ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN

It is almost May and it is that time again. The Old Carthusians FC will put their heads on the block at the Heston Sports Ground, Cranford, Middlesex, contesting the Arthur Dunn Cup Final against their old foes, the Lancing Old Boys, from the Sussex Coast.

This cup was first played for in 1903-4 with the Carthusians and the Salopians (Shrewsbury School alumni) sharing the title after they could not be separated. See previous blog-probably around this time last year!

The Carthusians (or OCs) from Charterhouse school in Godalming, Surrey have had a strong hold on the Cup and the Arthurian Premier Division, winning the league title once more this season, with one game left (against the LOBs). The OCs won the title last weekend with a 4-0 win away, over the Old Harrovians, who as a result were relegated to Division One.

This win made it the 5^th league title in a row, the 8^th in 10 years and 11^th since the league was formed in 1961. (earlier wins were in 1978-9, 1981-2, 1987-8)

Prior to that the only competition between old boys' teams from the Public Schools was in the Arthur Dunn Cup. The Arthurian League now sports 6 divisions and several cups including one for the Vets.

In addition, the OC 2^nd XI pipped the OC 3^rd XI to the Second Division title meaning that there has been an OC team winning the 2^nd Division for the 6th year in a row. The rivalry between these two teams in intense and teams are selected socially, not by status, hence the see-saw nature of wins in their division and cup.

The Arthur Dunn Cup Final is kicking off at 3pm and the Junior League Cup Final between the OC 2nd XI and the Old Millfieldians, starts at 1pm. So a good afternoon's posh boys' football is to be recommended. There is a bar and plenty of planes to see as they fly in and out of Heathrow.

The OC 1st XI at Harrow with Wembley in the background. Delusions of grandeur?