passedPeacock, and Millson went into twelfth place. The performancesof J. C. Phillips and Millson are worthy of mention ; these twocompetitors, being only just 15 years old at the time of the race,did well to get into the first dozen.

Championship result : Averages1. Hesters (1,2, 8, 16, 19, 25, 26, 28, 32, 33, 34, 41) . . 21-82. Handcroft (3, 4, 7, 11, 15, 17, 21, 23, 24, 31, 36, 39,40,

44) 22-53. Sheephouse (5, 6, 12, 14, 27, 29, 30, 35, 42, 43, 47, 48) 28-24. Hyde (9, 10, 13, 20, 22, 37, 38, 45, 46, 49) . . . . 28-9

SUMMARYThe leaders in the Senior division reached a high standard, but

there was a wide disparity in performance between the first few andlast few competitors to reach the finish. There tended to be toomany gaps and too many stragglers. Among the Colts the range inability seemed to be on a more evenly graded scale. Sound form wasshown by the first twenty home.

THE SO W ER Page 33

Swimming and Life- Savingfirst swim this year was on 30th May, but the weather

•'in June was so bad that the swimming season did not get intofull swing until July.

Life-saving training was carried on under M. F. Hort and M. J.Davies. This is the second year in which Hort has trained a squad,and his efficiency as an instructor was highly commended by theRoyal Life Saving Society's examiner. (Thailand sportingly actedas a dummy, although he had only recently learnt to swim.

The following awards were made by the Royal Life SavingSociety :

1st Class Instructor's Certificate. — M. F. Hort.2nd Class Instructor's Certificate. — M. J. Davies.Bronze Medallion and Intermediate Certificate. — K. T. Bowden,

M. J. Clarke, D. A. Dennison, D. J. Freeman, M. S. Marsden andB. A. Parsons.

Intermediate Certificate, — E, H, Etherton,This year for the first time — prefects who were qualified life-savers

deputized for masters in supervising swimming. Mr. Brown, withI. Madelin and P. H. Matthews, made swimming news by bathingbefore breakfast on 7th October, which is the latest recorded dateon which this has been done in our bath.

In the Inter-House Sports there was a very close contest betweenHandcroft and Hesters for the Cup, won by Hesters by a singlepoint, only after a re-swim between R. F. J. Orwell (Handcroft)and J. R. Etherton (Hesters) of the Two Lengths Back-stroke event,to decide on the winner of the third place. Improvements were madein four records, notably that by P. R. Hawkins for the Senior TwoLengths Breast-stroke, which had been held by R. B. Darby since1934.

The winners of the Inter-House Sports events are as follows :SENIORS

Two Lengths Breast-stroke Hesters (P. R. Hawkins). Time, 38 4-5 sec.*Two Lengths Back-stroke Sheephouse (L. Price). Time, 51 sec.Two Lengths Free Style Hesters (A. Phillips). Time, 35 1 -5 sec.*Six Lengths Free Style Hesters (A. Phillips). Time, 2 min. 34 3-5 sec.Relay Race (six lengths) Handcroft (M. F. Hort, D. Bowen, M. J. Davies

and K. H. Fairbanks). Time, 1 min. 49 sec.*MIDDLES (under 15 years)

Two Lengths Breast-stroke Hesters (E. H. Etherton). Time, 45 4-5 sec.Two Lengths Back-stroke Hesters (M. J. Clarke). Time, 47 3-5 sec.Three Lengths Free Style Sheephouse (R. H. Burlingham). Time, 1 min. 5 sec.*Relay Race (four lengths) Handcroft (M. S. Marsden, B. A. Parsons, D. W.

Scott and W. A. N. Mason). Time, 1 min 27 sec.* Denotes a School record

OPEN EVENTSSpringboard Swallow-dive Hesters (J. R. Etherton and P. R. Hawkins).Fire-foot Dive Hesters (J. R. Etherton and P. R. Hawkins).Ten-foot Dive Hesters (J. R. Etherton and P. R. Hawkins).

FINAL POINTS FOR THE CUPHesters, 28; Handcroft, 27; Sheephouse, 17; Hyde, 6.

Page 34 THE SO WER

SWIMMING SPORTSLuckily the 12th July was a day on which the sun came out.

It was really quite warm. This year there was a Boat Race insteadof the Cock Fighting.

Result : 1. St. George2. St. Nicolas3. St. Francis4. St. Christopher

Details :One Length—\, D.E.Thomas; 2, P. Taylor; 3, A. J. Passmore; 4, E. J. Francis.

Time 19 sec.One Length Free Style.—1, D. E. Thomas; 2, P. Taylor; 3, A. J. Passmore;

4, E. J. Francis. Time 19 sec.One Width Beginners.—1, A. B. Dennison; 2, L. A. Williams; 3, F. M. Skinner;

4, D. P. Cheston.One Length (Back-stroke).—1, F. Darke; 2, D. E. Thomas; 3, P. G. Ide;

4, W. D. L. Revill. Time 19-6 sec.Diving.— 1, N. J. Palmer, R. A. Gale; 2, M. G. Cowan, M. R. Dennis; 3, J.

Hubbard, P. Taylor; 4, C. Rayner, J. E. Moseley.Four Lengths Free Style.—1, D. W. Bennett; 2, N. J. Palmer; 3, J. E. Mosley;

4, M. G. Cowan. Time, 1 min. 59J sec.Picking Up Articles.—1, St. Christopher and St. Francis; 3, St. George; 4, St.

Nicolas.Walking Race (two lengths).—1, D. W. Gibbs; 2, B. Newbigin; 3, C. J. Podger;

4, W. G. J. Robbins.Relay Race.—I, St. George (P. Taylor, F. Darke, D. W. Bennett and A.

Torrance); 2, St. Nicolas (J. K. Eades, N. J. Palmer, W. D. L. Revill andA. J. Passmore); 3, St. Christopher (D. Thomas, J. E. Moseley, G. G. Brownand C. Rayner); 4, St. Francis (M. R. Dennis, P. G. Ide, M. G. Cowan andE. J. Francis). Time, 1 min. 30 sec.

Boat Race—1st Heat: St. Christopher (G. G. Brown) beat St. George (F.Darke); 2nd Heat : St. Francis (E. J. Francis) beat St. Nicolas (R. J. Thomas);Final : St. Francis beat St. Christopher. Losers of Heats : St. George beatSt. Nicolas.

Athletics League, 1946SENIORS

"pROM the point of view of the spectator, it was a little*~ unfortunate that the luck of the draw should bring Hestersand Handcroft in opposition in the first contest of the season, forit was expected that, barring accident or illness, the championshipwould go to one or other of these two Houses.

Hesters' supporters were confident that in the versatile trio Wilson,Hawkins and R. D. Bartlett, along with Holley for the two trackevents, they had the basis of a match-winning team.

Handcroft, strong in sprinters, and with Fairbanks to lead themin the two " heavy " events and in the long jump, also had hopes ofvictory.

THE SOWER Page 35

Conditions for this needle match were good—dry underfoot,cool, and a gentle northerly breeze which would help competitorsin the back straight. The programme started with the 4x 110 YardsRelay. Hesters, by the narrow margin of 2 feet, rather surprisinglywon this, thanks largely to being on the inside position. Time :53 sec.

In the Discus, Fairbanks, with 92 ft. 3 in., had the best individualthrow ; but the Handcroft second string was very disappointing,and Hesters (Hawkins 84 ft. 10| in. and Wood 76ft. 2 in.) finishedwith a 9 feet better aggregate.

The Long Jump produced a draw, each team having an aggregateof 48 ft. 4| in. Then came the Weight Putt and Handcroft's firstwin in the afternoon, their team having things practically all theirown way in this event. Hesters, however, clinched matters bywinning the Medley Relay to give their House 3| events againstHandcroft's 1£.

This Medley Relay was the best performance in the whole contest.With a time of 4 min. 10 sec. Hesters beat by over 2 seconds therecord they set up in 1945.

It is interesting to compare the intermediate times in these tworecord-breaking runs :

1945 : 73 sec. ; 2 min. 17 sec. ; 3 min. 10 sec.1946 : 62-5 sec. ; 2 min. 14 sec. : 3 min. 10 sec.Hesters team was Wilson (880), A. Phillips (1st 220), Holley

(2nd 220), Hawkins (440).The two best results in the Sheephouse v. Handcroft encounter

were the Sheephouse Discus (1J kilo) aggregate of 167 ft. 3 in.(B. Stafford, 86 ft. 6 in ; Singleton, 80 ft. 7 in.) and Handcroft'snew Weight-Putt record of 75 ft. 9 in. (Fairbanks, 43 ft. 8 in.;Davies, 32 ft. 1 in.).

Another improvement on the 1945 series was in the Long Jump,when Hesters in their match with Sheephouse achieved a distanceof 51 ft. 0£ in. (R. Bartlett, 17 ft. 1\ in. ; J. Etherton, 16 ft. 10 in.;Wilson, 16 ft. 7 in.)

Comment.—Competitors in the track events were, on the whole,in good training, but better times might have been recorded hadthey done some limbering-up before going to their marks. Theall-round standard in field events ought to have been a bit higher.It was noticeable how few of those representing their House in theDiscus, Weight Putt or Long Jump loosened their muscles withpractice attempts prior to the start of the event.

One was pleased to see, though, how the less proficient amongthose taking part in the league, did not allow themselves to beoverawed by a reputation. Though sometimes well behind a moreexperienced rival, they continued to fight.

COLTSThroughout the season the composition of teams was constantly

changing, for on reaching the age of 15 the young athlete was nolonger eligible to compete as a Colt. The luck of the draw can be a

Page 36 THE SO WER

big factor in deciding the destiny of a Colts' Championship.Handcroft, Hyde and Sheephouse were very evenly matched,

and when any one of these teams met another competitors had tostruggle hard for their points.

On 13th May Sheephouse gained a victory over Hyde by 4 eventsto 1 ; winning the 4x 110 Yards Relay by 2 feet ; the Long Jumpby 1| inches ; and the two " heavy " events fairly easily.

In the Handcroft v. Hyde contest on 6th June, Hyde, in winningby 4 events to 1, secured the Sprint Relay, Discus, Long Jump andMedley Relay.

Finally, on 29th June there was yet another 4 to 1 result. Thistime Handcroft triumphed over Sheephouse, scoring successesin the 4x 110 Yards, Discus, Weight Putt and Medley.

As Handcroft, Hyde and Sheephouse had all defeated Hestersby the maximum number of points, it meant that each of thesethree teams had won two matches and had the same total score.Therefore, a final triangular contest was arranged, scoring in this tobe 3 points for a win, 2 for second place, and 1 for third.

The triangular contest was held on 6th July. The first event, theLong Jump, went to Sheephouse, with Handcroft beating Hydeby half an inch for second place. Results in the other events hada monotonously similar look on the Recorder's score sheet :4x110 Yards Relay.—l,Hyde; 2, Handcroft; 3, Sheephouse.Discus.—1, Hyde; 2, Sheephouse; 3, Handcroft.Weight Putt.— 1, Hyde; 2, Handcroft; 3, Sheephouse.Medley Relay.—1, Hyde; 2, Handcroft; 3, Sheephouse.Final Placing.—1, Hyde, 13 points; 2, Handcroft, 9 points; 3, Sheephouse,

8 points.Owing to the strong competition, the general level of athletic

ability was fairly high. In every event except the 4x110 Yardsthere was an improvement on last year's figures. Here the nearestto Hesters, 1945, record of 55-4 sec. was Hyde's 56 sec. in thetriangular contest.

