Getting into the spirit

The Saturday of Michaelmas half-term is remembered by Old Breconians as a day of friendly combat, a highlight in the lives of many even if the match was lost. It is entirely fitting that such an important day was nominated this year as the first Spirit Day at Christ College since COVID restrictions made their impact on social contact, learning and sporting events. 

The history of the winter Llandovery fixtures belongs elsewhere - 124 1st XV matches from 1879 until the last match in 2012, and fixtures for hockey and junior rugby interrupted only by COVID restrictions since their first appearance in the calendar many decades ago. This year's match day brought new traditions that were rooted firmly in the past: healthy rivalry, friendship and community. 

With games stalls, competitions, mural creations and face painting, and a pizza stall, ice-cream and a popular hot dog stand, there was plenty to involve supporters and pupils on the touchlines - from the youngest in St Nicks to the senior players who waited with nervous excitement for their big moment. 

The girls Hockey XI was supported in full voice on the Martin Hazell Astroturf. Coach Chris Marriott, who has been coaching hockey at Christ College since 2012, says, "the girls in green and gold never really looked like losing the game" but he is keen to add that "it is totally fair to say that we are having to keep working hard to stay on top of an ever-improving Llandovery team led and inspired by their coach, Clare Flowers. On the day, the Christ College XI came away with a win (2-1) before reciprocally supporting their rugby counterparts, who played their first senior match against their old rivals since 2012.

With a final score of Christ College XV 19 - Llandovery College (Devt) 15, Coach Dan Parry descibes the match as one in which "End to end expansive rugby was played, with both sets of coaches, supporters and players enjoying the day in great spirits." With the Christ College 1st XV playing a well-matched Llandovery Development squad, Coach Parry adds, "This was a day that has been a long time coming and was played in all the right ways. Our thanks go to Nathan Thomas and the Llandovery team for the great game of rugby and for working with us to get this great historical fixture back underway."

On a very special Brecon day - an autumnal-blue sky, chilly air carrying the shouts of the crowds into the streets of the town, a backdrop of historic school buildings and ancient mountains - a community physically fractured for too long by world events came together to celebrate with indomitable spirit.