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 5th
league title in a row, the 8th in 10 years and 11th
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 2nd XI
pipped the OC 3rd XI to the Second Division title meaning
that there has been an OC team winning the 2nd 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?
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