John West (SH 61-64) sent in a school team photograph and comments as follows: “Rob Astin (SH 62-66) and I irregularly exchange emails. Rob has recently moved and sent me an email with a school team photograph attached. His email read as follows: ‘In the great ‘putting away’ of things I came across the attached photograph. The questions become harder: Name the reason for the photograph? The year? The players? There are a couple of supplementary questions which I will ask but it will give the answer to the first question. Whom did we beat and who was our main try scorer?’ Rob also told me that he had written the names on the back of the photo at the time.

This got me thinking and I replied suggesting that the photo was of School House and that it was the Junior House match winners in 1963. I thought at first that it was the Colts team, then wondered where Jonathan Roberts was, and then realised that everyone was on School House! I think we beat Grindal in the final, on the Crease. I also can't remember who scored the most (R. Astin? Maybe Steve Moss, he could run, or maybe MCV Spencer Ellis who could also run fast) or even the actual result. I can't recollect whom we played before that. I also won my house colours, although I'm not wearing them in the photo because I didn't get matron to sew the badge on in time. I was wing forward and as I was breaking loose from the pack, you (Rob) came past on your way to score, but touched me and it was ruled no try, accidentally offside. My recollection of names initially, starting at the top left: Not sure, but I think it was Murray. Then Julian Russell and Rollo Twitchin (since deceased I think) - he was also a fast runner. Must have been in the backs. (Maybe top scorer - probably not - no house colours.) Then Ian Mc Nichol, John Mosgrove, Jonty Campbell, 'Jacko' Jackson (can't think where he played) and Colin Entwistle. Middle Row: Chas Gibson (prop I think?), John West, Tommy Donaldson (probably middle of the back as he was bigger than anyone else), Robert Astin (Captain, and deservedly so! Scrum half sometimes on the Colts, but possibly stand off on this occasion), T. M. Gascoigne (also played scrum half on the Colts at times as well as R. Astin. Did he play scrum half on this occasion? I can't remember). I think the next person was called Green? (he was the under 15's hooker and was hooker for this team too), then MCV Spencer-Ellis (fast runner. Was he top scorer?). Front Row: Guner (spelling?) Bursell (I don't remember what part he played in the victory) and nor do I remember the name of the boy hiding the ball in front of you. On the end is Steve Moss? (fast runner, nice guy. Maybe top scorer?)’ Rob replied that I was nearly right. The player I couldn't identify was J H Wood (Woody). The one I identified as J. Campbell was actually P N Telford. He also added ‘It was Grindal we beat in the final (6-0) and TMG was at scrum half with myself at Fly half. We won 16 - 3 against FS in the semi.   Some other memories from that match: the leading scorer was ‘Rollo’ Twitchin with three tries. I do remember that he was ‘blind as a bat’ which stopped him from playing for school teams but we discovered that if somehow we could get the ball to stick in his hands, he could run like the wind! He did with great effect scoring twice in the final (try = three points). Woody and Moss scored the other tries along with Donaldson.’” These are John and Rob’s memories, but they would be interested to know if others have similar recollections.

 

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