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Some Firsts in Sport at Oundle

The first recorded account of a School sports fixture was on 30 August 1855 when Oundle played cricket against Uppingham. “They accepted the challenge of the Uppingham boys, and far exceeded the expectations of their friends. Uppingham however gained the day, with eight wickets to go down.”

The first Athletic fixture was held on 10 March 1863 to mark the occasion of the marriage of HRH the Prince of Wales to Princess Alexandra. “All persons wearing Wedding Favours will be admitted as spectators into the Cricket Field and School House.”

The first compulsory games afternoons were introduced under the new

Headmaster, Rev H St John Reade in April 1876.

WH Ferrar was very nearly the first Oundelian to compete at an international level. In 1895 he was asked to swim for Ireland in a match against England, but could not compete as he had to return to School.

In 1910, WH Livens was the first pupil to represent England when he joined the Shooting team.

The first “blues test” would have possibly been in the river at the bathing place near

Bassett Ford. This was known as “crossing the pit”. Prizes were first awarded for

swimming and diving in 1876.

Laxton School pupils E Leask, S Ellis, M Weightman, E Turnbull and R Sisson were

true pioneers of girls sport. Not only were they amongst the first girls in the School, but in July 1990 they were the first female crew to enter and win at the Peterborough City Rowing Club Regatta in its 500 year history.