here - Oswestry School

OOs climb into record books - in Iran!Martyn Bracegirdle (a Governor of the School), and Roger Morgan (a former HeadBoy of the School), made their second climbing trip to Iran in August 2008.On their previous trip they climbed Mount Damavand which at 18,500 feet (5,700meters) is the highest mountain in Central Asia, as well as climbing other mountainsin the Alum Kur region, and accruing some 'British Firsts' as they did.This trip was to the Zagros Mountains in the South-West of Iran. The format for the climb was dictated by the needto find water and carry large quantities of it. So no tent - sleep in the open, no cooker or gas - cold food only, meantsome weight reduction could be effected but even then the back-packs were usually between 30-35 kgs most days.Martyn and Rogerclaim ‘British Firsts’in IranDespite some concerns about water generally, nevertheless they were still able to find some. The outcome ofthe trip was that they have lodged claims to 8 British Firsts on named mountains, 4 British Firsts on unnamedmountains, and 2 British Firsts on unnamed and unmapped mountains. In the case of the latter they haverequested of the Iranian Mountaineering Federation if they may name them. Most of the mountains were between13,000 - 15,000 feet (4,000 - 4,500 meters).Results - GolfDespite strong winds and heavy rain the OO golf dayattracted 30 players, its largest field to date, fairlyevenly split between Ladies and Gentlemen.Old Oswestrians’ Cricket 2009Back Row, (l-r); Oliver Bembow, Stuart Sleigh,Andrew Price, Ben Bromage, Euan Edwards,Chris Dillon, Ian PotterFront Row (l-r); Jonathan Hughes,Darron Humphries, Elliott DykeOld Oswestrians’ Cricket MatchSunday 29th June 2008Alan Stratford reports……….A pre-match downpour forced a reconsideration of thelength of the match. Resolved on 25 overs per team, bothsides batted and bowled well to provide an entertainingengagement.Batting first, the OOs compiled what looked like anunbeatable score of 157-7, Darren Humphreys making 47and Chris Dillon a rapid 42 not out at the end of the innings.Undaunted by the target, the School went onto the attackand finished a creditable 137-4. Euan Edwards andBen Bromage, with two wickets each, were the onlysuccessful OO bowlers.Thanks are due to Andrew Price for raising and captaining theOOs and to Liz Fisher, as ever the loyal and efficient scorer.Result: Old Oswestrians beat School by 20 runsThe conditions made the course about three shotsharder than standard for gentlemen and around fourfor ladies - so if you scored three shots worse thanyour handicap it was a good score even if it did notfeel like it! Mile End was presented in excellentcondition, with the greens running true and thecourse maturing nicely. Well worth a visit.The David Holbache Cupwon by John Evans (handicap)Willcox Financial Trophyby James Woodward (scratch)Longest Drive by John BatchlorThe Team Champagne Challengewon by the 'Aberystwyth Assassins' Led by StuartWilliams. Their best 3 Stableford scores per hole= 120 points - a tremendous score, well done.Guinevere Rose Bowlwon by Barbara Warner (handicap).Freedom Equity Release Trophyby Susan Evans (scratch).The Team Champagne Challengewon by Julie Potter's teamJohn Evans' score was a matter of some concern on the15th tee. He took a back swing, but as he started thedownswing his ball fell off its tee and rolled towards him.John clearly pulled his club out of the way (as if leavinga ball outside the off stump in cricket) to avoidcontacting a moving ball and incurring a penalty. Theback swing had gone beyond shoulder height, but theintention was not to play a stroke. No penalty occurredand John was free to play the tee shot again. Anysolicitors reading this would be well warned away fromthe rules of golf, as they make the laws of tort look likea walk in the park!page 7Winner Barbara WarnerWinner John EvansThank you toeveryone whoattended andmade it such amemorable day.