SATURDAY, 13^TH APRIL 2019

OLD MEADONIANS    V    OLD CARTHUSIANS

It was a very cold day at the Bank of England Sports Ground at Roehampton, South West London. The crowd in excess of 300 gathered in anticipation, the teams entered the field lead by the match officials and proceeded to line up for the respect hand shake. All the players and officials then assembled around the centre circle for a minutes silence in honour of Patrick Morrissey (Life Vice President) long standing referee who sadly passed away last Tuesday. It was also fitting that Patrick's widow, Dianne was in attendance to observe the respect shown.

Carthusians started well controlling the game in the early stages creating a number of opportunities particularly on the left with effective runs by number 15 Julien Hornby. Try as they might, Carthusians could not break the resilient Meadonians defence and the ever present Jack Costello was kept very busy endeavouring to prevent crosses from the left. As the half wore on, Meadonians were gradually gaining strength and their shape and just before half time, although a little scrappy, found the net in stoppage time to go in at half time a goal to the good.

After a well earned break, Carthusians started on the front foot and after 5 minutes number 17 Tom Gilbey was running into the box turning a defender to be brought to the ground unfairly when Chris Bodell had no choice other than to award a well deserved penalty. Up stepped Anthony Beddows to slot the ball into the left hand corner on 50 minutes sending the Meadonians keeper the wrong way.  There was chance after chance for both sides, the better of the opportunities falling to Meaddonians but neither side could find the back of the net. At the end of 90 minutes the scores remained a goal each.

Into the first period of extra time and Meadonians began to take control and a perfect cross into the box was headed on target but saved by the Carthusians keeper.  Carthusians began to create a number of opportunities themselves, using the flanks well when in the 96 minute the ball was swept in from the right hand side met by the Meads defence but could not clear only for Alex Fenton to slot the ball home.

Both defences were very resilient, then came the touch with a sweeping ball from the left into the path of Tim Downes who showed a little pace to advance to the edge of the box firing home on 118 minutes. As the game drew to a close with no further goals Carthusians were the eventual winner by 3 goals to 1.

The President of the Amateur Football Alliance, John Maskell was on hand to make the presentation firstly to the four officials who handled the game with high distinction. They were Referee Christopher Bodell, assisted by Jamie de Souza and Terry Dawkins and the fourth official Liam Giles. Very well done gentlemen, you were a credit to what was a magnificent final to watch. The runners up Meadonians then came forward to receive their medals followed by the winners Carthusians with captain Anthony Beddows lifting the cup on what was the 100^th final of the competition. 

Congratulations must be extended to Ayyaz Ishaque who was very instrumental with the organisation on the day and with grateful thanks to him for providing the facilities at the Bank of England Sports club. Well done to all.

Old Carthusians Co-Managers - Charlie Clinton and Hugo Rubinstein

Hugo: “What a brilliant day, we were able to wear a tough Meads side down and finally take our chances. In the end I think we thoroughly deserved the victory. I was very pleased to stand in the dressing room afterwards and issue the full house of 20 points after the game.”

Charlie: “Some of the football we played was excellent, I may have looked like Tony Pulis on the touchline, but the lads played more like a Pep Guardiola team, a special day”

Photography: Andy Nunn- https://flic.kr/s/aHsmAo53sz

Match Report- Raymond Holmes

Match Highlights - https://youtu.be/3YxZpm1T34k