At this year’s annual Oxford University Cricket Club dinner, three Rugbeians from different generations found themselves seated at the same table.

Melville Guest (W 57–62), Richard Montgomerie (T 84–89), and Saqlain Choudhary (M 12–17) each earned their Blue playing at Lord’s for Oxford University, and enjoyed catching up over shared experiences of Rugby and Oxford life.

Melville was Head of House and Captain of the XI in his final year at Rugby School. He went on to a career in the Foreign Office. Richard, now Head of Rackets and teaching Chemistry at Eton College, played cricket professionally for Northamptonshire CCC before winning no fewer than three County Championship medals at Sussex. His father, Robert Montgomerie, had himself represented Oxfordshire CCC and was Housemaster of Michell from 1978-1990 before becoming Deputy Head. Saqlain joined Rugby through the Arnold Foundation, initially playing in the U14C cricket team before progressing to the 1st XI, playing his final School match versus Marlborough College at Lord’s as part of our 450th year celebrations. He studied subsequently at Imperial College London and is currently completing a PhD at Oxford, where he was awarded his Blue in successive seasons.

It was a special moment for all three to reflect on the game, their time at Rugby School, and the journey that followed.