Sheephouse in their first match of the season (v. Hyde) raisedthe Discus record from 142 ft. 2 in. to 190 ft. 8 in. (Singleton,97 ft. 9 in.; Price, 92 ft. 11 in.) and the Weight Putt record to 68 ft.0| ins. (Singleton, 35 ft. 11 in.; Price, 32 ft. 1£ in.).

In the Long Jump last year's best distance was beaten by over4 feet; Hyde, in their contest with Hesters, attaining an aggregateof 46 ft. 5 in. (W. Turner, 15 ft. 11 in.; Farbrother, 15 ft. 7| in.;Skinner, 14 ft. 10£ in.).

The Medley Relay continued to be a Hyde speciality. Holders ofthe 1945 record of 4 min. 39-2 sec., Hyde in their match withHandcroft returned 4 min. 38 sec.; followed this up with 4 min.34-2 sec. against Hesters ; finally bringing the time down to 4 min.33-4 sec. in the triangular contest on 6th July.

Hyde's record-breaking team consisted of W. Turner (880),Cheston (1st 220), Farbrother (2nd 220) and Skinner (440).

THE SO WER Page 37

SPORTS, 1946During the two weeks of the Sports (10th to 21st June) the cold,

wet weather, along with strong winds and a heavy ground, madereally good times in the track events almost an impossibility.Luckily, Sports Day itself was fine and there were some first-rateperformances then.

This year saw the introduction of " Star" standards (worth3 points) in addition to the usual " Highs " and " Lows."

" Stars " were awarded for the following achievements :Seniors Standard Colts Standard

1 0 0 Yards . . . . 11-6 sec. 12-2 sec.2 2 0 Yards . . . . 26-2 sec. 27-8 sec.440 Yards . . . . 59-6 sec. 63-2 sec.880 Yards . . . . 2 min. 19-6 sec. 2 min. 28-2 sec.Mile 5 min. 12-2 sec. —Long Jump . . . . 18 f t . 3 i n . 16 f t . 8 i n .High Jump . . . . 4 f t . 11 in . 4 f t . 7 in .Hop, Step and Jump . 37 ft. 8 in. 34 ft. 8 in.Discus 101 ft. 88 ft.Weight Putt . . . . 33 ft . 6 in. 29 ft . 4 in.

Note.—The time or distance shown for each event in the SeniorsSection—or similarly in the case of Colts—has the same value inthe Olympic and International scoring table for the Decathlon.

Other changes for the 1946 Sports were the elimination of Throwingthe Cricket Ball from the Colts' programme ; the use of the 1|kilo missile in place of the light one for the Seniors' Discus Throw ;the addition of the Hop, Step and Jump to the Seniors' programmeand the raising of the Colts' " High " standard for this event from25 to 28 feet ; and, finally, the cutting out—only temporarily, itis hoped—of the Hurdles Races.

Seniors ChampionshipThe Seniors Championship was dominated by two competitors :

Fairbanks in the field events, and Wilson on the track.In Fairbanks' total of 48| points there were four stars and five

firsts, with records in the Long Jump and Weight Putt.Wilson, with 44 points, had five stars and four firsts, and equalled

his last year's 220 record in one of his heats.Other good scores were :B. Stafford, 29 points (Stars in the 100 Yards and High Jump and

five Highs ; first place in the High Jump).Hawkins, 23 points (four Highs and four Lows ; three seconds).Holley, 21 points (Stars in the 100, 220 and 440, and Highs in

the 880 and Mile ; had a place in every track event—excellentrunning for a first year in the Seniors Division).

Hort, 21 points (Stars in the three short distances).R. Bartlett, 20| points (a standard in every event, including

five Highs).Also deserving of mention were Singleton and J. Phillips, who,

Page 38 THE SOWER

competing for the first time as Seniors, gained 11 and 10J pointsrespectively.

Had the gods been kind and produced in June, 1946, the dry,sunny days of last year's Sports, one would have had a comparablebasis upon which to judge whether or not general athletic abilityamongst Seniors was still on the upgrade. As things turned out,fewer Highs were gained this year than last year, but the totalnumber of standards was greater in 1946 than in 1945, viz:

Number of standards

100 Yards220 Yards440 Yards880 YardsMile . .Long JumpHigh JumpWeight Putt

19463551422919141416

1945374737272310610

SUMMARY OF STANDARDS, 1946

Stars Highs Lows

100 Yards220 Yards440 Yards880 YardsMileLong JumpHigh Jump

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10Hop, Step andJumpDiscusWeight

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713

612

235

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Total 10 1 2 21 12 23 14 14 63 29 56 43 41 169

Detailed results:100 Yards.—1, Fairbanks; 2, Wilson; 3, Holley; 4, Hort. Time, 11.-2 sec.220 Yards.— \, Wilson; 2, Fairbanks; 3, A. Phillips; 4, Holley. Time 25 8 sees.440 Yards.—\, Wilson; 2, Hort; 3, Holley and Fairbanks. Time, 57-5 sees.880 Yards.— 1, Wilson; 2, Hawkins; 3, Hort; 4, J. Phillips and Holley (equal)

Time, 2 mins. 18-2 sec.Mile.—1, Wilson; 2, Hawkins; 3, Holley; 4, Peacock. Time, 5 min. 14 sec.High Jump.—I, B. Stafford; 2, Gregory; 3, Fairbanks; 4, R. Bartlett. 5 ft.

1 in.Long Jump.—I, Fairbanks; 2, B. Stafford; 3, Gregory; 4, R. Bartlett. 19 ft.

3J in.*Hop, Step and Jump.—1, Fairbanks; 2, B. Stafford and R. Bartlett (equal);

4, Gregory. 36 ft. 3 in.*

THE SOWER Page 39

Discus (1J kilo).—I, Fairbanks; 2, Hawkins; 3, C. Roberts; 4, R. Bartlett.94 ft. 9 in.*

Weight Putt (11 /£.).—1, Fairbanks; 2, Wilson; 3, B. Stafford; 4, Gregory.45 ft. li in.*

Relay (880, 220, 220, 440).—"A" Teams: 1, Hesters; 2, Handcroft; 3, Hyde;4, Sheephouse. Time, 4 min. 132 sec.

"B" Teams: 1, Hesters; 2, Sheephouse; 3, Hyde; 4, Handcroft. Time, 4 min.23 6 sec.

* Denotes record.Final Scores:

1. Hesters 10-82. Handcroft 9-043. Hyde 684. Sheephouse 6-68

Colts' ChampionshipThe general level of performance was much higher than in 1945.

Perhaps the most outstanding all-round improvement was shownin the Weight Putt. The first four competitors all beat 30 feet,whereas last year's winning putt was just over 26 feet; in thisevent, too, there were seven Stars and two Highs against last year'sone High. In the 1946 Long Jump four Highs and ten Lows weregained as against last year's three Highs and nine Lows. The Discusstandards in 1945 had been measured as 66 feet (Highs) and 56feet (Lows) instead of 70 and 60 feet respectively, thus here alsowas better form shown than last year.

In the track events it was creditable that, in spite of the far fromhelpful climatic conditions, more High standards were gainedthan in 1945, viz:

100 Yards : four Stars and sixteen Highs against last year'sthirteen Highs.

440 Yards : fifteen Highs against last year's eleven Highs.880 Yards : nineteen Highs against last year's fifteen Highs.

Close finishes and the very open competition tended to makethe Colts Championship the rather more exciting one from thespectators' point of view. There was a real tussle for first place inpractically every Colts event. In the Seniors division, on the otherhand, one or two competitors were usually in a class by themselvesand it was a fairly easy matter to pick out beforehand the winnerof any particular event.

Best Colts scores were :Skinner, 30 points (High standard in every event; wins in the

High Jump and Hop, Step and Jump—the last a record).W. Turner, 30 points (Stars in the 100 and 220, Highs in the 440,

880 and Hop, Step and Jump ; wins in the 440 and 880—the lastin record time).

Mason, 29 points (Stars and firsts in the 100, 220 and WeightPutt ; record in the Weight Putt).

Powell, 29 points (Stars in the 100, 220 and Weight Putt, Highsin all other events except the High Jump).

Scott, 29 points (Stars in the 100 and Weight Putt, five Highs,two Lows).

Page 40 THE SOWER

Burlingham, 27 points (Star in the Weight Putt, High in everyother event).

Farbrother, 26 points (Star in the Weight Putt, Highs in allother events except the High Jump ; winner of the Long Jump).

A noteworthy performance was D. J. Barker's Discus Throw ;he beat the old Colts record by over 10 feet.100 Yards.—1, Mason; 2, Powell; 3, W. Turner; 4, Scott. Time 122 sec.220 Yards—\, Mason; 2, Powell; 3, W. Turner; 4, Farbrother. 27-6 sec.440 Yards.—1, W. Turner; 2, Scott; 3, Farbrother, 4, Burlingham. 66-2 sec.880 Yards.—\, W. Turner, 2, Scott; 3, Cheston; 4, Skinner. 2 min. 28 sec.*High Jump.—1, Skinner; 2, Burlingham; 3, Spanner; 4, Burdge. 4 ft. 4 in.Long Jump.—1, Farbrother; 2, Skinner; 3, Powell; 4, Burlingham. 15 ft. 4J in.Hop, Step and Jump.—1, Skinner; 2, W. Turner; 3, Powell; 4, Scott. 33ft. 6Jin.*Discus (1 kilo).—\, D. J. Barker; 2, Long; 3, Burlingham; 4, Hunt. 92 ft.

2i in.*Weight Putt (8 lb.).--\, Mason; 2, Scott; 3, Farbrother, 4, Burlinaham. 32 ft.

J in.*Relay (440, 220, 220,440).—"A" Team : l.Hyde; 2, Handcroft; 3, S'.;eephouse;

4, Hesters. 3 min. 11 '8 sec."B" Team : 1, Hyde; 2, Handcroft; 3, Sheephouse; 4, Hesters. 3 min.21-4 «ec.

'Denotes record.

SUMMARY OF STANDARDSStars High Low

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1100 Yards 2220 yards 1440 yards — — — —880 Yards — — — —Long Jump — — — —High Jump — — — — — — —Hop,Step andJump — — —DiscusWeight

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Total 1 4 3 13 36 7 40 24 107 27 23 30 39 119

FINAL SCORES1. Handcroft 12-52. Hyde 12-273. Sheephouse4. Hesters

11-03-58

COLLEGE v. CHARTERHOUSESaturday 13th July

at HomeThis was the first inter-school athletics contest for ten years.

Charterhouse brought over a strong team, leaving only their" Colours " men at home.

THE SO WER Page 41

It had been agreed that the meeting should consist of eight events(four track and four field), all track events to be relays, and allfield events to be decided on the aggregate principle.

The programme was as follows :1. 4x110 Yards Relay.2. Long Jump (two per team, four jumps per competitor).3. Discus (1 \ kilo) (two per team, four Throws per competitor).4. 3 X 440 Yards Relay.5. High Jump (two per team).6. 3x220 Yards Relay.7. Weight Putt, 12 Ib. shot (two per team, four Putts per

competitor).8. 3x880 Yards Relay.

In the first event, Charterhouse No. 1, on the inside position,got away to a beautiful start, gaining two yards in the first ten, buthe could not increase his lead further. The runners in both teamswere very evenly matched ; each of the other three Charterhousemen keeping almost exactly the same two yards ahead of his Collegerival for Charterhouse to win eventually by six or seven feet in thegood time of 48 sec. The College runners were : Holley, Wilson,Hort and Fairbanks.

A sound win in the Long Jump enabled the College to drawlevel. Fairbanks reached 19 ft. 2 in. with his second jump, andR. Bartlett deputizing for B. Stafford (injured) cleared 18 ft. 3 in.with his third jump—a fine effort and, incidentally, a personalbest-ever. The College with an aggregate of 37 ft. 5 in. was 1 ft.4f in. ahead of Charterhouse.

