The Old Alleynian Association Football Club The timing of the publication of the Alleyn Club Yearbook is such Alleynian Association Football Club (OAAFC): not only do they at last gain closure as to how the 2017/18 season finished, after likely being on tenterhooks since last year’s publication, but they also get a sneak peek into how both teams have started the 2018/19 season. Firstly, as Carl Sagan said, ‘you have to know the past to understand the present’ and so we turn our attention to the business end of the 2017/18 season. Following promotion the previous year, the 2nd XI found themselves in a relegation battle in the Arthurian League Division IV. The team fought bravely, having suffered the loss of key individuals to the 1st XI, internal political turmoil, vice-captain resignations and a continually changing starting XI, but they eventually secured their Division that readers receive a double dose of updates from the Old
IV status. A special mention must go to Anu Ogunbiyi (02–09), who performed a terrific job as 2nd XI captain. Anu’s opinion is that after a year management messages lose their impact and so he has stepped aside for the 2018/19 season and been replaced by Clive Moss (02–09) who brings plenty of passion to the role. The 1st XI had a stellar year: it was the standout side in Division II throughout the year, comfortably winning the league and securing its fourth consecutive title and promotion. This success was complemented by a good cup run in the Arthur Dunn, reaching the quarter-final, before eventually losing out to Arthurian League heavyweights Charterhouse. The season was rounded out in spectacular style by a dramatic 2–1 win in the final of the Junior League Cup against Old Kimboltonians. Josh Lawrence (02–07) has continued to be an outstanding captain of the 1st XI as well as setting the standards in the goal-scoring charts. Onto the here and now and a similar pattern is playing itself out. The 2nd XI had a strong start but are starting
to struggle as the weather turns bad and their tiki-taka style becomes less effective on heavy pitches. Conversely, the 1st XI had a tough start to life in Division I but have recently had a good run of results and are hopeful of again playing a major part in a title race come the end of the season. There has also been upheaval at board level: in addition to Clive becoming 2nd team captain, his brother, Andy Moss (04–11), has assumed the role of Treasurer (contrary to certain rumours, this was not a contract condition of Clive’s). Outgoing is Freddy Bucknell (02–07), who has been Treasurer since OAAFC’s foundation in 2013. Freddy has played a fundamental role in developing the club to the position it finds itself in today. We wish him all the best and know that he will continue to be a friend of the club. and old, who want to either train weekly or play Saturday football, please do get in touch. To sign off, I would like to extend a huge thank you to the OA Committee, Club and College for all their ongoing support in maintaining the club and allowing us to continue to grow. As ever, the club is on the lookout for new players. All footballers, young
Ben Precious (02–07) Secretary preciousb1 @ hotmail.co.uk
Dulwich College v Old Alleynian Association Football Club
A number of ‘firsts’ were celebrated on the first Saturday of 2019 as the College took on the Old Alleynian Association Football Club at the
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