Sunday 16 November marked the annual return of the Suanu Saro-Wiwa (PS 13-18) charity football match between Old Tonbridgians and Tonbridge teachers.

Under blue skies but damp conditions, it was a speculative shot from Harry Knox (PS 11-16) that opened the scoring for the OT’s, who went on to dominate the early exchanges, taking advantage of a Common Room defence playing the type of high line of which Jurgen Klopp would be proud.

Nico Bryan’s (HS 13-18) smartly hit shot was blocked by the safe hands of Parkside Housemaster Dr Chris Thompson, somewhat spectacularly, to keep the game close, but the OTs extended their lead before half time with an unstoppable strike from David Wilkinson (OH 12-17).

The Common Room got a goal back early in the second half through a Bryn Bennet penalty, albeit somewhat against the run of play, before the OTs pulled further ahead through a Paul Lewis (OH 12-17) header.

A late Max (PS5) consolation goal meant the match finished 3-2 in favour of the OT’s, who claimed their first victory in the fixture.

Honouring Suanu’s life, the event aims to raise funds and awareness for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), a leading heart charity that aims to give all young people (aged 14-35) across the UK the chance to be screened for undiagnosed heart conditions, an initiative we now run at the School for all current pupils.

Ben Yonge (PS 13-18), a close friend of Suanu and a fellow member of Parkside has organised the event since its inception, and says, “It is touching to see how this event has become a mainstay in our calendars and a chance to connect with old faces, amongst their busy lives, so we can keep Suanu’s memory in the present. Community has always been an important part of life at Tonbridge, and I’m sure I speak for everyone involved when I say that the support for this event and CRY is sincerely appreciated.”

Now in its eighth edition, the match has become a much-loved tradition that unites the Tonbridge community for an important cause. Every year in the UK, 624 apparently fit and healthy young people die from a previously undiagnosed heart condition. 80% of these deaths will occur with no prior symptoms and research has shown screening reduces the incidence of young sudden cardiac deaths by 89%.

Reflecting on the significance of CRY’s work, Ben adds, “Almost everyone knows someone affected by a heart condition. Whether fatal or not the risks are dramatically decreased with awareness. CRY aims to facilitate that awareness and save lives so that our friends and family can live freely and do what they love”.