There was some excellent throwing by all four competitors inthe Discus, each man beating his own previous best distance. TheCharterhouse pair had 110 ft. Jin. and 98 ft. respectively. For theCollege, Fairbanks had 103 ft. 3| in. and Hawkins 96 ft. 8J in.

Charterhouse drew further ahead with a win in the 3 x440 YardsRelay. Their first man established a good lead—about fifteen yards.Holley, taking over from A. Phillips, reduced this to twelve yards.Hort, running the third leg, made a valiant attempt to close thegap, but the deficit was too big for a 440 race and he was eventuallybeaten by four or five yards. The Charterhouse time was 2 min.55-2 sec.

The High Jump, rather unexpectedly, went to the College, duein the main to capital jumping on the part of Gregory, who wasacting as the College first string in place of B. Stafford. Gregoryfinally cleared 5 ft. 2J in., beating both his opposite number andthe School record by an inch. Fairbanks and the Charterhousesecond string each cleared 4 ft. 9^ in.

The third track event of the afternoon—the 3 x 220 Yards—wentto Charterhouse, the College trio, Holley, A. Phillips, Wilson,being beaten by three to four yards. The Charterhouse time of1 min. 16-8 sec. meant an average of 25-6 sec. per man—good goingon the School track.

It was expected that the Weight Putt would go to the College,

Page 42 THE SOWER

and it did, by a margin of 5 ft. 3 in. Fairbanks's third putt of 42 ft.6 in. would have won for him the Southern Counties Junior (under19) title had he been able to show this form at Chiswick a fortnightpreviously. Wilson, coming in for B. Stafford, was safe enoughwith 31 ft. 1\ in.

One event to go and Charterhouse leading by four events to three.Could the College half-milers, Hawkins, J. C. Phillips and Wilson,win the last event and force a draw ?

Hawkins, who led off the for the College, had an experiencedhalf-miler against him and he did well to finish within twenty-fiveyards of his opponent, who completed the distance in 2 min. 15 sec.Phillips, running his usual plucky race, did not allow CharterhouseNo. 2 to draw farther away from him and was still no more thantwenty-five yards behind when he handed over to Wilson. Thetime for the Mile was 4 min. 30 sec. (another 2 min. 15 sec. half).

It was up to Wilson now. Would it be possible for him to concedetwenty-five yards—a big handicap in an 880—and yet catch hisman by the end of the race ? Wilson had already done two 2 min.8 sec. halves at Chiswick, and something like a 2 min. 6 sec. halfin the A.T.C. Championships at Southampton, but his best time todate on the College ground was in the region of 2 min. 14 sec.

When the fast and long-legged Charterhouse third man didhis first quarter in 60 sec., gaining five or six yards, it looked all upwith the College. Then Wilson's courage and experience began totell. Some thirty yards behind going into the last lap of this RelayRace, Wilson slowly began to close the gap. Up the back straighthe was visibly catching his opponent, and to the enthusiastic cheersof the College spectators he overhauled him at the top of thelast bend, eventually, winning by eight to ten yards—a truly mag-nificent effort.

The College time for this race was 6 min. 45-2 sec. Wilson's timefor his half-mile being in the region of 2 min. 6 sec.

Result of the contest : draw.Charterhouse : 4 events (3x110 Yards, Discus, 3 X440 Yards,

3 x 220 Yards ; College : 4 events (Long Jump, High Jump,Weight Putt, 3x880 Yards.)

SPORTS—JUNIOR HOUSE

FINALS DAY SATURDAY 21sx JUNEResult : 1. St. Francis

2. St. George3. St. Christopher4. St. Nicolas

Rugger and cricket, spread out as they are over several months,do not give us the concentrated excitement that we get out of theSports. After a week or two of hard practising comes a wholefortnight packed with excitement. Houses leap from top to bottom

THE SOWER Page 43

overnight. If Minimus Minor and Titch Tertious can clear 3 ft.4 in. on Tuesday evening, their House may be leading on Wednesdaymorning. Everyone can help in bringing more glory to his saint.

During " Standards," fluctuations were as follows :St. Christopher 1 St. Francis \ , St. George 1 St. Francis 1St. Francis }-1 St. Nicolas / St. Francis \, St. George 2St. Nicolas J St. George 3 St. Nicolas / St. Christopher 3St. George 4 St. Christopher 4 St. Christopher 4 St. Nicolas 4

During this fortnight four finals were worked in. This changedthe order again to

1, St. George ; 2, St. Francis ; 3, St. Chrisopher ; 4, St. Nicolas.On Sports Day, before the final race—the Relays—it was1, St. George ; 2, St. Francis ; 3, St. Nicolas ; 4, St. Christopher.St. Francis made sure of things by winning two of the relays.Two house records were broken and one equalled :

A. Torrance in running the 100 yards in 12-6 sec. equalledi. Platt's record of 1933.

A. Torrance added 4J in to the Long Jump record (A. Singleton)by clearing 15 ft. 3 in.

A. Torrance beat his own record (1945) in the Hop, Skipand Jump by 1 ft. 8J in. in reaching 28 ft. 5J in.

Results :—100 Yards.—I, A. Torrance; 2, A. B. Dennison; 3, J. Hancock; 4, D. E.

Thomas. Time, 12 6 sec.220 Yards.—1, A. Torrance; 2, A. B. Dennison; 3, J. Hancock; 4, G. B.

Martin. Time, 28'6 sec.660 Yards.~-\, J. K. Fades; 2, M. G. Cowan; 3, D. E. Thomas; 4, F. Darke.

Time, Imin. 55 sec.High Jump.—1, M. R. Dennis; 2, A. Torrance; 3, G. G. Brown; 4, G. G. Pavey.

3 ft. 10i in.Long Jump.—1, A. Torrance; 2, G. A. Mort; 3, E. T. Pagett; 4, J. F. Gibson.

15 ft. 3 in.Hop Skip and Jump.—1, A. Torrance; 2, G. A. Mort; 3, G. G. Brown; 4,

G. L. J. Dare. 28 ft. 5J in.Cricket Ball.—I, A. Torrance; 2, D. E. Thomas; 3, E. J. Francis; 4, D. F.

James. 58 yds. 2 ft.

RELAYS"A"

1. St. George (F. Darke, J. W. Hubbard, W. G. J. Robbins and A. Torrance).2. St. Francis (J. Hancock, G. A. Mort, P. Ide and B. Newbigin).3. St. Christopher (D. E. Thomas, C. Rayner, R. D. Bye and D. W. Gibbs).4. St. Nicolas (J. K. Fades, A. B. Dennison, C. J. Podger and E. T. Pagett).

" B"1. St. Francis (M. R. Dennis, G. Newson, R. W. Andrews and M. Britton-Jones).2. St. Christopher (J. F. Gibson, G. B. Martin, G. G. Brown and D. P. Cheston).3. St. George (M. L. Cousins, D. J. Foster, D. W. Bennett and A. Turner).4. St. Nicolas (G. G. Pavey, R. A. Gale, R. A. Belts and N. J. Palmer).

"C"1. St. Francis (L. A. Williams, E. J. Francis, P. A. Plumley and M. G. Cowan).2. St. Christopher (A. W. J. Juggins, D. W. Ragbourne, J. E. Moseley and

P. N. Gillibrand).3. St. Nicolas (J. E. Foster, R. J. Thomas, R. C. Spencer and J. A. Passmore).4. St. George (W. J. Bartlett, M. J. Purton, P. Kemp and C. P. W. Taylor).

Page 44 THE SO WER

House NotesHANDCROFT

RugbyTTANDCROFT started this year's sporting activities in an effort-"to keep the Rugger Cup in our possession. Last year we hadan easy victory over the other houses, but this year we encounteredheavier opposition and in the end we lost.

We started the season by playing Hyde and after a very easy gamethe final score was 36-0.

Next we played Sheephouse and the game started with a scorefor Sheephouse. This was a result of our being over-confident fromthe game with Hyde. However, after this shock we bucked up andstarted scoring without really any opposition from Sheephouse.The final score was 29-3.

Finally we played Hesters and after having beaten the other twohouses without difficulty, we lost narrowly to Hesters. The gamewas played with excellent conditions underfoot and every playerdid his utmost to score. Despite the effort the final score was 14-9to Hesters.

It was then decided to play a second round and the first game tobe played was Handcroft versus Hesters. All our hope of retainingthe Cup was now at stake in this game and we played our hardestto beat them. At half time we were on top, the score being 3 pointsfor Handcroft and nil to Hesters. It was then decided by our Captain,Fairbanks, to play a purely defensive game and we started thesecond half in true defensive style. But eventually the superiorweight of the Hesters scrum began to tell on our sapping strengthand we lost the ball time and time again. We did, however, scoreanother try, thus gaining us another 3 points, but meanwhile Hestershad been cracking through our line and had scored 2 tries andone goal—11 points. The score remained thus for the rest of thegame and at full time rousing cheers were given by both very tiredteams for having had such a wonderful game. It had exerted everyoneto their utmost.

Although we lost the cup nothing can be said against the standardof play. We played hard all season and it was only when we playedHesters that the majority of 1st XV players they put against usprevented a final victory which would have given us the Cup fora third season.

The team throughout the season included : *K. Fairbanks(Captain), *R. Peacock, *M. Hort, E. Gale, *G. Rice, J. Armstrong,*M. Davies.

* Denotes School 1st XV.Due to being in the School 1st XV a few individuals shone in

the team and credit must be given for their strong backing. K.Fairbanks and M. F. Hort did most of the scoring throughout theseason and they worked in unison in the three-quarter line. In theforwards credit is due to R. Peacock, G. Rice and M. Davies who

THE SOWER Page 45

constantly kept the forwards on the move and in the loose theycould be relied upon to check any advance by the opposition.

Congratulations Handcroft on the good play throughout theseason. It will serve as a standard for future Handcroft teams.

Cross-CountryAs usual Handcroft supplied a great number of runners, some

of whom persist in running the easiest race they can. These fewruin all our hopes of winning this Cup, and they discourage ourrunners who really exert themselves over the course. Our finalposition was second and this was due to the efforts of a few membersof the House. Those few runners who gained good positions needmentioning because of their fine effort—M. Hort (captain), J.Armstrong, R. Peacock, R. Orwell, E. Gale, C. Tout, G. Rice.

Handcroft Cross Country Runners of the future note the above!Cricket

Once more Handcroft didn't quite win, owing as usual to Hestersbeing slightly superior in the quality of their School 1st XI players.

We began the season by playing Sheephouse and the result wasa very easy win for us. We won by an innings and 19 runs. G. Riceknocked a very useful 16, but his score was by the cross-bat methodand was due more to good luck than to good judgement.

Hyde played us next and once again we had a very easy win—3wickets and 36 runs. The score we knocked up was rather poorcompared with the score against Sheephouse but in spite of thatwe did win. Orwell gave us a pleasant surprise by hitting 25 runs.

We struck rock bottom in our next game against Hesters, as wewere beaten by an innings and 34 runs. Altogether it was a shockinglybad show on our part and I feel we should have done much better.Comparing the game with the previous two it seems as if we gaveup hope before the match had even started. Everyone seemed totake up a very pessimistic attitude towards the game. That was theonly fault to be found throughout the season and it is a fault whichmust be corrected as quickly as possible.

The House throughout the season was represented by—M. Hort(captain), K. Fairbanks, M. Davies, D. Bowen, G. Rice, R. Orwell,G. Clatworthy, D. Scott, W. Mason, R. Auld.

SwimmingOnly a few members of the House compete in this event so I

will confine this article to those who participated. Firstly thoughI must thank those members of the House who were not chosenfor the team, but turned up for the selection trials. It involvedstanding round in bathing costumes and freezing, but I am trulygrateful for your co-operation.

