Will Oldham: 2001-2008
Eden Ormerod: 1999-2006
Nick Morris: 2001-2008
Josh Green
What years were you at Bishops and what sport did you play? Tell us a bit about yourself.
Started Bishops in 2004 and so left in 2011, playing football, cricket, basketball but mainly rugby. I wasn’t always the teacher’s favourite, but I look back on my time at Bishops with fondness
What is your most memorable sporting memory whilst at school?
Bryanston away, 16 October 2010. I captained the Bishop’s 1st XV against a much fancied Bryanston team, packed with players who were representing South West and even England. We showed incredible team spirit that day, winning 21-17, and whilst there were some moments I regret (one in particular!), I can honestly say I have never been prouder.
Who is your favourite rival on the pitch and why?
It’s hard to pick individuals out from this, but was always brilliant to play against the best -players that are now stars of the premiership and breaking into the England senior team. On a team level as a school boy it was always Bryanston and Sherborne that got the juices flowing and now at Salisbury it’s the likes of Swindon and Swanage.
What are you doing now and are you still playing?
Having made a less than successful attempt at University, studying Chemistry at Bath, I am now training to be a Chartered Tax Adviser at Smith and Williamson. I play for the Salisbury and County 1st XV, although now seemed to be plagued by injuries.
Do you have any embarrassing sporting moments?
Playing in Winchester sevens for an Old Boys team, I scored a try from about the 22, which involved sprinting. Unfortunately the previous night’s antics decided they would rear their ugly head and I reviewed my breakfast before making a disastrous attempt at the conversion. Not my finest moment.
What inspired you to run your Ten in Ten and what sort of an experience was it?
Fellow old boy Jack Fishwick who broke his neck made a very moving speech at a sevens tournament I attended. It inspired me to raise some cash for the charity that supports him and so I thought I’d push myself to the limit. Whilst ball breaking, it felt like a huge achievement, both because of the £10,000 raised and the 262 miles completed. Cannot thank everyone who supported me enough including Mr DG who endured marathon 9 .
What was your worst sporting moment and why?
Did Mr Hole write this question? I’ve heard he’s used my moment of stupidity against St Peters in the Daily Mail last 16 as an example in later training sessions. Through one on one with the full back, I backed myself to give him the Samoan sidestep when an easy pass would have been far the better option. We ended up losing 17-11, so it could have made all the difference.
If you could invite any 3 people to ‘Come dine with me’ who would it be and what meal would you do?
Firstly I’d choose Sonny Bill Williams because the guy is an absolute freak and absurdly talented. It would be amazing to hear his stories from rugby league, rugby union and boxing. Next probably Piers Morgan, because of his strong views on a lot of topics from the England cricket team to the Ebola outbreak. Finally I’d go for Mohammed Ali. Whilst it might be quite hard to get conversation from him and his cooking may be a bit ropey, being in the presence of the greatest sportsman ever would be inspiring to say the least.
What is your favourite school memory off the pitch?
Planting half of a nice juicy watermelon on top of my year’s idiot’s head on the back yard. Bit of a cheap shot, but spectacularly messy and thoroughly satisfying.
What are your plans for the future?
Nothing definite planned really. Will continue studying for my tax exams but I think it’s mightily important to burn the candles at both ends. I’ll endeavour to try and keep myself injury free, playing sport to the highest standard I can, and enjoying the social crack that comes with that.
Will Oldham
What years were you at Bishops and what sport did you play? Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name’s Will Oldham and I was at BWS from 2001 – 2008 and played everything I could! Having arrived at Bishops as a footballer I was swiftly thrown onto a rugby pitch and loved every second of it. I was also fortunate enough to continue to play football as well as cricket, basketball and loads of other sports whilst at school, even lacrosse. I’m currently Head of Academy Operations at Reading Football Club, a role I’ve recently taken up having worked as a Sports Scientist with the club for 18 months. I’m a sports fan firstly and am fortunate enough to work in professional sport having studied sports coaching at undergraduate level and subsequently performance analysis at postgraduate level in Cardiff at UWIC (now Cardiff Metropolitan University).
What is your most memorable sporting memory whilst at school?
My most memorable sporting moment at BWS would have to be travelling to Millfield as an Under 15 to play them in the last 16 of the Daily Mail Cup. We’d never played them before as it wasn’t a regular weekend fixture we had by this point and we’d got past the likes of Sheldon and Marlborough to get this far. Unfortunately we lost 22-0 in the pouring rain on a grim January Wednesday afternoon, but the memories of everything associated with that team and that cup run in particular are as vivid as ever. I never really appreciated quite how experiences like that would help me beyond that moment but they can’t be underestimated.
Who is your favourite rival on the pitch and why?
Dauntseys. Without a doubt! We always seemed to have a strong rivalry with them whether it be due to their proximity as a school or the quality of games we used to have with them, I’m not sure! I remember hammering them 56-0 in Year 7 and they gradually pulled closer to us until we finally drew 12-12 in Year 10. I don’t think I ever lost to them, or if we did then I’ve blanked it out! We had some great cup games against them as well, so there always seemed to be more than just the Saturday fixture rivalry going on. Sherbourne was another big rival but that came to the fore later on in my time at Bishops – Dauntseys was ongoing throughout!
What are you doing now and are you still playing?
I’m working with Reading Football Club now and trying to find the time around work to keep playing is difficult. Having moved to the area I’ve decided that I’m going to pick up something again even if it’s just to train, but whether that’s football, rugby or lacrosse is still up for discussion! I still enjoy keeping fit and am fortunate enough to have great facilities at work where I can train as well as running and cycling.
Do you have any embarrassing sporting moments?
Plenty – don’t we all!? A couple spring to mind from my time at BWS. One took place down at Britford Lane during a Year 10 football match – I don’t remember who we were playing but it was a cup game and lads from the year above were lined down one side of the pitch having come to watch. Obviously looking to impress I got on the ball in the centre circle and looked to wrap one leg around the other and play a through ball and look like Ronaldo whilst doing it, unfortunately the ever-reliable turf of Britford Lane let me down on this occasion as the ball bobbled up, I connected with thin air and fell flat on my back in front of everyone – I didn’t live that down for quite a while.
When you were at Bishops, who was your sporting idol and why?
Good question, I guess I had a couple for various reasons. Being a left-winger on the football pitch with a Mancunian family history Ryan Giggs was always someone I looked up to from a performance perspective and obviously I grew up as David Beckham became the figure he is today, so he was always on the radar and the rumour, which I’ve since had confirmed, that he ‘completed’ the bleep test was an amazing thought. Beyond that I’ve always enjoyed looking to figures like Michael Johnson and who achieved and understood sporting excellence. I think different people inspire you in different ways, hence more than one name!
What was your worst sporting moment and why?
My worst sporting moment at BWS would probably be losing the County Cup football final in Upper Sixth. We had a team who had played football and rugby together for 7 years and were all unbelievably close off the pitch as well and we went into the game as underdogs against a strong team from New College, Swindon. I remember going 1-0 down to a soft goal and then scoring the equaliser in the second half – I could take you to the spot I hit it from! It finished 1-1 after extra time and went to penalties. We lost 5-4 in sudden death in the end and I was devastated!
If you could invite any 3 people to ‘Come dine with me’ who would it be and what meal would you do?
I would invite Sir Alex Ferguson because his insight into creating and maintaining winning culture in the elite sports environment is unrivalled in my opinion – I could listen to him talk for hours. Next would be Anthony Kiedis because I think his perspective on life would be fascinating and the completing the list would be Ranulph Fiennes because some of the things he’s achieved in his life are truly remarkable. I’d cook spaghetti bolognese because that has to be the top meal of any sportsman worth his salt in the kitchen!
What is your favourite school memory off the pitch?
So many of the best times came either in training or game-day at BWS so it’s difficult to filter them out. One of the funniest classroom based memory would be being woken up by My Dyer (petrifying to a Year 8 at the time) shouting at me, having fallen asleep in one of his lessons. Other than that playing ‘murderball’ in the yard with the year above was always good fun and our part in the Sixth Form review over at South Wilts was hilarious.
What are your plans for the future?
I can see myself working in football for the foreseeable future so I’d like to see how much impact I can have on performance here at Reading in the Academy and that experience will probably determine whether I continue in football or look to other sports. I’d love to work a full Olympic cycle with an athlete of team culminating in an Olympic Games, so that’s something to chase in the future. In the short term I’m looking to develop myself personally as a Sports Scientist and help the Academy be as successful as possible this season. Getting back down South to watch BWS beat Dauntseys next Autumn is firmly on the agenda as well, I might add.
Eden Ormerod
What years were you at Bishops and what sport did you play? Tell us a bit about yourself.
1999-2006. During my time at school rugby was the biggest part of my life and playing for the 1st XV was the biggest honour.
What is your most memorable sporting memory whilst at school?
Playing in the last 16 of the Daily Mail Cup, it felt like the last 7 years of our life had been building up to that point. The intensity of that and the preparation leading up to it was incredible.
Who is your favourite rival on the pitch and why?
Oliver Goss – Sometimes competing on the training pitch would to turn into full on brawls. Other times we would be best of friends and help each other out with extra training. School life for you!
What are you doing now and are you still playing?
Now I am a professional polo player and I am currently on a 3 month contract with Sydney Polo Club before returning to the UK for the English season. Unfortunately I had to give up rugby to concentrate on the polo.
Do you have any embarrassing sporting moments?
Every time I had to put my skinny white legs into shorts… Oh, and I was a bit shaky under a high ball on occasion. Looking back, I wish I’d practiced them more.
When you were at Bishops, who was your sporting idol and why?
I was at school when Richard Hill and the rest of the England team won the World Cup in 2003, we used to idolise those guys… They still are my heroes, and I got pretty emotional watching Jonny Wilkinson’s last game on British soil at the Millennium stadium last year.
What was your worst sporting moment and why?
Being knocked out at the last 16 of the Daily Mail, after drawing at home to a Whitgift side featuring Danny Cipriani. But like I said it was also one of the best memories.
If you could invite any 3 people to "Come dine with me" who would it be and what meal would you do?
I’m going to cheat and say myself AND the rest of the 2006 1st XV boys would invite the old members of the PE staff. To reminisce about the good old days… We’d have to cook something pretty particular on account of Marcus’s bowels. ;)
What is your favourite school memory off the pitch?
History lessons with Mr Higson and the smell of the Music department in Bishop Gate.
What are your plans for the future?
My goal is to reach the senior England team. To become one of the top polo players in the world and develop an infrastructure that reflects that same feeling of camaraderie, common values and pursuit of excellence that I first found in BWS Rugby…. I don’t say this for the sake of it; I have discussed it many times with other old boys. It is surprising how rare it is to find, in business, sport or professional sport.
Nick Morris
What years were you at Bishops and what sport did you play? Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Nick Morris and I was at BWS from 2001-2008. I played a variety of sports with rugby being the main focus, as well as dabbling in cricket and athletics. The PE staff also used to make do gymnastics which is not something I have yet forgiven them for! I am currently working in Public Relations in London as well as managing all digital and social media for the Barbarians (Baa Baas) international rugby team. On leaving BWS, I took a gap year and spent it playing rugby for Newbury in the Championship and Bath Rugby in the Premiership ‘A’ League. I then spent 7 months playing in New Zealand and was part of North Harbour’s ITM Cup squad (formerly Air NZ Cup) before returning to play for Bath for four years.
What is your most memorable sporting memory whilst at school?
There were a lot of fantastic sporting memories and it is too difficult to pick just one. A brutal and battling win over Milfield in my final year was a particularly vivid memory. Millfield had Mako Vunipola in their front row and he was incredible difficult to bring down short of digging a ditch and covering it with leaves. Somehow we stopped him sufficiently to win 14-5 away from home. Another one was coming back from 15-0 down to beat Dauntsey’s 20-15 in the semi-final of the Wiltshire Cup. I was lucky enough to be a part of a number of 1XV squads which beat Canford and Sherborne three years in a row as well as being on the bench in Year 11 when the 1XV narrowly lost to a Danny Cipriani inspired Whitgift team. Away from rugby, one of my proudest school moments was coming fifth in a town path run. I was not built for running and dreaded being despatched for a town path as I never understood why we couldn’t do sport in the rain, yet we could run in it…? Anyway, myself and James Arnold were similarly lazy and took a shortcut through a field to come out at the top of the town path just out of a supervising teacher’s eyeline. We then kicked hard for home and just missed out on the podium. There was no evidence of illegal navigation so the result stood to the disgust of the ‘fit’ kids!
Who is your favourite rival on the pitch and why?
My favourite school rival was Sherborne. I am sure they are lovely people, and they’re certainly a fantastic school, but something about them irked me. This combined with the fact they were very talented made any victory all the sweeter. We got off on the wrong foot when our Year 8 ‘A’ team first played them and were confronted by their Year 9 ‘C’ team who were impossibly athletic and gave us a trouncing. It was a miserable afternoon. We got closer each year and narrowly lost in Year 11 before winning comfortably home and away in Sixth Form to our great delight.
What are you doing now and are you still playing?
I am now working in the City of London doing Public Relations and Communications. In my spare time I run all social and digital media for the Barbarians (Baa Baas) rugby team which is hardwork but great fun. I go on tour with them so end up meeting and socialising with legends of the game which is a great privilege. I still exercise regularly but do not play rugby due to time constraints and an ongoing back problem.
Do you have any embarrassing sporting moments?
Absolutely! In Year 12, Mr Dyer thought it would be a laugh to enter me into the 110m hurdles race at Sports Day, at short notice. He wasn’t the sort of bloke who you said no to so I found myself ‘learning’ to hurdle as I trundled down the track in front of the whole school. Another one was when Mr Hole thought I would be great at vaulting in Year 9 gymnastics. Quite why he thought a 6”2, 15 year old, whose age matched his weight in stone would possess such a talent, is still unclear. I dutifully collided head-on with the vault and would declare the collision as a score draw. Cue the laughter from my classmates. And last but not least, was when I let in six goals in a two minutes each way five a side match in the sports hall, during Activities Week. For some reason, I couldn’t grasp that goalkeepers weren’t allowed to kick the ball in the air so I kept giving away penalties
When you were at Bishops, who was your sporting idol and why?
Easy one to answer – one of the three musketeers of Sir Clive Woodward, Martin Johnson or Jonny Wilkinson. I was in the Lower School when England was rampaging through the rugby world before sealing the World Cup in 2003. I was in awe of their talent, professionalism and ability to handle pressure. I still am to be honest. Andrew Flintoff was another who showed that English sportsman can conquer the best.
What was your worst sporting moment and why?
My worst sporting moment at BWS would either be losing the County Cup Final in the final minute to Sheldon or being demolished by Hartpury College in my final year, in the last 16 of the Daily Mail Cup. The Hartpury one probably edges it as we had a great side, had been unbeaten all season but got swept away by a physically and mentally superior side.
If you could invite any 3 people to "Come dine with me" who would it be and what meal would you do?
A tricky one. I would invite Barack Obama because you just know he has some great stories and would know a lot of cool stuff. James Corden seems like a funny bloke and would keep things light-hearted. After that, I am torn between Morgan Freeman because I would make sure he recorded my voicemail message or Taylor Swift to provide some musical entertainment. I am tempted to invite Mr Hole because it would be quite magnificent to watch him challenge Barack Obama to a race up the Harnham Steps! Food-wise, you can’t go wrong something Italian, like pizza, as everyone loves it.
What is your favourite school memory off the pitch?
I loved my time at BWS so have far too many memories to list here. ‘Murderball’ in the yard was always entertaining, hanging out in the Common Room was never dull and the rugby tour to Truro, ski trip to France and battlefield trip to Belgium were superb. One particular highlight was having Paul Collins as my Biology teacher for four straight years. I played cricket for his team at school and we would often be sat in silence doing class tests, when he would break the silence to update us on the test match score. There was nothing funnier than a serious practice exam being interrupted by “Wicket! 60-2! Shut up, no talking, this is an EXAM!” He is a great loss to the school.
What are your plans for the future?
In future, I see myself pursuing sports communications and using the skills and experience I have gathered from the Baa Baas. My dream would be to make the communications team for a British & Irish Lions Tour. It is highly unlikely but is an aspiration nonetheless.