1971 - 50 years on

Last Friday saw the 50 year reunion of a strong CCB 1st XV that played against a Derek Morgan XV. Derek was born and bred in Wales but qualified for England and won nine caps before going on to be President of the Rugby Football Union. Included in his team were Gareth Edward & Barry John – this was their first game back after the 1971 Lions tour to New Zealand, Also playing were Bryn Meredith (34 Caps for Wales and 8 Lions Tests) and Dennis Hughes (6 Caps and Father and grandfather of OB's)

Although losing 16-40 to the more experienced side the school put up a great performance and all enjoyed a great evening in the Sarah Siddons curtesy of Welsh Brewers…

Friday brought 18 of them back together to reminisce about old times and apparently they are still as fit …!

After a welcome from the Head we all had an enjoyable meal and afterwards Rob Cross (capt), Dennis Hughes and Gareth Edwards said a few words. Lunch mingled into early evening and thoughts of the next one but not in another 50 years. 

This 1stXV was one of the most successful sides the school has produced with wins over Monmouth, Belmont Abbey, Llandovery, Wycliffe and Dean Close and only losing to Kings Worcester! Although not present winger Rob Thorogood scored 35 tries in the season.

CCB XV - John D R Williams, Martin E F Vicary, Graham Butt, Hugh D Maurice, Julian M Davies, Richard C Batten, Rowland W P Jones, Rob F J M Cross, Alexander B Brooks, W Nigel P Vaughan & Joe S Davies

DM XV - Dennis Hughes, Bryn Meredith, Gareth Edwards (YES!), Tony Browning, Lyn Jones, Brain Anthony & Noel Williams

See Gallery for more photographs