In the actual sports we failed to hold the cup which we had heldfor the two previous years. We did, however, get into second place.The sports was really a battle royal between Handcroft and Hesters,the result of which was a Hesters win by one point.

Our team comprised M. Hort (captain), K. Fairbanks, M. Davies,

Page 46 THE SOWER

E. Gale, R. Orwell. Although they were few in number these sturdyfew gained us second place. M. Hort, R. Orwell and M. Davieswon the diving event ; a team comprising M.. Davies, M. Hort,E. Gale, and K. Fairbanks won the relay with yards to spare.K. Fairbanks was second in the 6 lengths free style, and M. Davieswas second in the 2 lengths free style.

Well tried Handcroft, although we failed to hold the Cup, wewill have another chance next year.

AthleticsIn the Athletics, Handcroft put up, as usual, a very reasonable

show and finished up in second place for the cup. All our competitorsshowed good team spirit and enthusiasm by entering for as manyevents as they were capable of doing. In previous years there hasbeen a tendency to enter for the minimum of events but this yearthey entered for any events in which they thought they had a chanceof getting a result.

The Captaincy of the House went once more to Fairbanks whoset a very high standard for Handcroft by gaining 1st place in halfthe possible events. One particular event which created great interestwas the Long Jump. After many years of attempts the Long Jumprecord was at last broken by our Captain, Fairbanks who holdsthe record of 19ft. 31 in. (previous record 19 ft. 1 in. set up in 1935).M. Hort (Vice-Captain) distinguished himself in the middle distancerunning which is his speciality. Various " Jacks of all trades "such as Rice, Peacock, Armstrong, Davies and Gale, helped a greatdeal to get a good position for the House, although they did notreach the finals.

In general greater keenness was shown this year than has beenthe case in previous years, due to the amount of training put in byvarious members of the House.

As a general summing up of the year now completed I should saythat Handcroft as a whole accomplished more than was anticipated.We gained second place in practically every sport, we never quitemade first place due to Hesters being slightly superior to us. Thankyou for such a grand effort Handcroft and carry on the good workin the coming year. We will lose the majority of our more Seniormembers in the coming year but we have some good talent comingup from the Colts.

K. FAIRBANKS

HESTERSSenior Section Notes

THIS year Hesters Seniors surpassed themselves and gained agreat triumph in winning all six of the Sports cup, a magnificent

achievement, worthy of the highest praise, and rarely if ever equalled.The whole House is to be congratulated on grand performancesand on the great enthusiasm and team spirit, so necessary forsuccess, displayed.

THE SO WER pase 47

CricketThis year we played only one round of House matches, and won

each of our three games fairly comfortably. Due to a misinterpretationof the " following on rule " and a declaration which seemed safeenough, Sheephouse in our first game came to within 18 runs ofour total. An excellent stand of 71 between Cline (38) and Bartlett(37) enabled us to declare the first innings at 103 for 5 wickets.Good bowling by Hawkins (3 wickets for 7) and Etherton (5 for9 runs) resulted in Sheephouse obtaining 29 runs. We imagined thata follow on could be enforced as we had double their score, but alead of 75 runs was necessary, so after adding 14 runs to our firstinnings total we declared, leaving them to obtain 88 runs. Thesituation was becoming serious when they had obtained 65 runsfor the loss of only 6 wickets, but Hawkins obtained three wickets infour successive balls, and they were all out for 70 runs.

After a fast and high scoring innings against Hyde, we wereleft with 26 runs to make in our second innings. These we obtainedfor the loss of five wickets. Hyde had a strong team and ourperformance was really very good, steady bowling and considerablyimproved fielding being the decisive factors. Against Handcroftwe had an easier victory than was anticipated and won by aninnings and 34 runs. Altogether we were very pleased with ourefforts, and the team which was picked from Wilson (captain),Hawkins, Bartlett, Cline, Stafford, M. Etherton, E. Barrell, Brookes,Newman, B. Madelin, C. R. Roberts, S. Wood, J. Etherton, andJ. Ide are to be congratulated.

SwimmingIn the past Hesters as a team have been remarkably backward

at this sport, but this year were fortunate in winning the cup by asmall margin from Handcroft. In fact the margin was so small thatcontroversy over the winner of the senior backstroke led to the racebeing reswum. This time there was no mistake and we won thecup.

The team representing Hesters were A. Phillips (captain), M. J.Clarke, E. Etherton, J. Etherton, P. Hawkins, C. R. Roberts,Carreck, and L. A. Brown. A. Phillips was outstanding in that hewon both the two and six lengths free style gaining records in both.The seniors obtained five first and two seconds, and it was mainlydue to them that we won the cup, though E. Etherton deservescredit for the prominent part he played in the middle events.

RugbyAt rugby we achieved success by winning all four of our games.

The first and last of the season, played under good conditions wereagainst an almost equally matched Handcroft side. For the firstquarter of an hour, play was hard and fast, but eventually thesuperior hooking of R. Bartlett gave Hesters three-quarters andE. Wilson, who played extremely well at fly half, chances to cutthrough and score. The first game resulted in a 14-9 win, Hesters

Page 48 THE SO WER

scoring 1 goal and 3 tries to Handcrofts 3 tries. On the secondoccasion Hesters won 11-6. Our other games against Sheephouseand Hyde were not so gruelling, the former resulting in a 43-0 win.Against Hyde for the first half Hesters played up the hill, and attimes were hard pressed to keep out the attacking Hyde forwards.However after half-time Hesters three-quarters obtained the ballmore frequently and enabled us to win 14-8.

The team representing Hesters were : E. Wilson, A. Phillips,P. R. Hawkins, C. R. Roberts, D. J. Roberts, R. Bartlett, J. Etherton,Madelin, B. Brookes, Barrell, Wood, Oliver and Cline.

AthleticsFor the second year in succession, we won the Athletics League.

We succeeded in defeating Hyde and Sheephouse very easily, aswe won all five events in each competition. But we had a tougherproposition against Handcroft. We won the sprint relay and thediscus, then drew in the long jump and lost in the weight putt.The medley relay remained. Wilson, our 880 yard runner, gave usa lead, which was maintained until the end, thereby enabling us towin the Trophy.

Hesters Athletic team was chosen by P. R. Hawkins (captain)from the following :4 x 110 yards relay . . R. Bartlett, J. R. Etherton, F. Holley, P. R. Hawkins

and E. Wilson.Discus P. R. Hawkins, S. E. Wood and C. R. Roberts.Long jump E. Wilson, R Bartlett, A. Phillips and J. R. EthertonWeight putt P. R. Hawkins and E. Wilson.Medley relay . . . . F. Holley, A. Phillips, E. Wilson and P. R. Hawkins

In the Colts' Athletics League, Hesters put up a very poor showand finished last.

Well done Hesters! Having failed to win the Sport's cup last yearby a narrow margin, we were determined to make sure of it thisyear. Team work enabled us to win both relays, thereby giving usthe few extra points essential for victory. This victory was achievedthanks to the outstanding performances of E. Wilson, whoseattempt on the 880 yards record was frustrated by bad runningconditions, P. R. Hawkins and F. Holley, who were well supportedby the rest of the House.

Hesters Colt's finished last in the sports. This performance givesone the impression that Hesters' hopes for the future look black,but we were unlucky in that all the Colts star performers of lastyear were just over the age limit.

Cross-CountryIt was not only the fine individual efforts of Wilson first, Hawkins

second J. Etherton eighth, that enabled us to win this cup, but alsothe fact that we had only one member after 34th out of 49 runners.We won by only the narrowest of margins (0.7 points) and if wehad given another ten points, we would have been overtaken byHaidcroft.

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COLTS SECTIONThis year, 1946, Hesters Colts had a poor season, and we hope

that with more effort better results will be obtained next session.In Cross Country for example Holley first, Stafford, second ranextremely well, but it was the fact that five out of the last nineplaces were occupied by Hesters members, which resulted in ourfinishing fourth by a large margin. In Cricket, the best members ofthe Colts team were unfortunately taken by the 1st XI with theconsequence that we were defeated by large margins in each of thegames. In Swimming and Rugby, however, the Colts were moresuccessful and were unfortunate in not winning the Rugby cup,since we lost it only on points average. Due to good work by Cline,Stafford, Holley and Newman we won two of our three matchesincluding the defeat of Hyde, the eventual winners. For the swimmingcup the Colts are combined with the Seniors and their useful swim-ming, especially that of M. J. Clarke, E. Etherton helped the Houseto win this elusive trophy.

E. WILSON.

HYDERugby

LJYDE'S misfortune of last season continued this year. We-^had only three of our men, D. A. Brown, S. Gregory andM. Grant in the School's 1st XV ; and our numbers were veryfar below fifteen at full muster. We only managed to win one matchin the whole season, which was played against Sheephouse. Ourgreat weakness, despite D. A. Brown's excellent leadership andgeneral play, was in the forwards : so that all the hard work thebacks put in, in defence, though not wasted, did not come to thefore as much as might have been hoped. In the backs, S. Gregoryand B. Torrance the fly and scrum halves respectively are to beespecially congratulated on their excellent co-ordination anddefensive tactics.

The first team this year was made up of—S. Gregory (captain),D. A. Brown, B. Torrance, M. Grant, D. B. Coltman, J. Sweet,M. K. Veale, C. J. Skinner, D. S. Hicks, R. C. Campling, R.Fai brother.

Cross Country

In this branch of our sporting activities, I fear Hyde fared nobetter than in the previous term's Rugby : indeed rather worse.J. Phillips, B. Torrance and D. A. Brown were our first three runnersto return in the 9th, 10th and 13th places respectively, and Hydewere placed last. The law of averages, however, is on our side andwith hard work we ought to do better next year—only don't dependtoo much on the law of averages.

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Ahtletics" One woe doth tread upon another's heel,

So fast they follow."Again misfortune was dogging us and again last place was our

fate. At least we worked and tried hard but our all was of no avail.Gregory, Brown and one or two others were outstanding and gaineda considerable number of points for us, but the House as a wholewas weak and by failing to back up the leaders kept us down tobottom place.

CricketOur attainment of third place only in this branch of the House

championship was due to the same cause as our failure in theAthletics League : that is our failure to back up those of our Housewho were outstanding. In Gregory we had an excellent batsman,who scored the sole century of the season; in Grant we had avery good fast bowler, but our games as a whole were rather dismalfailures, owing to the fact that one batsman and one bowler cannotmake a team.

SwimmingIt seems the water froze Hyde's enthusiasm this year, or perhaps

last place had become a habit, at any rate we finished well and trulylast. M. Grant was swimming Captain and tried hard with the aidof Campling his Vice-Captain to knock some sort of team intoshape, but our swimming was very weak as each successive eventshowed. Our main trouble was that the work could not be widelydistributed and our few good swimmers were overworked. WellHyde there is always a lull before a storm, let us hope this lapse ofours denotes some future victory.

Stamp CupIt seems Hyde had a tendency to brain rather than brawn this

year, for this branch of the House competitions was our mostsuccessful : we secured second place. Even second place, however,was a disappointment owing to the fact that we had been leadingearlier on in the year but were overtaken by Sheephouse.

A bad year Hyde. The answer is hard work.D. B. COLTMAN/b/- D. A. BROWN

COLTSAfter the rather dismal results of Hyde's Seniors it is rather

encouraging to glance at those of the Colts and consider thepossibility of future victories which they foretell. We won fourcups, the Rugby, the Cricket, the Athletics League, and the Sports.A good collection Hyde Colts, let us hope you continue in yoursuccesses when you become Seniors and that you bring back Hyde'slost glory with you.

