On Saturday 14 March, we held our annual match between students and alumni. Matt Haslett (U04) reports:
Old Boys 2 – 1 Churchill
Another year and another trip back to College for the old boys to take on the current team. With it being the 20-year anniversary since Churchill won their first league title, it was great to see six of that championship winning team making it back for the game, including legendary captain Barney.
The first half saw a youthful old boys side start, with oldest old boy Frank thrown into midfield to double the average age. An entertaining first half ensued, with good play from both sides and some great saves by both keepers meaning the match remained goalless. Sagar in goal for the old boys turned up late, came on and almost immediately got kicked in the head. Some gilt-edged chances were missed by kicking the ball directly at the keeper on every occasion, but the old boys were on top and keen to secure a win for the first time in five years.
Half time saw an almost completely new and more experienced team take to the field, with the defence alone totalling around 150 years of experience. The game became more scrappy, with more traditional footballing tactics taking over. A bit more directness seemed to work and led to two goals in relatively quick succession. First Alex K found space on the right wing and put in an excellent lobbed cross. Matt found space between the defenders and steered home a tidy left footed volley into the corner from close range. The second saw Alex K play a lovely 1-2 with Marcus in the box and burst through before hammering the ball expertly past the keeper at the near post.
The game never really looked in doubt after that. Within the last few minutes, the old boys gave a penalty away but Sagar made a great save before the current team got a consolation goal with the last kick of the game after a scramble in the box.
A deserved victory for the old boys and a great performance all round, with the younger players tiring out the opposition before the old guard came on to finish things off.
MOTM goes to Alex K for a great all round midfield performance, capped off with a goal and an assist.
Thanks to everyone who made the trip. It was a great game and an excellent catch up in the bar and over a curry up in hall afterwards. Can we make it two in a row next year?
Squad
1. Matt H
2. Marcus Mc
3. Alex P
4. Frank K
5. Alex K
6. James A
7. Will GP
8. Huw J
9. Pete C
10. Sam E
11. Elorm A
12. Dan L
13. Michael G
14. Sagar A
15. Barney C
16. Tom R
17. Nick W
18. Steve S
19. Ed W
20. Aran H
21. Ben C (manager)