John Ogden (FS 51-56) remembers rugby and Bev Risman. “Prior to coming to St Bees School in 1951 I played soccer at Charney Hall, my prep school, at Grange over Sands. My father captained Lancashire at rugby union and Fylde RUFC before the 2nd World War and was nicknamed ‘Pop’ Ogden because he was a highly successful goal kicker, kicking with his instep rather than with his toe as was the practice in those days, and ‘popped’ the ball between the uprights. The next instep kicker of fame was Johny Wilkinson CBE.       One of Pop’s pals on the Lancashire team was an England trialist and an OSB, and dad thought that if I was at St Bees I might play for England! How wrong he was!        I did however play one match for the 1st XV at the Workington Ellis sports ground. Then I was demoted to the 2nd XV! The 1st XV played other northern public schools, Rossall, Sedbergh and Stoneyhurst etc., but the 2nd XV played the local grammar schools, and Cumberland being strong rugby league territory, we were up against it. I always remember one match in particular, against Cockermouth GS, away. At the time their star player was Bev Risman (Son of Gus). I was given the job of stopping him from scoring. I was good at tackling, shoulder against the opponent’s thigh, and I downed him every time. He particularly came to mind when I read that he had passed away in June this year. After school Bev became a dual code international playing union for England and the British Lions, and league for Great Britain. He was born in Salford a couple of months or so before I was (in Blackpool). His father Gus was a famous rugby league player for Wales between 1920-1950. I found a photo of some of my 2nd XV colleagues (possibly known as the Colts?), wandering through Workington, before a match there against Workington GS. Unfortunately, it’s not too sharp and I am wondering if any of the people featured recognise themselves or any of the others. Pam Rumney has confirmed that this is probably on Oxford Street, close to the old Workington Town Hall, when possibly walking up from the train station. If you do recognise any faces, please do let Pam know at the OSB office. It would be interesting to put the names alongside the picture in my album. Sorry but there are no prizes for this! Many thanks are due to Pam for a great deal of help identifying this location.”

Rugby 2nd VX

Current Google Street View Photo for Comparison - Oxford Street, Workington

 

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The St Beghian Society    
St Bees School,    St Bees,    Cumbria,    CA27 0DS.

         Tel: (01946) 828093      Email: osb@stbeesschool.co.uk      Web: www.st-beghian-society.co.uk