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SHEEPHOUSERugby; Cricket; Athletics Captain: B. C. J. Stafford

Cross-Country Captain: F. H. C. PodgerSwimming Captain: P. C. Allen

Senior RugbyLJOUSE rugby this year cannot be considered a success. Hesters-*-^and Handcroft were far superior to either Hyde or Sheephousewith the result that two matches out of three were crushing defeatsfor the two last named Houses, and only the game between themshowed any signs of being a match and not a walk-over. On thewhole the House can be congratulated on having played to the bestof its ability.

We played Handcroft on 13th January on a pitch which wasa morass. The result 30-3 in Handcroft's favour tells nothing ofour continual attempts to withstand the onslaught on our line.The play was mostly in our half except for the one break-away fromwhich we scored.

Against Hyde on 14th October we fared better losing 14-6. Thiswas enjoyed throughout because at no point in the game was eitherside quite certain of the outcome. The last quarter of an hour glowedwith the old House spirit and zeal overshadowed skill in a hecticclose which made the game really worth while.

In playing Hesters on 21st October we experienced another wayof being overpowered. In contrast to Handcroft's " one vast push,"Hesters adopted a system of penetration very like a mathematicalcalculation, and the result 73—nil in their favour did credit to thesystem.

Of those who deserve praise the most outstanding are F. H. C.Podger who led a light scrum capably, and A. Singleton and R. H.Burlingham who though the youngest were by no means the leastexperienced or proficient. The future of the House with a much moresuccessful " middle" group, offers a cheerful prospect for thefuture and a consolation for the present. The team captained byB. C. J. Stafford was chosen from the eldest available of thefollowing : D. E. Barker, M. F. Smith, P. C. Allen, A. Adcock,F. H. C. Podger, L. Price, P. A. Bryant, P. J. Peet, A. Singleton,R. B. Brewster, G. C. Millson, R. A. Williams, R. H. Burlingham,

Colts RugbyWe were placed third in the league. The most memorable of the

matches was against Hesters whom we defeated in a match ofunparalled gusto. The team was : S. F. Bartlett, R. H. Burlingham,K. E. Duffett, A. L. Gibbs, G. D. Grayson, I. Harvey, K. C. Kear,I. Madelin, G. C. Millson, G. Pitt, M. R. E. Turner, D. J. Williams.

Cross-CountryWe started off with the prospect of much laboured panting and

dry throats on what is, for most of the House judging by results

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the most dreaded event of the year. Our runners numbered twelveand can be divided into three groups : those who tried and faredabout average ; those who were moderately successful; and thosewho failed—not only through inability but through lack of effort.To have four runners in the last eight is deplorable. On the otherhand four of the House finished in the first fifteen, against 3 ofHesters, 5 of Handcroft, and 3 of Hyde. This was a promisingstart but was not maintained. F. H. C. Podger, P. J. Peet, D. E.Barker, and A. Singleton are to be congratulated. Would that wehad more like them.

CricketIf we had played no other game than the one against Hesters on

12th May, we should have been quite contented for despite the factthat we finished last in the league we can claimed to have " rattled "the league winners more than either of the other Houses. Havingwon the toss Hesters opened with Hawkins and Wilson ; the formerwas dismissed at 16 by Powell, and at 19 Wilson was caught bySingleton off Powell, so our faces brightened—but the next wicketfell at 71. With 5 wickets down at 103 Hesters declared. During thisinnings we tried three reserve bowlers to assist Powell and Singleton,but with little success.

Having dismissed us for 29, Hesters decided to put in the remainderof their side who did not bat in the first innings. The final total ofHesters after three wickets had fallen was 117, and we were left toget 89 for a win. Our first wicket fell quickly but then came a standby Powell and Singleton which raised our score far beyond ourhopes. Excitement on both sides grew but when both were dismissedthere yet remained 30 runs to get and the tail produced only 10.Hesters must have been as relieved when the last wicket fell as wewere disappointed.

Against Hyde we lost the toss and were put in to bat. Exceptfor Powell our batting was poor and we were all out for 40. Hydeplayed havoc with our bowling, which, coupled with our poorfielding, enabled them to declare at 121, which included a magnificentinnings by Gregory of 100 not out. We fared even worse in thesecond innings and Hyde won by an innings and 55 runs.

In the game against Handcroft we again batted first and weredismissed for 13. Handcroft were all out for 66 through good workby our bowlers. Our second innings, though better than the first,produced only 34, and we left the field with Handcroft a clearinnings ahead.

Little can be said in praise of the team during the season ; exceptfor a small minority our efforts were lamentably indifferent. It istrue that good cricketers are born and not made, but keenness at" nets " and enthusiasm at practice would have enabled us to haveput up a better showing. The team was chosen from the following :D. E. Barker, B. C. J. Stafford, P. J. Peet, R. B. Brewster, A. J.Powell, A. Singleton, L. Price, F. H. C. Podger, P. C. Allen, R. A.Williams, A. Adcock, P. A. Bryant.

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COLTSIn the first game against Hesters we won the toss and put them

in to bat, dismissing them for 42 runs. Three were run out and threecaught which says much for our fielding in the first match of theseason. Of our bowlers, Gibbs, Grayson and Duffett are to bespecially commended together with Burlingham who took 2 wicketsfor 1 run with 10 balls. Our innings proved enjoyable for Duffett,Gibbs and Brewster beat Hesters' score and we won with eightwickets in hand. These three were our best batsmen and showgreat promise.

Against Handcroft we lost the toss, were put in to bat and weredismissed for 18 in only 10 overs. Our bowlers failed and the onlywicket taken was by Madelin with his third ball.

Against Hyde we won the toss, put them in to bat and dismissedthem for 42. This score did not appear insuperable but Hyde'sbowlers were in form and we were all dismissed for 16.

Seniors' AthleticsThe league this year though uneven as in Rugby and Cricket,

was not so demoralising. The whole House co-operated heartilyin the trials to select a team and when once chosen the team per-formed to the utmost of their ability. A Singleton, a senior by onlyone month when the first contest took place, is to be congratulatedon taking part in each of the five events throughout the League.At discus, weight putt, and in relays he was invaluable. P. J. Peetproved himself the right choice for the 880 yards ; he gave us a10 yards lead against Handcroft, and in the contest against Hestersmanaged to hold the dynamic Wilson to a lead of 22 yards. Thematch with Hyde was postponed owing to continual bad weatherand eventually it was scratched as there was no time available tohold the event.

In the contest with Hesters we failed to win an event, and againstHandcroft we were successful only in the Discus.

Colts' AthleticsThe first contest was with Hyde, the eventual winners of the

League, and we were able to field our best team and won all theevents except the medley relay. There was a hard tussle in theBroad Jump which we won by If in. Against Hesters we won allevents. Burlingham in the Discus and Weight Putt gave an admirableperformance whilst A. J. Powell showed himself a broad-jumperof merit. Against Handcroft we lost the Broad Jump but won theother four events. Powell is to be commended for his successful880 yards in the medley relay.

The following day it was necessary to hold a triangular contestbetween Handcroft, Hyde and Sheephouse. We began promisinglywith a win in the Broad Jump but except for a 2nd place in theDiscus, we occupied three third positions and were placed third.Despite the final placing we can claim to have a competent Coltsteam. Powell and Burlingham deserve mention for their ablesupport.

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Seniors' SportsThere was something lacking in this department as can be gauged

by Ihe fact that approximately one third of the House contributedthree-quarters of the points obtained. Athletics can be practisedmore easily than any other sport and only practice will bring resultsof a satisfactory nature in the standards. Only three competitors,P. J. Peet, A. Singleton and B. C. J. Stafford reached the finals inany event. The latter gaining first place in the High Jump, 2ndplace equal with R. D. Bartlett (Hesters) in the Hop, Step andJump, 2nd place in the Broad Jump and 3rd in the Weight Putt.Our final position was third.

Colts' SportsThe Colts put on a better show all round than the seniors and

we hope they will maintain their level in the future. There weremany semi-finalists but only two finalists. Powell gained 2nd placein the 100 yards and 220 yards and 3rd position in the Broad Jumpand Hop, Step and Jump. Unfortunately he pulled a muscle andwas unable to enter for the relay. Burlingham gained 3rd placein the Discus, and did well in the 440 yards, Broad Jump and WeightPutt. Others very successful in standards were K. E. Duffett andA. L. Gibbs.

SwimmingIn the competition this year one fact emerged—it augurs well for

the future—that our greatest strength lies in our younger members,or Grilse, as they were styled this year. We have a powerful swimmerin Burlingham ; congratulations to him for his win in the 3 lengthsGrilse free style. Singleton shows promise in his diving.

Our teams in the competition were as follows : Grilse : R. H.Burlingham, M. R. E. Turner, D. J. Williams, K. E. Duffett.Seniors : B. C. J. Stafford, G. C. Millson, A. Singleton, L. Price,M. F. Smith. Diving (open) : R. A. Williams, A. Singleton, L.Price, G. C. Millson. We were unfortunate in losing the servicesof our Swimming Captain, P. C. Allen, through illness.

Stamp CupIt is several years since the House won a Senior Cup of any sort,

which has naturally been a disappointment to many who have leftas well as to those still at school. The pendulum however shouldbe swinging once more in our favour, and it is fitting that we shouldbegin with a victory in the academic line. Sports are dependent toa great extent on brawn and the correct use thereof, but mentalability receives due recognition in the contest for this cup and wemay compliment ourselves on having achieved high distinction inwinning it.

B. C. J. STAFFORD

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A.T.C. NotesTTHE strength of the Corps has been well maintained during

-*• the year. In July the number of cadets was fifty-nine in theCollege Flight alone, and, although almost half that number leftat the end of the summer term, the influx of recruits has practicallyrestored the position.

During the year twenty-six cadets passed the 1st Class, six theproficiency, and three (F./Sergt. E. Wilson, Sergt. R. Peacockand Cpl. S. E. Wood) the advanced training examinations. L./Cdt.D. E. Barker passed in all subjects except one. We congratulatethese cadets on their success. Our thanks are due to Messrs. Bacon,Dunn and Tweedie-Stodart for their aid in training.

In September we spent a good week-end at the R.A.F. Station,Beaulieu. The weather was kind to us and every cadet was air-borneat least twice and some three times. Interesting talks were givenby lecturers specially sent from Headquarters, and a whole day'sshooting on the open range was obtained.

On Founder's Day the Corps was inspected by Admiral of theFleet, Lord Chatfield, P.C., G.C.B., O.M., who commentedfavourably on the parade, and presented the awards for the year,afterwards taking the salute at the march past.

The Aircrew Cup was won by No. 2 Crew commanded by Sergt.A. Phillips. Their total of points was 1,269, the highest yet attained.

We have had a particularly successful year in athletics. On 10thMarch we sent a team of nine cadets to compete in the CountyA.T.C. Cross-Country Championship. All nine appeared in thefirst fourteen places and F./Sergt. E. Wilson and Cpl. P. R. Hawkinswere first and second respectively so that the championship cameto us. On 7th July we competed in the County Athletic contest atSouthampton, with the following results :

100 Yards Junior.—2nd, Cdt. F. Holley.220 Yards Junior.—2nd, Cdt. M. F. Hort.880 Yards Junior.—1st, Cpl. P. R. Hawkins.Long Jump Junior.—1st, Sergt. K. H. Fairbanks.High Jump Junior.—Cdt. S. G. Gregory.440 Yards Relay Junior.—1st.Cricket Ball Junior.—1st. Sergt. K. H. Fairbanks.One Mile Junior.—2nd, Cdt. J. C. Phillips.440 Yards Senior.—2nd, F./Sergt. E. Wilson.One Mile Senior.—5th, Sergt. R. Peacock.Long Jump Senior.—2nd, Cdt. B. C. J. Stafford.High Jump Senior.—1st, Cdt. B. C. J. Stafford.One Mile Medley Relay.—1st.Altogether a most creditable afternoon, Wilson running a fine

half-mile in the last event. We were unlucky to miss the championshipby the very small margin of one point.

