All Souls Touch Rugby Tournament at Dulwich College 2006
Now into its 5th year, the annual All Souls social mixed Touch Rugby Tournament took place once again in the stunning surroundings of the sports fields at Dulwich College in London. From the word ‘go’, there was answered prayer with weather, volunteers, referees, technical equipment, food, drink and many other logistical concerns more than adequately catered for.
The 14 teams that registered for the competition this July and filled the 4 competition pools included: Hawaii-6-0, decked out in appropriately garish shirts and comprising friends from near and far, college and work; Toscana Occasionals entered 2 red t-shirted teams from the Foreign Office; Guildford Touch, sporting the youngest player in the tournament – “Josh The Wriggler” – and other teams from as far as Oxford and “Up ‘n’ Ulster” from Northern Ireland; and The Globes, a multinational bunch who, for one Saturday afternoon, traded their usual helping of basketball for the better game!
Perhaps it was the cool breeze and forgiving cloud cover, but this year’s tournament was played in remarkably good spirits with even the referees enjoying a relatively remark-free afternoon – again, all answers to prayer! There were all shapes, sizes, and skill levels on show with great tries and teamwork making up the pool games. As the semi-finals for the Cup, Plate, and Social finals were all decided, the teams were called over to the Scores ‘n’ Draws gazebo.
With so many new faces and teams registering on the day, it wasn’t clear whether everybody was aware that the day had been laid on by a church. An announcement was made that a short evangelistic talk was to follow, and the listeners were afforded the opportunity to step away – the occasion was not intended as a trap!
Up stepped Mo Williams – England ladies Touch international – to share a bit of her testimony, the buzz of scoring a try in a top-level tournament, and the greater buzz she gets from her daily walk with Christ Jesus, relating the difference the Lord has made in her life.
As the talk finished, the Scores ‘n’ Draws team published the Cup- and Plate- play-offs from each of the pools. Previous games’ scores were forgotten as teams faced each other anew, this time based on points – there was everything to play for!
After an action-packed last final, which saw Toscana Originals versus The Globes going into extra time and then drop-off time, with 3 players on each side fighting it out until sheer stamina and discipline won through, the results were as follows:
Social League Plate Winners: “Hawaii 6-0″
Elite League Plate Winners: “The Blues”
Social League Cup Winners: “Toscana Originals”
Elite League Cup Winners: “Razzle Dazzle”
Over 40 people volunteered their help, expertise, and resources to make this event the success that it was, and we would like to offer hearty thanks to all, below.
Once again, the 2006 All Souls Touch Rugby Tournament proved to be a real blessing individually and collectively for those involved. I think it was Eric Liddell who once said; “I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast, and when I run I feel His pleasure!” It is such a joy and privilege to serve others whilst participating in your favourite pastime and passions.
Alex Webb-Peploe (Wandsworth Common) & Nick Martin-Smith
We would like to thank, very much, the following for making this event the success it was!
The Captains and Referees from the teams that registered for the competition:
James Berkley from “The Hawaii-6-0’s”; Gemma Fitzjohn-Sykes from “Six Pack”; Ange Holt, Ruth, and Glenn Douglas from “Guildford Touch”; Tom Bible from “Veteran Vikings”; Leon Gentle from “Oxford Touch”; Chris Stansfield and Sarah Higgs from “Something Witty”; Malcolm Houghton, Jon Webb-Peploe, and Andy Webb-Peploe from “The Blues”; Jamie Doyle from “High Altitude”; Julie Edwards and Jodie Wickham from “Unda Wraps”; Paddy McGloin from “Toscana Originals Team” and Ben Panther from “Toscana Originals Equipe”; Peter Mail from “Up and Ulster”; Min Ong and Ritchie Hunter from “The Globes”; Tony Barker from “Razzle Dazzle”; and Laurence and Mel Lee from “Melence” – all Referees being under the expert guidance of Referee Co-Ordinator Lucy Green and Head Referee Gavin Matier.
Special mention must go to:
Morenike Williams for her talk as well as her stretching and basic skills coaching sessions prior to the games starting, with Sarah Higgs and Chris Stansfield;
Trish Doyle for her mastery of the Scores ‘n’ Draws, and her team of wonderful Pitch Managers, under the expert supervision of Nicky Woollatt: Nicky Floyd, Sarah Carrington, Jen Peters, and Laura Doheney; and tireless Time Keepers Carlita Lubos and Liz Jackson;
Catering Manager Renee Bredenkamp and her team – Malcolm Houghton and Jack Garlick (who between them supplied and cooked the barbecue food), and Elaine McCord, Kath Timmins, and Liz Jackson (who kept us hydrated and energised from the “Snack Shack”);
Our roving reporter Alex Webb-Peploe, photographer Simon Wardle, and videographer Rhonda Millar;
A lot of behind-the-scenes work went on unseen but, we want to ensure, not unthanked:
Julie Edwards for supplying and expertly arranging ‘thank you’ bouquets;
Our “Pitch ‘n’ Tent set-up ‘n’ clear-up Crew” Chris Stansfield, Tel Lai, Andy Webb-Peploe, Ritchie Hunter, Nicky Woollatt, Collette Aubert, and Nick Grindle;
Flier designer David ‘Benno’ Bennett, and printers / photocopiers Jen Peters and Carina Bowman;
Signposting & directions supplier Paula Spencer;
Medal and Christianity Explored book and flier suppliers Rico Tice and Grace McDowell;
P.A. System suppliers John Ellerton and Chris Ferguson;
Referee whistle and Timekeeper klaxon supplier Jamie Doyle;
and last, but not least, our Alex Tsoi, Wendy Kwek, and Ian Roberts, who received team fees for us and arranged for the forwarding of proceeds to go to our beneficiary, The All Souls Clubhouse.
If there is anyone who’s amazing work has slipped through unnoticed, we would be gutted! Please email Nick if you notice someone remains unthanked!
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