The variations tried over the next five or six PCs had potential but were not clinical enough to be effective, and College were clearly missing their other strike weapon at PCs, the straight hit bullets by defender Zach May (away playing representative golf). Also missing from the College side were Toby Beale and Nick Lidstone. The second half saw a continuation of strong passing from College, the usual explosive bursts from the Old Boys and fantastic goalkeeping by both goalies. Old Boys’ defenders Chris Reddiford, Kieren Roe and Will Duston had their work cut out with the width and depth exploited by Tom Macfarlane, and the strikers running deep. In the College goal, Hamish Newstead was replaced for the second half by reserve keeper Lorenz Beckmann, a German exchange student. If the Old Boys were expecting an “easy beat” they were proved very wrong, as Lorenz saved shot after shot, often from point blank range, and numerous PCs. The pace of the game was now taking its toll on the Old Boys. In contrast, the College players, having been subbed at regular intervals by coach Matt Crake, were full of running. In the end, the decisive moment came just under two minutes from full time, with a break by Archie Batchelor and Ollie King. In the Old Boys’
circle, Archie was under huge defensive pressure, but kept possession (and his nerve), showing skilful ball control, and calmly slotted the winning goal. With a little time still on the clock, the Old Boys threw everything at the goal, but to no avail. CCOBA representative Mac Bolderston organised the teams for the traditional goalmouth scoreboard photograph, Graeme Worner presented Tim Cross with the trophy, the boys headed off to Chapel, and most of the Old Boys’ team headed for a get together at the RSA. What made this year different was that the Old Boys, despite a scarring loss, were able to sincerely wish the College team all the best for the forthcoming Rankin Cup tournament. Sincere thanks to outgoing CCOBA secretary Justine Nicholl for her huge support of this fixture during her time at College. Final result in the 31st Old Boys–College match: College 2 (Seeto, Batchelor), Old Boys 1 (Epton).
Graeme Worner
Christ’s College Canterbury
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