Members of Christ Church’s first side to win the Alcock Cup, who presented a 1971 premiership jumper to Headmaster Garth Wynne at half time, reminded the boys what it meant to play for their School.

Christ Church first won the Alcock Cup in the 1971 – then in 1974 and 1977 – under coach Cliff Watkins. The School has not won it since. The 1971 First XVIII premiership captain, Doug Meikle, along with three members of the ’71 side including John Cramer, Geoff Mitchell-Burden and Doug Young, addressed the boys before the game.

Teacher in Charge of Football Jamie Foster said Mr Meikle had some inspiring words for the boys before the game and reminded them they should be proud of their selection as the best players at Christ Church. “He reflected on the fond memories and great times he had playing with his mates in Year 12 and I think that struck a chord with the boys and put things into perspective,” Mr Foster said.

Mr Foster said the talk from Mr Meikle, along with the news that all Christ Church football teams bar one had won their games, gave the First XVIII all they needed to hit the ground running. “The Seconds were overjoyed with their win and were all there to cheer the Firsts on to the field,” he said. “The timing was perfect and the boys got off to a great start – something that had been lacking and was a real focus pre-game.”

In the lead throughout the game, the old boys joined the First XVIII in the huddles at each quarter. At half time, they made the presentation of Mr Cramer’s signed and framed football jumper to Mr Wynne. “It was great to see the old boys get in there,” he said. “It reminds our boys the School has had success in the past and that really is infectious.”