On the 19th August a group of 20 OKC members from the year 1979 gathered for a reunion. Organised by Steve Bradshaw, they met at the Sun Inn in Richmond-on-Thames for a buffet lunch before moving onto the Cricketers on Richmond Green and finishing at the White Cross on the Thames for an evening meal.

Steve said ‘There was genuine joy and unbridled excitement as connections and friendships were relit after 44 years. Those from the class of 79 were more than pleased to see each other.’

The 2022 KCS Old Boys scratch team will soon head up to the Norfolk-based Grafton Finals for the 39th time since 1975. 48 teams play (having qualified from over 100 school entries) in the knock-out finals over the weekend.

A tough Grafton Morrish draw awaits, against Loughborough, then Canford or Malvern (2021 runners-up, winners 2005-2006) in the ‘round of 32’, at Hunstanton GC on Friday 7th October.

The ‘Oxbridge’ Blue-based OKC team is Alex Gems (OK 2009) Captain, Matt Reynolds (OK 2010), Tim Jukes (OK 2016), Alex Nielsen (OK 2018), Mike Choong (2004), Ajay Patel (OK 1996) and Peter Crowther (OK 1972). The average KCS player’s handicap is two, and our thanks go to the OKC for their support.

We have 205 KCSOB games between five of us (won 123, halved 21) in Norfolk, with Alex Nielsen and Tim Jukes making 2022 debuts. The OKC team had 4 finals (winners 2001 & 04) in the Noughties decade but sadly none since.

Uppingham (winners 2012), Millfield (2021 – Holders) and Sedbergh (1984) are in our quarter. Any Sunday morning semi-final might optimistically involve Charterhouse (winners 2015), Epsom College (winners 2017) or maybe Dollar Academy from over the Border.

The full draw can be seen at the new GMGA website: graftonmorrish.org.uk

The 32 losing Friday teams play in the Plate on Saturday morning, at which point the four best qualifiers play in Sunday’s Plate knockout, alongside the main event.

/ Peter Crowther

The Old King’s Club mourns Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts are with His Majesty King Charles III and his family.

Nadhim Zahawi was appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Minister for Intergovernmental Relations and Minister for Equalities on 6 September 2022.

He was previously Chancellor of the Exchequer between 5 July 2022 and 6 September 2022, the highest office held by a former pupil of King’s College School.

We are looking forward to seeing Nadhim at our annual dinner at the House of Commons on 25 November.

Through the energies and organising skills of David Holland and Bill Bellenger, and after a 2-year pandemic enforced break, 18 Old King’s Club cricketers and former staff were entertained to a day of cricket and reminiscence at Lord’s on Friday, May 21st 2022.

From left to right:

Jeremy Hein (OK 1962), Dr Bill Bellenger (1966), Bernie Kingston (1966), Christopher Day (former JS Staff), Geoffrey Silman (OK 1966), Dr Alastair Cook (OK 1968) & Steve Buchanan (OK 1967).

Others present were:

David Holland (O 1966), Nigel Robson (OK 1964), Andrew Lang (former master i/c cricket at King’s), John Spalton (OK 1969), Peter Grant (OK 1962), Kelvin Walton (OK 1964), Clive Barnett (OK 1967), Mark Taylor (OK 1972), Stewart Holton (OK 1972), Dudley Owen-Thomas (OK 1967), Tony Hein (1960 and former master i/c JS cricket).

Date: Saturday 21st May
Time: 11am – 2pm
Venue: Goals Tolworth, Kingston Road, KT5 9NT
Surface: 3G
Match Format: 5-a-side
Tournament Format: Group stage then knockout rounds
Cost: £20 per person; £15 per student

We are back! After a turbulent couple of years we are delighted to announce that the annual KCS Old Boys 5-a-side tournament is returning on 21st May. It will be taking place at Tolworth goals and the first games will be kicking off at 11am and the tournament should be wrapping up at around 2pm.

In terms of the tournament format, there will be a group stage followed by knockouts. There will also be a plate for teams who don’t make it into the knockout stages. Post tournament there will be a presentation ceremony, followed by food and drinks in the clubhouse.

The deadline for submissions is 14th May so keep them coming in! It is worth noting that unlike past tournaments, this is a 5 a side tournament rather than 6 a side, and there is a squad limit of 7 for each team. It is also worth noting that this is open to all old boys even if you don’t have a full team from your year, and even if you are not currently involved in the club set up, which consists of three sides including a vets team. This is great way to get involved to see what we’re about and show what you’re all about!

This promises to be a fantastic day for the club and is a great opportunity to play football with some old mates, current schoolboys, and maybe even some past teachers!

Put the date in your diaries and submit your teams to Mati Ortiz (OK16) on 07908 341192 or Chester Gash (OK16) on 07946473892. After a couple of years without the Camplin’s League it is great to be back doing what we love, and we can’t wait to see you all down there!