We were invited to send most of the above cadets to representthe county in the South-East Command Finals at Maidstone, but

Page 56 THE SOWER

as this event took place during the holidays only Wilson, Hawkinsand Fairbanks were able to compete.

Miniature rifle shooting has continued throughout the year andteams have competed in the Command Championship and theForces Day Competition. Next term we hope to enter a team forthe Battle of Britain Trophy.

The N.C.O.'s for the session are : F./Sergt. E. Wilson, Sergts.R. Peacock and K. H. Fairbanks and Cpls. P. R. Hawkins, D. A.Brown and F. H. C. Podger.

J.Y.O.

Scouts, 1946HTHE Scouts have been reorganized to a certain extent during

•*• the past year. The old Games House Troop system has had tobe abandoned for two reasons : the dearth of Scouters and thereduced number of Scouts now that the older boys become membersof the A.T.C. There are now two troops, one for each of the seniorresidential houses—School House and Sutton House.

Mr. Dunn is in charge of School House Troop of forty-two boys,twenty-one of whom are working for their 2nd Class Badge. Thistroop had two successful week-end camps during the summer ona site adjoining Frog Lane.

Mr. Bacon is in charge of Sutton House Troop. Two week-endcamps were held on the same site ; and two patrols entered forthe District Trophy Competition at Eversley, where they weresuccessful in gaining the first two places, that led by Bowden, withGrayson as his second, being the winners. The week-end was mostenjoyable and so well organized that there was never an idlemoment, though the judge remarked afterwards that nothing couldbe devised to prevent our representatives from preparing their fullquota of meals ; but Lord Wandsworth Scouts have always beenstrong in this line!

The winning patrol had the privilege of representing the OdihamDistrict at the County Competition for the Emlyn Trophy held atBroadlands, Romsey, in July. Grayson was hors de combat and hisplace was taken by Gibbs. This competition attracted the pick ofthe Scouts in the county. The week-end was one of the finest forthe summer, and an extremely happy,if arduous, time was enjoyedby a! I. Besides general camping, the standard of which was favourablycommented on by the judges, there were numerous tests requiringingenuity and initiative. It was not easy or painless, for example,to find one's way blindfolded across country dotted by clumps ofnettles to a bridge over a river a quarter of a mile away ; but manydid it successfully. Signalling and first-aid work was criticized—futurecompetitors, please note! The trophy was won by Fareham and,considering age and inexperience, our patrol did well to obtaintwelth place out of the fifteen districts competing.

The trophy and certificates were presented by Lord Louis

THE SO WER Page 57

Mountbatten, who, with Lady Mountbatten, inspected the Scoutsat the end of the competition. When this was over, all gathered ina giant horseshoe and the Admiral gave an enthralling yarn aboutsome of his war experiences. One of the most surprising facts hementioned was that he had a complete German Commando unitunder him when he was in charge of Combined Operations ; thesemen had come over to our side and had been provided with Britishnationality and identity papers. One of them was captured in araid and brought before Rundstedt, but succeeded in hiding hisidentity.

Lord Louis also spoke of General Wingate's long-range pene-tration force, known as the Chindits, a large proportion of whomhad been Scouts and whose early experiences and training inScouting had given them an interest in the work for which theyvolunteered.

Towards the end of the Summer Term two pairs of Scouts didtheir 1st Class journey ; Bowden and Forster to Petersfield bycycle ; Hunt and Dennison on foot to Hartley Row, where theyarrived after dark, a journey of fifteen miles laden with heavypacks. Both pairs appeared to enjoy the venture.

At the beginning of the Autumn Term a patrol was entered forthe District Competition for Scouts under 15 years of age. Thiswas held at Fleet, and the patrol led by Grayson and Forster werethe winners. The Troop now holds two district trophies and theurge to retain these and to obtain 1 st Class Badges before the ParisJamboree, to which we hope to send a number of Scouts, shouldbe sufficient incentive to us in the coming year.

The Debating SocietySENIOR CLASS

Spring Term Secretary.—J. R. ARMSTRONGDuring the Spring Term several meetings were cancelled in

favour of visiting lecturers, which are reported under School Notes.Two meetings were held and the following motions presented :" That party politics should be abolished." Proposer : R. D.

Bartlett; opposer : C. R. Roberts. The motion was defeated." That the Church of England should be disestablished."

Proposer : B. E. Torrance ; opposer : C. R. J. Tout. The motionwas carried.

Autumn Term Secretary.—D. W. WILTSHIREAssistant Secretary.—G. D. GRAYSON

When the new session opened in September, the chairmanshipwas taken over by Mr. R. Dunn.

The following motions were presented :" That science has gone too far and is threatening the safety of

society." Proposer : C. J. Skinner ; opposer : I. Madelin. The

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motion was defeated." That the Socialists are making a success of their post-war

plans." Proposer : D. J. Long ; opposer : W. M. Adcock. Themotion was defeated.

" That wireless has been more of an evil than a blessing to thehome." Proposer : J. C. Phillips ; opposer : M. I. D. Stafford.The motion was defeated.

" That the world would be happier with no historical tradition."Proposer : M. J. Clarke ; opposer : J. Houghton. The motionwas defeated.

At the next meeting a mock election was held, at which fivecandidates, each with a supporter, gave their veiws. The result ofthe voting was as follows : Conservative, 35 ; Socialist, 12 ;Liberal, 2 ; Communist, 2 ; Independent, 1.

" That a universal language is highly desirable." Proposer :G. C. Millson ; opposer : D. S. Hicks. The motion was carried.

JUNIOR CLASSSpring Term Secretary.—G. D. GRAYSON

Assistant Secretary.—J. SWEETAs in the case of the Senior Class, two meetings only were held

during this term, when the following motions were presented :" That lotteries and sweepstakes should be abolished." Proposer :

D. A. Dennison ; opposer D. J. Freeman. The motion was defeated." That hours of work should be lessened for manual workers."

Proposer : J. Webley ; opposer : A. F. Mills. The motion wasdefeated.

Autumn Term Secretary.—L. F. D. BRAZIERAssistant Secretary.—R. A. BETTS

The following motions were presented :" That atomic power will benefit the world." Proposer : L. F.

Brazier ; opposer : J. R. Carreck. The motion was carried." That professionalism in football and cricket is better than

amateurism." Proposer : M. R. E. Turner; opposer : D. L.Couzens. The motion was defeated.

" That indeterminate sentences for criminals should be used."Proposer: K. G.-L. Williams; opposer L. J. Creed. The motionwas defeated.

" That censorship of films should be abolished." Proposer : D.F. Jarvis ; opposer : C. Adcock. The motion was defeated.

" That chemical warfare should be abolished." Proposer : D. E.Nesbitt ; opposer : B. P. Lovelock. The motion was defeated.

" That the decimal and metric systems should be used inEngland." Proposer : I. Harvey ; opposer : R. D. Bye. The motionwas defeated.

" That all schools should be run on a State educational system."Proposer : D. E. Thomas ; opposer : R. J. Thomas. The motionwas defeated.

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The Scientific SocietyBee-Keeping Section

'"THIS section was initiated on 3rd July, 1946. Following the-*• bees example we " swarmed " and established an independent

section of the Scientific Society with the title of the Lord WandsworthCollege Bee-Keeping Club. Mr. Irvine is president and our vice-presidents include the Headmaster, Mr. F. D. Goodliffe, Mr.A. E. Knock, Mr. and Mrs. J. Y. Orr, Mr. C. F. Yalden and Mr.W. L. Yalden. The Committee consists of the secretary, treasurer,and librarian, these being R. Peacock, D. A. Brown, and J. R.Armstrong respectively.

The aims of the Club are to encourage interest in bee-keepingand to enable its members to become proficient in the craft. We haveat present three good stocks of bees, with a spare hive and variousequipment. One of our hives, the only one of the single-walled typewe have, was designed by R. Peacock and made by him togetherwith J. R. Armstrong and P. R. Hawkins. It has been used andfound successful though we have not yet wintered a stock in it.Members of the club are arranged in groups each of which isresponsible for looking after one stock of bees.

Two talks have been given to the club ; Mr. A. Fulbrook ofOdiham gave a general talk on commencing bee-keeping, andMr. Darneley of Basingstoke spoke on Bee-keeping Appliancesand Hives.

The club has, at present, a membership of twenty-two, and isaffiliated to the Alton Bee-keepers' Association. R.P.

Natural History SectionIn February, 1946 the Natural History Section joined the Amateur

Entomological Society. In September, several members attended anexhibition arranged by this Society and an exhibit was entered, ofspecimens of three of the local water beetles. On the same dayvisits were made to Regent's Park Zoo and the museums at SouthKensington. A record of phenological observations was sent tothe Royal Meteorological Society. We hope to make a more completerecord during the coming year.

The first results of our membership of the British Trust forOrnithology were represented by records of the hatching andfledging of the offspring of seven different birds, observed by Millsonand Gibbs. Mr. Warner gave the section an informal talk duringthe summer, on the more interesting local birds and their songs.A Little Auk, found dead by P. Silver, a gamekeeper at SouthWarnborough, was kindly presented to the Section by R. Yalden.It was stuffed and placed in the School Museum.

The bee-keeping group has formed an independent section, whoseaccount will be found under its appropriate heading. Previously to

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this fission, the Natural History Section watched a most interestingdemonstration in handling bees, by Captain Tredwell, the CountyBee-keeping instructor, who afterwards gave a talk on bee-keeping.

We took part in the exhibition of the Scientific Society held onthe half-term holiday of the summer term. In addition to moreusual exhibits, we contrived a representation of the river Whitewaterat North Warnborough, with running water and the various plantsand animals found therein, and also exhibited a dogfish, neatlydissected by P. R. Hawkins.

Two excursions were made during the summer term and inSeptember the section visited Haslemere museum. Our thanks aredue to Mr. Edwards, for an excellent micro-projector show, and toMajor Owen for a talk on local reptiles and amphibians.

Rantus notatus, a water beetle, was caught this summer by R. J.Thomas in the school swimming bath, this being, on the authorityof Professor Balfour Browne, the first time that it has been recordedin North Hampshire.

Two species of Oscinella (the genus which includes the FritFly), recently recognised as new by Mr. J. E. Collin in theTransactions of the Royal Entomological Society, were stated ashaving been bred from local Reed Canary grass at Lord WandsworthCollege, by Mr. F. D. Goodliffe. Mr. Goodliffe, our President,may thus claim to be the discoverer of the food plant of these newlyrecognised species.

R.P.

The Science SocietyTN THE past session, under the encouraging presidency of Sir-*-William Gavin, the Chairman of Trustees, the Society has leda very active life. Mr. Goodliffe, as Chairman, has interestedhimself in every sphere of activity and supervised a great deal ofthe work which lies behind the year's success.

Two excursions, to Reading University Farm and to Jealott'sHill Research Station, were arranged through the good offices ofthe President, who was present with us at the first visit.

At Reading on the afternoon of 13th November we were cordiallywelcomed by Professor Saunders, Principal of the Department ofAgriculture, who personally conducted the tour. The party sawa variety of stock, all of a very high standard, including a mixedherd of British Frisian and Shorthorn cows, four thoroughbredbulls, two piggeries of Wessex saddlebacks, and a flock of cross-bredlambs. Many of the difficulties of farming the estate, which containsThames water-meadows, and the control of pests were describedby Professor Saunders. At the close of a pleasant afternoon theparty was entertained to tea at the University, a tea which inquantity and quality was excellent. The Secretary thanked ProfessorSaunders and his staff for their kindness and hospitality.

