Old Salopian Hunt Day 2024

The Annual OSH Day, including The OSH v RSSH Run took place on Saturday 30^th November 2024.

For the previous few days, Shrewsbury had experienced much rain, which created muddy paths and a swollen Severn, causing concern for those that have to consider safety. However, after a short time, the conditions were just right for The Run with The RSSH on this dull, but dry November  afternoon. By 2pm there was a hubbub of young Hunt runners, along with the Old Salopian Hunt members, some of whom were already displaying their Green & Gold uniform and getting ready for the start. Family, friends and Staff were gathered around, including The President of The Salopian Club, Ben Duncan (SH. 65-70). The call-out to the assembled group in front of Mr. Darwin with lizard-at-foot was made, asking for all to stand together for necessary photographs. The first was for all runners and then the second captured the eleven of the OSH Team of 12, which shows (second photo below L to R) Olly Russell (Ex Staff 15-22), Oli Mott (Rb. 98-03 & Huntsman), Giles Holiday (I. 19-24), Archie Price-Siddiqui (Rb.& SH. 20-24), Ed Mallett (S. 08-13 & H’), James Nash (PH.& SH. 21-24), Zac Wasteney (PH.& SH. 21-24), Jonny Price (I. 17-22 & H'), Chad Usher (S. 14-19), Matte Thevathasan (PH. 14-19), Henry Exham (R. 97-02 & H’m of Oldhams).

There was also a record of eight Huntsmen that were on The Drum (below), being Will Painter (R. 67-71), Oli Mott, Ed Mallett, Jack K, Adam Booth, Tim Bedell (S. 74-78), Peter Birch (Db. 66-71) and Jonny Price (I 2017-22)

We had a picture of 6 Tucks Winners present, being Ian Haworth (Staff & OSH), Harry P-M (I.), Oli Mott, Ed Mallett, The Huntsman – Jack K (PH.& SH.) and Adam Booth (PH. 95-00 & H’).

It was then time to move The Pack to Riggs Lawn for The Throw-Off at 2.10pm, after The Huntsman’s Cry, bellowed by Peter Birch. The first half of the course takes everyone out of The Moss Gates, that are presently being upgraded, and along Ashton Road pavement to then go around the extremity of Lower Common. Eventually, supporters were able to cheer on the hounds, led by our Captain, Ed, as they ran in front of Queen’s Terrace, on their way to go down Canonbury and on through the refreshing water of The Rad Brook, whose level had thankfully reduced since recent flooding. After this point, which is approximately half-way, it is the anti-clockwise part of the course which has some more strenuous parts to test the legs. Eventually, after returning via Ashton Road, Ed entered the Finish Funnel, to Kill in 19 minutes 57 seconds, ahead of Harry, the first of The Hunt’s Team, in 20:21, which was 30 seconds ahead of Jonny Price. Close behind were The Huntsman, Jack and Alex M (I.) and The Junior Whip, Finlay C (O.), who all gained good points for The RSSH. Then it was our trio of Oli Mott, Zac Wasteney and Adam Booth at 9^th place. There were 5 more Hunt runners before Chad Usher came in 15^th , to be our sixth Counter, behind The Senior Whip, Dom W(Rb.& SH.). There were excellent additions to The OSH Team, with Giles Holliday at 16^th. , Matte Thevathasan at 17^th, Henry Exham at 18^th, Archie P-S at 26^th, James Nash 34^th and Olly Russell at 36^th.  On this day, all of The Pack of 20 ½ Couples were back in 31 minutes, which enabled the whole crowd to then move to The Quod for Tea and Presentations. The Peter Middleton Cup was awarded first to Bella W (MSH.) for being the leading Female Finisher, before Ed picked up The Will Ramsbotham Trophy for his “Kill”. Jack K was applauded loudly by all, as he collected The David Loake Trophy, which The Hunt were pleased to hold again after being three years in the hands of The OSH.  After much chatter and eating of tasty sandwiches and cake, it was time for nine of The OSH Committee, including The Huntsman, to go to The Hardy Room, of Kingsland House, so that The Annual Committee Meeting could be held. The Chairman, Peter Birch welcomed Jack, Ed, Oli, Adam, Jonny, Ian, Tim and Anthony Hickson (I. 48-53) who was also accompanied by his wife, Denise. 

The day was rounded off by The Annual OSH Dinner, with 21 guests arriving at 7.30 and enjoying fine drink and food in The Peterson Room. It was a pleasure to welcome Cal Winwood (I. 06-11) and Jeremy Peace (SH. 70-74 & Gent’), as well as The Director of The Salopian Club, Holly Fitzgerald & Paul Fitzgerald (Staff), amongst our diners. It is always good to have the company of some of The Hunt as well, being The Huntsman Jack and The Huntswoman, Sophia C (MSH), The Senior Whip, Dom and  The Junior Whip, Finlay, who also happens to be Head of School, and Liv K (M.) of the Girls Hunt, Harry P-M, Alex M and Dason T(Rt) of The Boys Hunt. OSH Day is always a good fun day, which everyone looks forward to each year, but we are all indebted to many people who make it happen, such as The Groundsmen and The Caterers and The Master-in-Charge of The Hunt, Frank Tickner, and the team of Marshalls, Staff and Coaches that are invaluable. A big “Thank You” goes out to all of them. Here’s to another enjoyable day like this in 2025 !

Peter Birch. OSH Chairman. (Dayboys Hall 1966-71)

Full results can be found on the OSH page of the OS Sports section

Flickr album: Annual OSH Day 2024 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin