Last Thursday’s MGroup Town v Gown at The MGroup Stadium was one to remember, not least because of the weather. Torrential rain, cold wind and the kind of sideways drizzle that laughs at umbrellas did their best to dampen the mood, but it didn’t work. Everyone who turned up earned full credit for commitment.
Despite the conditions, the evening had everything you want from a proper Oxford football night, great food, great conversation, competitive matches and a hospitality suite full of people determined to enjoy themselves.
Inside the hospitality lounge, the atmosphere was warm and lively from the moment guests arrived. Oxford City’s staff, volunteers and events team kept everything moving smoothly, and The MGroup welcomed clients, partners and friends for an evening of relaxed networking before the football began. The catering team put on a really good spread and yes, there was cheese, which seemed to get the most approving nods of the night.
Our table included:
- Reuben Diffey (Property Formula)
- Will Turner (Insolvency Practitioner)
- Alan Hine (AR Hine Associates, Recruitment)
- Steve Basham (Paul Basham Associates)
Across the room, Jon Ellard (Urban Element) and Tim Newton (The MGroup) had organised two more tables of OpenDoorz old and new members, including:
- Anthony Tattersall (Darcica Logistics)
- Conor James (Darcica Logistics)
- Steve Webber (The Rooflight Company)
- Philip Waite (Sanderson Weatherall)
- Brian Donnelly (Sanderson Weatherall)
- Darren Aston (Aston and James)
- Andy Parke (Parke Lane People)
- James Craddock (Get Support)
- Chris Badger (Argentum Finance)
- Matthew Grierson (Grierson Coaching)
- Oya Emir Wilson (Pebble Marketing)
Plus many more Oxford City sponsors and supporters who showed up despite the rain.
Before kick off, the traditional Heads or Tails game lifted the room. Pure luck, pure chance and plenty of laughter. Brian Donnelly won after a perfectly timed call and, in a brilliant gesture, donated the prize straight back to The Hoops Foundation.
The first match saw Oxford City Women face the University. The 7,1 scoreline looked dominant, but it was not a true reflection of the University’s performance. Both sides worked incredibly hard in awful conditions. After the game, the Oxford City Women’s captain gave an excellent speech, thanking the supporters who stayed out in the rain and speaking passionately about the importance of the fixture.
The Men’s match followed, a tighter and more tactical contest. Oxford City edged it with a well taken goal to win 1,0, and Jordan Lyne, Partner at The MGroup, presented the Player of the Match award, wrapping up the evening on a high.
As everyone headed back into the hospitality suite, swapping stories and trying to dry off, the mood was brilliant. Wet? Yes. Cold? Absolutely. Worth it? Completely.
A huge thank you to Oxford City FC, the hospitality team and everyone who joined us. Town v Gown continues to be one of the most enjoyable fixtures on the local calendar and we are already looking forward to next year.