The match was organised by Head of Girls’ Rugby, Grace Harbage and the choice of charity, as in previous years was obvious: The Thommy Purbrook General Scholarship Endowment Fund, in memory of keen rugby player, Thommy Purbrook. Thommy, an eighteen year old Upper Sixth Form boarding pupil at Oundle School tragically died from meningitis whilst on a School trip to St Petersburg in December 2008. The Scholarship was established by Thommy’s parents, Clive and Belinda, with the intention of it being awarded to a child who, like Thommy, would take full advantage of the academic and extra-curricular opportunities that Oundle can offer. The first recipient is now at the School, in Thommy’s old House, Sanderson.
The match gave a great deal of flowing rugby, and the crowd of over 500 were impressed by how seriously the game was taken and some of the crunching tackles. This year the teams of Laxton, Sanderson and Kirkeby versus Wyatt, Dryden and New House drew 5-5.
Grace commented, “Most of the girls involved in the match are squad players, who play rugby as their sport. After a lot of flattery and pleading with them to help us, the talented 1st XV boys squad bravely agreed to coach the girls for 2 weeks prior to the match. Their invaluable guidance and skills thoroughly prepared us to play a good match!”
Noah Wood, Housemaster of Fisher House, kindly agreed to referee the match.
Girls who were not playing walked around the 1st XV rugby pitch (Two Acre) collecting funds for the scholarship fund.
Grace added, "Events held at Oundle to raise money for the scholarship have always been a great success, and have contributed towards Thommy's fund so far reaching over £350,000. The annual match is a popular and entertaining way to increase the amount with supporters always being very generous, and we hope to have raised well over £500 yesterday.”
Rugby coach, Ian Clark commented, “The match was a tribute to the commitment of the girls, with some huge tackles and dogged defence. Both sides performed admirably, and thanks to the organisers and competitors for carrying on this important tradition.”
Thommy’s father, Clive Purbrook, commented, “As ever, a wonderful day both on and off the pitch, and the amount of money raised for Thommy's fund is fantastic. Belinda, Barney and myself are all very touched that the match played by the girls in Thommy's memory has become so firmly entrenched in the Schools' calendar, and is approached by the girls and everybody else who plays a part with such a fantastic spirit. The quality of the rugby on display was also a testament to the girls' talents.”
Headmaster, Charles Bush added, “This occasion is always a wonderful festival of girls’ rugby at Oundle, played in a carnival atmosphere, raising a huge amount for a very important charity. It also celebrates the excellent state of girls’ rugby at Oundle which is so strong partly as a result of Thommy’s massive contribution to the growth of the game. “
If you would like to make a donation you can do this online at: http://society.oundleschool.org.uk/giving/index.php