The Talbot Cup – Old Hallifordians vs Weybridge Vandals Game

Report by Oliver White, Lower Sixth

During the Christmas holidays, the Halliford Old Boys took on Weybridge Vandals in the annual Talbot Cup. The game is held every year in memory of the late Richard Talbot, Halliford’s former Deputy Head, who sadly passed away a few years ago. Mr Talbot was once Head of PE at Halliford School and, for many years, was the Deputy Head in a career that spanned 27 years at Halliford School. He was also a former coach and player at Weybridge Vandals Rugby Club which is why they also honour him with this annual fixture.

There was an incredible turnout of current students, teachers and Old Hallifordians, both as players and spectators, including Mr Cottam, who was the Headmaster when the PC building was built and the much loved Mr Carrington, who many older students will remember.

The game was never intended to be taken seriously but was nevertheless competitive. Halliford Old Boys showed up in strength, with some of the best players in recent years donning a Halliford-esque jersey to represent the school once again. Players such as Christian Tait, a former Harlequins AACE player who plays for Durham 2’s, Jack Walsh, who was contracted to London Irish when the team was relegated, and the indomitable Oscar McCardle joined forces once again to show the kind of team that Halliford could have if all goes well. It was incredible to see players from last year’s Argentina Tour reunite with the likes of Finlay Hanna, Zach Spencer, Harley Reynolds, and Carter Green and the second-row pairing of Will O’Loughlin and Josh Guild playing with Freddie King, Josh Burson and Riley Whittington, who left two years ago. The ‘old, old boys’ of the team, Archie Laird, George Holmes, and even Josh (Yoshee) Lawrence, left Halliford more than four years ago and will likely only be supporters at the fixture again as it is only for players under 22 years of age.

The game was played in great spirit and Vandals showed true grit with some incredible defence. It was clear to see that the pattern drilled into Halliford students was not forgotten, and soon, the calls for queens and kings came loud and fast as the players put themselves into good running positions. In the end, Halliford came out on top with a convincing 39-21 win. Try scorers included Jack Walsh, Jed Aldridge, Ben Whitlam, Freddie King and Oscar McCardle, with two. It was a special day to remember a man who played an influential role in school life for over 25 years at Halliford School and we look forward to this same match next year and urge as many people as possible to head down and watch.

Up The Ford.