Rookwood School was delighted to welcome back a former pupil,Salesian College secured their first success in the County Cup for football since 1985 and Football fever at Alton Convent. Read on to find out more. . .

Returning to Rookwood

Rookwood School was delighted to welcome back former pupil Alan Lovell recently, better known to many as the High Sheriff of Hampshire. Mr Lovell, whose family hail from the Andover area, attended Rookwood from 1958-1960, just after the school had moved to its current eight-acre site on Weyhill Road. He recollects his early years at Rookwood ‘with very fond memories’ and as an ‘excellent start’ for the impressive career that was soon to follow. Pupils were intrigued by the ceremonial costume that accompanies the ancient position of High Sheriff, including a Georgian velvet coat and britches, a ceremonial sword and a lace jabot originally worn by Mr Lovell’s father-in-law, Bernard Weatherill, when he was Speaker of the House of Commons.

Headmistress, Louise Whetstone, commented, “We are very proud of all our former pupils. It’s always lovely to welcome them back to Rookwood.”

Success for Salesian

Salesian College secured their first success in the County Cup for football since 1985 with a hard fought success over King’s, Winchester at Aldershot Football Club. The game started with Salesian under huge pressure from King’s and only two fine saves from Salesian keeper Ryan Simmons prevented King’s taking the lead. Michael Gregory was like a rock at the back for Salesian and gradually his performance lifted the team and Salesian started to get into the game. With strong performances from Callum Chiplin and Benjamin Rosoman, with Rosoman going close twice to opening the scoring Salesian began to grow in confidence. As the first half drew to a close it needed some excellent blocks and last ditch tackles from Salesian captain David Richardson and Domenico Iorio at the back to maintain the Salesian lead. With time running out King’s attempted to score the goal needed to take the game into extra-time, but Salesian repelled them and held on for victory.

Football fever at Alton Convent

Jamie Simmons, Ben Phillips, James Lester and James Boyson from Alton Convent have all gained selection into the Surrey Independent Schools U11 elite football squad. The highlight for the boys will be the tour to northern Europe and Denmark in July. It has been a great achievement for the boys who are all part of ACS U11 football team. The ACS team has had a very successful year, coming third in the Wessex League of Independent Schools, only dropping three points in the whole season. More recently Alton achieved runners up in the St Edmunds School’s 6-a-side tournament missing out from being winners by a goal difference. A special mention goes to Jamie Simmons as team captain who scored more than ten goals this year, not bad for a midfielder!