Results (Saturday 7th October):
Old Malburians 0-1 OWFC 1s
Old Johnians 5-2 OWFC 2s
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An immensely satisfying late win for the O-Dubs 1s saw a gritty, knife-edge battle with Old Malburians decided in last-gasp, euphoric style. Welcoming Fred Thomas into centre midfield and suspiciously missing Matt Black (whose ties to the OMs are closer than Arthurian League administrators may be aware of), the game remained 0-0 through a game of many chances, but missing that clinical finish.
Mike Hodnett picked up Man of the Match for consistent nuisance in between the lines, nicking possession high up the pitch and combining well with Sam Donald and James Essex – along with other fellow youngster Hugo Sever, who has excelled in centre back. As the game ticked on and a 0-0 draw looked likely, on 86 minutes Tom Goulding slipped the ball through the OM defence, seeing Sam Donald’s run along the defensive line. One on one, Donald lifted the ball over a grounded keeper, sparking ecstatic scenes.
The Dubs hung on through four very frenetic minutes for their first points of the campaign, thanks in no small part to newly-wed Al Wheal in goal, and go into next week’s game away at Old Etonians with confidence and resolve.
Team: Al Wheal, Tom Bouch, Rupert Mercer (c), Hugo Sever, Ollie Mitchell, Gabriel Tiplady, Dave Prichard, Fred Thomas, Tom Goulding, Sam Donald, Mike Hodnett, James Essex, Alex Portz
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The 2nd XI team for this week was reminded of the joys of o jogo bonito on the wonderfully grassy park of the Old Johnians. Though weekend closures of tube and rail services provoked late appearances from a few players and, importantly, the kit bag, a strong starting eleven was still presented, hungry for the win.
A slow start plopped the 2s two-down in the first 35. It was the fierce defence led by Chesney that kept the Johnians at bay - with some fine stops out of the blue from James Gray. Under the good leadership of Elphick the centre was able to provide a concrete foundation for teamwork to flourish. During one such spell, Wilson was able to link well with Opfermann and assist a finish that seemed to indicate scoring was no tough feat. 2-1 at the half.
High hopes gave us a cracking start to the second half and many more through balls were offered forward to the delight of lone-striker Morse, who expertly finished a terrific ball from Mercer. At 2-2 we ought to have continued the momentum, however the home team got in gear while the OW engine ran short of oil.
Despite a gripping defensive performance from all, the OJs seemed too-well practiced in the cross-and-finish drills and netted three more in that style.
The final score: Old Johnians 5-2 Old Wykehamists II
Much to build upon and much to look forward to with this 2nd XI, we look on to next week.
Team: James Gray, Ed Chesney, Ed Wylde, James Peck, Gus Morse, Rob Selwyn, Guy Mercer, John Wilson, Peter Elphick, Richard Cubitt, Nick Opfermann