downing text 2012_Layout 1 - Downing College - University of ...

DOWNING COLLEGE 2011–2012possibility. It came to the last game of the season to decide Downing’s fate andSimon Bourne’s strike secured a hard earned victory over Jesus College toensure another term in Division 1. The next season, the team hit the groundrunning and secured a number of early victories to ensure that relegation wouldnot be a problem a second term. The Men’s team finished a comfortable fourthin the league with a number of positive performances if not results. The OldBoys’ mixed game at the end of the season was a highlight with the Old Boys’snatching a tight match 4–3. This was followed by the annual awards dinner,with Mathias Butel, Josh Wearing and Simon Heller receiving Colours. Joshalso picked up the ‘Most Valuable Player’ trophy, Eugene Geidelberg the ‘MostImproved Player’ and Christopher Tapper ‘Best Stick Skills’. Christopher alsowas named Captain for the 2012–13 season, taking over from the out-goingJames Hay who shall be sorely missed for both his rock steady presence in goaland his enthusiasm and entertainment. A massive thank you and best wishesfor the future must be given to all the players graduating this year who shall bemissed and always welcome at Downing Hockey Club.RUGBYDCRUFC had another strong year, maintaining its record for the mostconsecutive years in the top division. Finishing second in the league, Downinghad an exceptionally strong team on their day, notably beating John’s and Jesusin the same week. The rugby club will be frustrated not to have won the league,with university rugby commitments and injuries preventing consistency in teamselection. DCRUFC was well represented in the Varsity matches, with captainSteve Townend getting a Blue, and six other players representing the U21s andU21As. With another strong intake and an intense off-season trainingprogramme, new Captain Max Mather will be confident he can finally bringthe league and cup back to Downing.S QUASHThe squash team has continued to show strong improvement with regularcoaching sessions and frequent friendlies. With a very tough Division 2 tocompete amongst, Downing did well to maintain its position as a strongcontender. The first team narrowly missed out on promotion in Lent, and madeit to the plate quarter finals. Notable mention goes to Ned Carpenter, who hasshown consistent improvement and commitment this year and thereby earningcollege colours. We would like to welcome Ali Roweth to the first team, andalso say farewell to Ned Carpenter, Jack Lawrence-Jones, Mike Gibbs and JamesHay who have represented the college for the entirety of their degrees. BenKnappett will move up from the second team to captain the firsts, and Ben Carr201