Alumni v. Students Sports Day Round-up
The LSBU Alumni Association recently hosted the very first Alumni v. Students Sports Day and welcomed over 80 alumni back to campus to take on the current LSBU sports teams in Netball, Football, Basketball and Rugby.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted at the Student Centre and handed their official Sports Day Welcome Packs and then the challenge was on!
NETBALL
Alumni: 10
Students: 9
In a fiercely contested match that had onlookers on the edge of their seats, the students gave Alumni a real run for their money. But in the end, it was the experience and tenacity of experienced players Rhiannon Llewellyn and Jordan Clarke who gave the Alumni team that extra spark when it mattered most. Special mention also goes to Wendy Graves, LSBU Alumni Association Manager, who stepped in at the last minute and helped spur Alumni onto glory.
FOOTBALL
Mixed Alumni/Students: 10
Students: 8
A mixed team made up of students and alumni took on the LSBU Football team in a hard-fought match. Each team stuck to their tactics and were committed to going for victory, which made for a rousing contest. In the end, the mixed team managed to find those crucial openings that made the difference. LSBU alumnus, Graham Soper, was Goalkeeper for the winning team spoke to us after the game: “I was delighted with the team’s performance and it was great to mix it up with the younger guys today.”
BASKETBALL
Alumni: 104
Students: 60
The students were taken to school in a one-sided contested that saw many of the 2008 Championship winning basketball team return to the scene of glory. Alumni Team Captain and LSBU Basketball coach Isaac Omirin orchestrated a comprehensive victory with his calm leadership throughout the game. Special mention must also go to the towering presence of Papa Demba Kasse, LSBU alumnus 2010, whose outstanding contribution of 36 points, 30 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks helped bully the opposition into submission.
RUGBY
Students: 20
Alumni: 15
It was clear the alumni rugby team were ready for the challenge when they held an impromptu training session outside The Venue Bar, as they waited for the team bus to take them to the nearby Southwark Park sports pitch. Team Captain David Bull was determined not to let the rain dampen the enthusiasm of his team. At the end of normal time, there was nothing to separate the students and alumni. Extra time was played and the students found their second wind, using their opportunities with ball more clinically to give their team victory under adverse weather conditions.
AMERICAN FOOTBALL
Alumni: 13
Students: 12
Another closely contested match saw the alumni triumph against the students in the American Football match that took place at Southwark Park. Alumni Team Captain Barry Taylor drove the team to victory, but the difference between the two teams was minimal.
The Dinner and Prize Giving Ceremony saw the opposition teams unite and unwind over first-class food and drinks. Nominations were taken for the “Sportsperson of the Day” award which went to Papa Demba Kasse for his performance in the Basketball game. The “Wooden Spoon” award was also awarded to Alex O’Sullivan, who had an unfortunate incident during the rugby game perhaps owing to some nerves (or perhaps a few too many white wines the previous evening!)
Alumni v. Students Sports Day Reaction from alumni:
“It was great to see all the sports teams I used to play with”
“A very enjoyable day. Great seeing not only my team (Rugby) but also the other teams. Definitely more of these events!”
“It’s been a great day full of activity. Bring on next year!”