Headmasters XI v Northumbrian XI - 22nd March 2009

A chilly wind whipped across Park Field as the Headmaster's XI prepared to take on the newly signed up Northumbrian XI. Following a large and delicious lunch provided by the kitchen ladies - with the deputy headmaster generously attending to the opposition's wine glasses - the two teams made their way to change at the pavilion.

With wives and children safely tucked away enjoying a swim in the pool, the men were able to reminisce in the joys of communal changing rooms. After a great deal of bending and stretching, the rarely-revealed legs of both teams were ready for action.

Under the captaincy of Old Mowdenian Toby Gibson, the Northumbrians made a steady start proving particularly strong down the right flank. The Headmaster's XI was put to the test early on but held out against the initial onslaught. Joe Douch found the net for the Headmaster's XI in each half in a very closely contested match.

An early injury beset the Headmaster's XI, when David Burchnall limped off to see Matey Ellie with a hamstring problem, marking the end of his play for the day. He was closely followed by the Headmaster himself, who tweaked a muscle and decided to preserve himself in the interests of end-of-term fitness. Next down was the Northumbrian captain, with a rather more serious knee injury that unfortunately looks likely to thwart his marathon-running aspirations next month. Toby spent the rest of the match between the posts marshalling his troops from the back.

With the final score at 2-0 to the Headmaster's XI, it seems that the Northumbrian XI will have to return next year to compete again.

It was a particular pleasure to welcome back to Mowden a raft of old boys including Toby and Ben Gibson, Ralph Charlton, Harry Renwick and John Trevelyan.

Thanks must go to the referee, Hugo Remnant, who strolled around the pitch with great authority throughout, showing the skill and good judgement needed to remain friends with all twenty-two players. It is rumoured that next year he will be bringing his dog.

A fabulous match tea was enjoyed by all in the warmth of the school dining room, with much anticipation of aching joints and muscles in time for work on Monday morning!

For more photographs of this exciting event please click here.