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St Edward’s Martyrs
at the Emirates Dubai
7s International Open
Tournament
Following their victory at the Abingdon
7s, the next leg of the
Martyrs Crusade
was
the annual Dubai 7s Tournament in the
International Open Competition held from
1–3 December 2011.
They were drawn in a group with Aqua
Marine Services and ‘The Black Stallions’, a
touring Nigerian team. Losing their first game
12-35, they regrouped and tamed the Stallions
by 22-14, qualifying for the cup competition
knockouts. In the Quarter Final their next
opponents were Pyrenees 7, a formidable
French outfit (and champions in 2010) who
ended their journey with a resounding 0-33
demolition.
Special mention goes to the versatile Harry
Sutton (C, 2000–2005) and the indomitable
St Edward’s
Martyrs
D
Martyrs Team at the Dubai Rugby 7's International Tournament
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The Hollywood 7s Won the Men’s
International Social Event
Day One; Hollywood 7s vs Expat Old Boys
47–0 and vs British Airways Pilots 47–0. On
Day Two; Hollywood 7s vs HLG Larrikins
12–14, PwC vs Hollywood Sevens 5–26. Day
three; Pontacq Seven vs Hollywood Sevens
0–19 and HLG Larrikins vs Hollywood
Sevens 17–21.
Martyrs: Alex Robinson, Ali Fry, Alicia Berkin,
Andrew Baggs, Ben Abdoo, Charlie Blanchard,
Charlie Jolly, David Leadbitter, George Creed,
Jasper Joyce, Jonny Tetsell, Nick Arkell, Peter
Pitt-Brown, Peter Swainson, Richard Green,
Richard Moffat, Sarah Baggs, Simon Pearson-
Burton.
Unfortunately the Radley Galleons, our
traditional opponents on Martyrs Day, were
unable to raise a side this year. However, with
the promise of a hearty curry lunch and a few
cold beers, we managed to convince a few
members of the ‘Old Dragons’ Hockey Club
to turn up and therefore, rather than retire
to the new ‘Martyrs Pavilion’ to join the St.
Vincent’s Society for the afternoon (!), we
proceeded to have a very enjoyable 60 minute
10-a-side game between a quasi ‘OD’ team
and a Martyrs team.
The sides were remarkably well matched
during the first half, but the ‘OD’ team
took the few chances that fell their way and
reached half-time with a deserved 2-0 lead. It
was hoped that the arrival of Peter Swainson,
who’s desperate attempts to make the game
on time were scuppered by engineering
works on the Southampton–Oxford line,
at half-time would herald a change in the
Martyrs’ fortunes.
However, this faith was rather misplaced,
as he proceeded to send his first pass straight
Grant Robertson (H, 1996-2001) for their
peerless performances in every game, and
a huge thanks to sponsors MINT Partners
for their generosity and support. Watch all
the games and join them as they enter more
tournaments in 2012.
Their crusade
continues...
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2545193022503
&set=vb.1034082625&type=2&theater
to an OD forward! The second half followed
much the same pattern as the first, with plenty
of endeavour from both sides, but few really
memorable passing moves. Ultimately, it was
the ‘OD’ forwards of Charlie Blanchard and
Jonny Tetsell, ably supported by George Creed
from midfield, who made the difference.
Attacking the Martyrs’ defence with great
skill and at real pace, they showed far more
composure in front of goal and proceeded to
score a further four unanswered goals. The
Martyrs valiantly plugged away all game, but
were far less clinical in front of the ‘OD’ goal.
The final score was a somewhat flattering 6-0
to the OD’s.
My thanks for everyone who played,
especially Alicia Berkin and Sarah
Baggs–hopefully paving the way for
more female OSE to play Martyrs
Hockey in the future… –the OD’s
who ensured we were able to play
a really decent game of hockey, the
umpires and, as always, the School
for being so welcoming to us all.
Peter Swainson
(F, 1995–2000)
F
Peter Swainson attempts to come to
the rescue of the Martyrs…!
C
(L to R): Al Fry, Charlie Jolly, Jonny
Tetsell, Jasper Joyce and David Wald
(an OD, not an OSE).
Martyrs Day
September 2011
MINT
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