June 19th, 2026
Friday evening marked the start of a weekend of OW events at the School – which kicked off with OW v The School summer sports. In very warm conditions, OWs and students competed in both hockey and cricket before enjoying drinks and a BBQ. It was a clean sweep for the Old Wellingburians – who won their matches in both sports against some tough competition. OWs from as recently as 2025 and as far back as 1989 took part, highlighting the strength and span of the Wellingborough community. One player even joined while on a family visit from Florida, while another OW visiting from Australia came along to support!Thank you to the School’s sports staff and catering team for their support with this event. We look forward to more OW v The School sports fixtures in 2027.Hockey Match Report by George Houghton - Teacher of PE & GamesFriday 19th June saw the annual OW's v 1st XI hockey match on the top astro. As has often been the case, it was a balmy evening, so for rehydration (and perhaps a little fitness...!) purposes the match was played over quarters. The OW's brought back a strong team of 9 player's with the school lending a different two players each quarter to make it an 11-a-side contest. The OW's opened the scoring (thanks to a 'loaned' Wellingborough School player!!) and at half time it was shaping up to be an excellent contest; the scoreline, 2-2. As fatigue and the heat set in, the game opened up in the last two quarters, with the OW's eventually running out deserving 6-3 winners to retain 'The Mitchell Cup'. Thanks to the catering staff who provided an excellent and much needed BBQ and liquid refreshments after the game! The evening proved a worthwhile exercise for the School XI to look at potential 1st XI players for next season due to all of year 13 being away on holiday post exams! With 2/3rds of the school side being U14 or U15 the future looks promising. Many thanks to all those OW's who returned for the evening as well as to parent's, past and present, for their support.Cricket Match Report by Katherine SpeedOW's defeated Wellingborough School 1st XI by 9 runsWellingborough School 1st XI narrowly fell short in their chase as OW's claimed a 9-run victory in an entertaining T20 game.Batting first, OW's posted 120/8 from their 20 overs, with Tobby Haxby top-scoring with 31. Wellingborough’s bowlers kept the innings under control throughout, led by an excellent spell from Finley Rendall, who returned figures of 3 for 17 from four overs. Oliver Selby also impressed, taking 3 for 28, helping restrict the OW's to a manageable target. In reply, Wellingborough's chase was anchored by Vihaan Zumkhawala, who produced the standout batting performance with a well-compiled 30 from 29 balls. He shared partnerships through the middle overs, while Alfie Rendall (15) and Finley Rendall (12) made valuable contributions. However, regular wickets prevented Wellingborough from building the momentum required, and they closed on 111/7, falling just short of the target. Wellingborough School Standout Performers:Batting: Vihaan Zumkhawala – 30 (29 balls) Bowling: Finley Rendall – 3/17 (4 overs)Despite the defeat, Wellingborough can take encouragement from the performances of Zumkhawala and Rendall, whose contributions kept the match finely balanced until the closing stages and highlighted plenty of promise for the future.
