On Sunday 22 March, the OR hockey (the Galleons) and football (the Keys) sides returned to Radley for their annual fixtures against the boys’ 1st teams – now firmly established as ‘Galleons and Keys Day’.
Welcomed by unseasonably warm spring sunshine, spectators were spared the usual sideline huddle and treated instead to a fine morning of closely contested sport.
Both fixtures proved highly competitive. In the hockey, the boys surged into an early 2–0 lead, before finishing the thrilling encounter 5–4 by the final whistle. The football followed suit in tension, finishing 2–2 at full time, with the boys prevailing on penalties.
After lunch in Hall, the Keys retired to the JCR to regroup with family and supporters before heading home. The Galleons, meanwhile, returned to the Astro for a further fixture against the Dons, rounding off the day before taking their turn to celebrate in the JCR.
It was a pleasure to welcome both OR teams back to the College for such an enjoyable and well-supported occasion.
Match report from Will Swift (2010, F), Captain of the Galleons:
The Galleons returned to Radley under glorious sunshine for the much-anticipated annual Galleons Day, producing two fiercely contested matches full of drama and high-quality hockey.
The headline clash against the boys more than lived up to expectations. In a fast-paced, end-to-end encounter, both sides traded goals throughout, with neither able to pull clear. At 4–4 heading into the closing stages, the game looked destined for a draw, but the boys struck late to snatch a dramatic 5–4 victory.
The ever-enjoyable dons fixture proved just as competitive. The Galleons responded well, digging deep in another tight contest and edging a hard-fought 3–2 win.
Overall, it was a fantastic day back at Radley – played in great spirit, full of brilliant sporting moments, and thoroughly enjoyed by all involved.
If you’d like to get involved in OR sports, take a look at the Clubs and Societies page and get in touch with us: radsoc@radley.org.uk.