At Jealott's Hill Research Station on 6th June a party of twenty

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members spent an instructive afternoon inspecting various long-termexperiments, chiefly concerned with grasses. The effectiveness of" Agroxone " in destroying the pests of mono-cotyledonous plantsby malforming them was perhaps the most interesting item.

The Society's Exhibition on 1st and 3rd June was a successfulevent, both in planning and in the number of visitors, the latteraugmented by the visit of Gosden House on the second day. TheAeronautical Section had several models on show, the most out-standing of which was a 6 feet 6 inches span glider (H58). ThePhotograhic Section had many prints, including a fine set of scenesfrom " Henry V " produced last Christmas. Mr. Gardner hasconstructed a very sensitive thermo-couple and an ingeniousphoto-electric burglar alarm, which with some well-illustratedexperiments, comprised the Physics Laboratory show.

The Natural History Section as usual, had arranged an extensiveaquaria, in which R. Peacock's " Section of a Typical HampshirePond " was considered the best. Pressed flowers, butterfly and otherinsect collections, slides, and micro-binocular view of a sundewleaf absorbing its victim completed a very impressive contribution.

The Society extend their thanks to Sir William Gavin, who hasconsented to continue as President for this session, and to Mr.Goodliffe at the termination of his year of office. We welcomeMr. Gardner as our new Chairman and wish him all good luck.Our thanks to Ian Madelin, the retiring Film Secretary, and ourgood wishes to his successor, J. R. Armstrong.

B. C. J. STAFFORD,Hon. Secretary.

Photographic SectionThe past year has been one of the busiest in the history of the

Society. Following the Dramatic Society's production of " HenryV" last Christmas, between two and three hundred postcardenlargements of scenes from the play were produced, affordingmembers valuable experience in working out a routine and incarrying it out methodically and with precision. A permanentphotographic record of the play was made and framed, but is stillawaiting a suitable site for exhibition.

The enthusiasm of the members was considerably damped whenthey had to vacate the very comfortable and commodious quartersabove the kitchens, but a few weeks later a store room becamevacant and this has been specially fitted out for us as a darkroom,complete with hot and cold water and a number of electric points.With the aid of a grant from the School and the proceeds from thesale of photographs, we have been able to add to our equipmentand increase the range of our work. The horizontal enlarger is stillin use, as is the large printer ; we have recently acquired two photo-flood stands and lamps for portrait work, and a special bench lampfitted with orange, red and green screens.

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In June last the Society staged an exhibition of photographs bymembers as part of the Annual Exhibition of the Scientific Society.This proved a popular feature and should encourage members towork for an exhibition of their own as soon as supplies becomemore plentiful.

In October a visit was made to the Royal Photographic Society'sExhibition at the Science Museum in South Kensington. Thisproved a highly interesting and enjoyable day. The exhibition wasthe largest given by the R.P.S. for many years and was a greatinspiration to us all to try to achieve something of the marvelloustechnique shown by the exhibitors.

At the end of the year the Society produced nearly a thousandChristmas cards for the School.The profits from the sale of theseare in aid of a fund to enable a party of Scouts from the school toattend the World Jamboree in Paris in 1947.

The Frontispiece to this issue of the magazine is the work of theChairman of the Society. In future issues we hope to publishphotographs selected from the prize-winners of the competitionsbeing held each term.

Film Section

The Committee of the Science Society has in the past year presentedfive programmes of interesting and instructive films dealing with avariety of subjects as follows :

1. The Life History of Wood Ants.The Developement of Railways.It Comes from Coal.

2. The Transfer of Power.Animals in Wonderland.Defeat Diphtheria.National Model Aircraft Exhibition.

3. Garden Friends and Foes.The Woodwasp.The Microphone.Development of the Trout.Development of the Newt.Paramecium.

4. The New Mine.Animal Movement.First Principles of Radiolocation.The Filter.The Eighth Plague.The Story of D.D.T.

5. Progress.The Flight Machine.The Strangler.

Emphasis was on the natural history and biological side, ofwhich the " Life History " types were most popular. The more

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general type of film, e.g., The New Mine, was also well received.There is a growing trend to put more faith in visual types of

education, and it is hoped that the Science Society, will continueto provide these interesting film programmes, and also that whenrestrictions are removed there will be an increasing number offilms available for exhibition.

I. MADELIN, Secretary of Film Section.

Engineering Section

Fifteen boys, most of whom are Vth Formers, make a hobby ofengineering. The metalwork shop is open to them on Saturdaymornings, and Mr. Watson is present to help boys with their work.

During this year there have been two excursions. In the SummerTerm we visited the Southern Railway locomotive works atEastleigh, where we spent an interesting afternoon touring the shedswhere work on the engines was in progress. In the Autumn Terma visit was paid to the " Britain Can Make It " Exhibition. Wespent about three hours there and the remainder of the time at theSouth Kensington Science Museum, which we all found as interestingas the exhibition.

The Young Farmers' Clubthe beginning of the year until July our membership

-*• steadily increased ; after July, however it experienced a dropdue to several members having left school. The enthusiasm ofmembers is probably higher than ever before.

Our usual programme of visits and lectures has been followedduring the past year. Of particular interest were talks by Mr. Black,of Reading University, on Livestock Improvement ; by Dr. N. S.Barren, M.R.C.V.S. Veterinary Investigation Officer for theSouthern Province N.A.A.S. ; and a visit by the Club to LordRotherwick's pedigree Guernsey herd.

Members competed at a rally of Hampshire Young Farmers'Clubs held in May at Winchester, our first experience of such afunction, and we secured first place in poultry judging. We hopeto compete in the impending public speaking contest.

We successfully engaged in an agricultural quiz with QueenMary's School, Basingstoke, and hope to have further amicablerelations with the Young Farmers' Club at that school.

A variety of stock has been kept during the past year, includingthe usual calves and pigs, but we have been unable to procurestore lambs. A young pedigree Aberdeen-Angus heifer is beingreared and we hope soon to obtain a young bull calf.

Several Committee members left school in July and the presentcommittee consists of the following :

Chairman. — R. Peacock.Secretary. — R. C. Campling.

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Treasurer.—G. W. R. Clatworthy.Librarian.—J. R. Armstrong.Livestock Officer.—J. C. Phillips.

Our thanks are due to our very energetic Club Leader, Mr.Marval, and to Mr. Tweedie-Stodart, Mr. Major, Mr. Pascoe andothers for valuable help without which we could not have madesuch progress during the year.

The Dramatic SocietyPresident.—K. C. J. Stafford

Secretary.—E. Wilson Stage Manager.—J. R. ArmstrongLibrarian.—F. H. C. Podger Electrician.—J. R. CarreckWardrobe Master.—D. B. Coltman Property Manager.—D. A. Brown

THE past year has been an interesting one for the DramaticSociety as the shape of the School's theatrical activities has

begun to assume a definite and stable form. During the SpringTerm opportunity was given to some new members to show theirpaces when a performance was given of the third act of "Hamlet"prefaced by some short sketches. M. S. Marsden made a promisingstart as Gertrude, Queen of Denmark, but unfortunately W. M.Adcock, who did so well as Katherine in " Henry V," was unableto appear as Ophelia owing to illness.

The cast in this exerpt was as follows :Claudius, King of Denmark D. B. ColtmanHamlet, Son of the late King B. C. J. StaffordPolonius, Lord Chamberlain F. H. C. PodgerHoratio, Friend of Hamlet R. PeacockRosencrantz, a Courtier E. WilsonGuildenstern, a Courtier M. F. HortPlayer King P. R. HawkinsPlayer Queen D. A. BrownThird Player J. W. NewmanGhost of Hamlet's Father Mr. BrownGertrude, Queen of Denmark and Mother to Hamlet . . . M. S. MarsdenOphelia, Daughter to Polonius E. H. Etherton

Mr. Richard Seaton was in charge of the production assisted byMr. Irvine.

In December the main event took place, namely the performanceof Shakespeare's " Twelfth Night." Two performances were givento highly appreciative audiences and Mr. Richard Seaton is to becongratulated on the many clever professional touches thatenlivened the whole production. The Society was also fortunatein having once more the expert assistance of our English masterMr. C. H. James who has returned from service with the R.A.F.

A full criticism of the second night's performance is given elsewherein this magazine. It may be added here that most of the performersbelong to the Fifth Form, reinforced by such veteran sixth formactors as Wilson, Podger, Coltman and B. Stafford, and somepromising Fourth Formers.

For the benefit of former members of the Dramatic Society who

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may be interested in knowing who took part, here is the completelist:Orsino, Duke of I/lyria E. Wilson

V±tine}Gentlemenattendin8°ntheDuke {CJF.SHolteyViola M. S. MarsdenA Sea Captain, Friend to Viola H. C. P. GoodingSir Toby Belch, Uncle to Olivia B. C. J. StaffordMaria, Maid to Oliva G. D. GraysonSir Andrew Aguecheek I. MadelinMalvolio, Steward to Olivia D. B. ColtmanOlivia W. M. AdcockFes,e,AC,own}servantsto01ivia |F. H. Cadger

Sebastian, Brother to Viola M. I. StaffordAntonio, Sea Captain D. J. Barker1st Officer J. Sweet2nd Officer J. HoughtonPriest R. H. Burlingham

f C. AdcockPages •< E. H. Ethejton

A. Dare

No definite plans for future productions are available at themoment of writing, but the fact that the senior boys are now dividedbetween School House and Button House seems to indicate separateHouse performances during the Spring Term as a good policy.Fresh talent may be given its opportunity in this way in readinessto put our full strength into the Christmas performance nextsession.

Mention must be made of the ready help given in all per-formances by Miss Batson, Mr. Chadwick and Mr. Watson.

C.R.I.

PRODUCTION OF " TWELFTH NIGHT """THE College Dramatic Society gave two performances of-*•" Twelfth Night" on Thursday and Friday, 12th and 13th

of December, at Long Sutton. Silver collections were taken at eachperformance and, by the courtsey of the Headmaster, these wereadded to the Long Sutton Church Tower Restoration Fund.

For many of us this is the gayest and most delightful ofShakespeare's comedies, though to be really effective it calls fora delicacy of treatment not always to be found in school productions.Too often the action is allowed to degenerate, particularly in thedrinking and garden scenes, into rough-and-tumble farce.

The play opened, as it should, on a quiet note, but as soon asSir Toby Belch (B. C. J. Stafford) and Maria (G. D. Grayson)appeared we sat up to enjoy the fun. Stafford continued to give usa lively picture of the gusty and boisterous knight, and Graysonlent the right impish quality to the part of Maria. Both wereobviously ready for any devilment that was going. I. Madelin tookthe part of Sir Andrew Aguecheek, the timorous, bedraggled andrather pathetic foil to Sir Toby. D. B. Coltman, who gave such

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an excellent performance last year as the Dauphin in " HenryV," repeated his success, this time as the pompous, self-satisfiedMalvolio. Feste the Clown is a difficult part for a boy to play.The temptation to overplay for comic relief is great and theunaccompanied songs would severely test more experienced players.In neither respect did F. H. C. Podger fail us. The two remainingfemale characters, Olivia (W. M. Adcock) and Viola (M. S. Marsden)were competently acted. Adcock deserves special credit, for heonly emerged from the Sanatorium shortly before the first per-formance. E. Wilson appeared to be less happy as Orsino, and hisrendering of the part was rather colourless. Among the lesserparts G. Reed, as Fabian, and M. I. Stafford, as Sebastian, bothdid well.

The direction of the play was in the capable hands of Mr. C. H.James, with Mr. Richard Seaton, as producer, to advise, toco-ordinate, and to administer the final expert touches. WithMr. C. R. Irvine, the stage manager, they formed a strong team.The prevailing seasonal plagues have, I am sure, caused them adeal of worry, but there was little obvious evidence of promptingor under-rehearsal, and they are to be warmly congratulated uponso slick and smooth a production. They were fortunate to receivegenerous assistance from Queen Mary's School and the BasingstokeGirls' High School by the loan of some scenery.

I think those of us who attended the Society's production of" Henry V " last year came away wondering whether that highstandard could be maintained. Actually, this time the level ofperformance by the cast as a whole was, if anything, higher. Thosewho had taken part last year had obviously not forgotten thelessons then learnt from Mr. Seaton, while the rest have been aptpupils. I am sure that we were all sorry when Feste brought thisyear's revel to a close with his reminder of the discomforts of theeveryday world awaiting us outside.

A.J.M

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Junior HouseCOCK HOUSE 1945-1946

Rugger CourftrvPuddex Sports Cricket Swimming TotalSt. George . . . . 3 4 3J 3 4 4 21}St. Francis . . . . 4 2 3J 4 3 1} 18St. Christopher . . 2 3 2 2 1 1J 11}S t . Nicolas . . . . 1 1 1 1 2 3 9

Rugger 1945-46House matches were not started until the end of October. Until

then new boys were being put through their paces, learning thegame and quite quick at it they were. The House Captains, electedat the beginning of term—St. George, A. Torrance ; St. Nicolas,E. T. Pagett ; St. Christopher, R. D. Bye ; St. Francis, M. R.Dennis and J. Hancock—watched the results of this processanxiously and helped by taking their men out at odd times forpractice. More of this would have been beneficial.

St. Francis, with Dennis, Hancock, M. G. Cowan, E. J. Francisand G. Newson, looked to have the best old boys from last season,though St. George with Torrance and F. Darke—two hard runnersto tackle—J. W. Hubbard and D. W. Bennett were not far behind.Bye, of St. Christopher, had C. Rayner and D. E. Thomas. Thelatter was not much help, as he missed a whole term throughsickness. Pagett had little to work on. His best out of six old boyswere G. G. Pavey and R. A. Betts. Much then depended on thenew boys and many were playing well by Christmas, G. A. Mort,W. D. L. Revill, B. Newbigin, D. J. Foster, A. B. Dennison andD. F. James being the best.

Only two rounds were played in the House Championship, which,but for St. Nicolas, who were right out of it, was pretty even going.St. George went off with a bang, being unbeaten in the first roundand so collected six points. G. J. R. Coleman and M. L. Cousins,both new boys, showed good form. St. Christopher were secondwith two wins. They just beat St. Francis by two points and hadan easy win over St. Nicolas. Bye was here, there and everywhere,doing about 75 per cent, of the work. He has been criticised fornot passing, but generally there was no one to pass to or, if therewas somebody, the chances of a score were probably greater if hehung on and tried to go through himself. Thanks to him the Housewere not bottom. St. Francis, the eventual winners, had one win,but they frightened St. George in a very good game, going downby one goal only. They were to meet them twice again and on bothoccasions were successful. So the first round ended.

Played Won Lost PointsSt. George 3 3 0 6St. Christopher 3 2 1 4St. Francis 3 1 2 2St. Nicolas 3 0 3 0

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The tables were turned in the second round. St. Francis wonall three games and St. George one only. St. Francis, now settleddown, looked like a team. Newbigin at forward and Mort behindthe scrum had improved a lot. Dennis and Hancock always workedhard and were well backed up by Cowan (rather too selfish), M.Britton-Jones, Newson and L. A. Williams. St. Christopher andSt. Nicolas each won a game.

Played Won Lost PointsSt. George 6 4 2 8St. Francis 6 4 2 8St. Christopher 6 3 3 6St. Nicolas 6 1 5 2

Frozen grounds and sickness made a third round impossible, soSt. George and St. Francis had to play a final match for the honours.This was a grand game, very hard fought with no quarter taken oroffered.

St. Francis were the winners by a penalty goal. To win by a penaltyis not good, but they were, all things considered, just about threepoints the better side.

Score : St. Francis, 2 goals, 1 penalty goal; St. George, 2 goals.Two good sides. In their three games together there were only

seven points difference, the totals being 40 to 33.

Junior House in OxfordA lovely day was spent by the 1st XV in Oxford, where we went

to play the Dragons. Nothing being known about form, they kindlyturned out a side " weight for weight." This worked well and agood, hard game resulted in a win for Dragon School by a tryand a penalty goal to a try. Whether we were overawed, nervousor just off form is not known, but, although we had our share of theball from the scrum and line-out, the backs rarely got movingwith any speed. Our one try was a good one. The ball was kickedquickly and passed through all hands to F. Darke, on the left wing,who raced for his corner flag and made no mistake. But that happenedonly once! In the loose the Dragons were much quicker on theball and it was from a good forward movement that they scored.Our tackling was good. Reasons for losing the game were : badpassing, forwards slow in the loose, and failure in falling on theball in defence.

Junior House 1st XV : G. G. Brown, J. Hancock, E. J. Francis,M. R. Dennis, G. B. Martin ; W. D. L. Revill, B. Newbigin ;A. B. Denison, G. A. Mort, A. Torrance, F, Darke, R. D. Bye,D. F. James, C. Rayner and M. G. Cowan.

After the game a delicious plunge and a superb tea put all inorder. A very, very good day ; good it was.

Cross-CountryRun on Saturday, 30th March. A lovely day. Only in one place—

in the Coppice-—was the track at all muddy. Junior House were

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off first. Fifty-six started, three more than last year, and were soonout of sight past the Natural History Spinney. Twelve minutesshould see them back by the gate at the top of the field. It wasM. I. J. Andrews, of St. Francis—well inside that time—to winthe run in 11 min. 53 sec. Last year he was fifth. Another St. Francis,M. G. Cowan, ran grandly to get second place. He was a surprise,being fourteenth last year, and is to be heartily congratulated ondoing so well. Two more who deserve congratulations are L. A.Williams and G. G. Brown seventh and eighth up from twenty-secondand thirty-second in 1945. A. Torrance, St. George, ran steadilyfor third place. St. Francis were fourth and St. Nicolas fifth withnewcomers ; G. A. Mort and J. K. Eades. Both ran very wellindeed. J. Clarke, who didn't turn out last year, was sixth.

Final order : St. George, 24 ; St. Christopher, 28 ; St. Francis,29 ; St. Nicolas, 32.

St. George's packing :—G G G—GGG G

PUDDEXLike the cricket, puddex was made very unpleasant by the

extraordinary bad summer. The evenings, when the games werefollowed by a rush into the pool, were few and far between. Therewere many good finishes, and at the end of the second round St.Nicolas was the only House out of the running. Although they wononly one of their nine games, they were really not so bad as allthat. More than once they had a good lead in a first or secondinnings, only to loose the advantage at the end of the game. Badfielding was their downfall. First-bounce catches must be held, andsmart returns to the bowlers save a lot of runs.

St. Francis and St. George shared the honours with seven winseach. St. Christopher faded out in the last round and did not wina game.

Final results :Played Won Lost Points

J t . George 9 7 2 14St. Francis 9 7 2 14St. Christopher 9 3 6 6f t. Nicolas 9 1 8 2

THE SOWER

ROLL OF HONOUR

1939-1945

DENIS DAVID PALMERDAVID EDWARD BARRY AUGUSTUSTHOMAS RAYMOND OATENVICTOR REGINALD BAKERMALCOM CASHEL HARRISROBERT SIDNEY CANTLEALAN LEONARD MARTINNORMAN IAN MELLORVICTOR THOMAS WALTER SHERWOODCHARLES THOMAS COLERAYMOND CHARLES WILLIAM EVANSCLARENCE WALTER SAMPSONGEORGE FREDERICK PETERSIAN DAVID HENRY CLARSONTHOMAS HENRY HOWELLCHARLES GEORGE SAVAGE

Killed on Active Service, 1946

KENNETH DAVID WILLIAMS

They shall grow not old, as we who are left grow old,Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morningWe will remember them.

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Old Boy' NotesTOURING the year a number of letters have been received from•L^Old Boys giving news of their activities.

Generally speaking, the news has been chiefly of those who havebeen released from the Forces and have returned to their civilianoccupations. Many have travelled widely, have visited many landsand have had experiences which only war-time conditions bring.

Some have served on two or three battle fronts and have crowdedinto a few years adventures sufficient to last them a lifetime. Thegeneral concensus of opinion is that there is no country like Englandand the majority are glad to be at home once more.

A proportion of letters have been from a younger group, who,having been called up and partly trained, seem to have been sentoverseas very quickly. It has been amazing to hear of boys who afew months previously were at school now doing duty as soldiers,sailors or airmen, either on the Continent, in the Middle East, orin the Far East. The change-over from schoolboy to being a memberof the Forces serving abroad is indeed a rapid one in these days.

To all of them we send greetings and best wishes for their happinessand welfare.

The question often asked is when the next Reunion will beheld. The difficulty—and the only real obstacle to such a gathering—is the food situation. As long as it continues with the presentrestrictions it is out of the question to hold a representative meetingat Long Sutton. As ?11 are aware, here we are restricted to our ownresources, without the facilities available in towns with hotels,restaurants, and cafes.

Old Boys may rest assured that as soon as it becomes possibleto offer them hospitality here, arrangements will be made for aReunion.

On such a Reunion, too, rests resuscitation of the Old Wands-worthian Association, for the annual meeting and general businessof this body were conducted at the yearly Reunions.

The Association is not defunct, but has of necessity lain dormantduring the war years. It needs only a gathering of Old Boys torevive it.

Another matter about which inquiries are made, and one inthe minds of many Old Boys no doubt, is the question of a memorialto those who gave their lives in the war.

We can assure all our readers that this matter is receiving theserious consideration of the Trustees and senior officials of theSchool. They are most anxious that in due course, a memorial—

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whatever form it takes—really worthy of those who gave theirlives, shall become an accomplished fact.

All connected with the Foundation, both past and present, willbe invited to subscribe to a fund for this purpose.

ROLL OF HONOUR

KENNETH DAVID WILLIAMS, killed on active service, age20 years.

Williams entered the College in September, 1936. Hyde GamesHouse and Scout Troop. Gained his School Certificate in July,1940, and the Higher School Certificate in July, 1942. He wasappointed a Prefect in 1941.

On leaving school in April, 1943, Williams enlisted in the R.A.F.,was accepted for a University Short Course and entered DurhamUniversity. On leaving Durham he went to Canada for training,where he gained his Pilot's " wings." on returning to this countryhe transferred to the Fleet Air Arm and was commissioned as aSub-Lieutenant.

On 29th April, 1946, he was engaged on a routine flight in afighter aircraft and when approaching the coast on the returnjourney in bad visibility he struck the mast of a fishing vessel andcrashed into the sea.

To his mother and younger brother we express our deepestsympathy and deplore the passing of a young life at the outset ofa promising career.

OBITUARYANTHONY BRUCE LONG, died 29th July, 1946, age 16 years.

Long entered the College in September, 1939. Hyde GamesHouse and Scout Troop and subsequently a member of the A.T.C.He obtained his School Certificate in July, 1945.

On leaving school Long was apprenticed to the General ElectricCompany at Birmingham, where he was very happy in his workand was very favourably reported on.

In December he was admitted to hospital with a severe attackof pneumonia, as a result of which he developed a patch on onelung and was sent to a sanatorium. Although at first he appearedto make 'progress and wrote cheerfully, he eventually succumbedto the disease. His death at such an early age, and within twelvemonths of leaving school, came as a great shock to all who knewhim.

Lawrence Press Ltd., Henry Road, Nno Barntt.