Abingdonian 2018

27 www.abingdon.org.uk Lent Term Moving into the senior sides, the 5th XI’s efforts on the training ground payed off as they secured a 4-4 draw with Haileybury and a last minute equaliser earned them a 2-2 draw against Cheltenham College 2nd XI. In his last season for the Club, Mr Mason’s 4th XI put seven past Haileybury and five past Wellingborough before beating Shiplake on penalties after a 5-5 draw. A 10-0 win over St Edward’s 2nd XI was another encouraging moment from their season. Also in his last season for the Football Club, Mr Evans’ 3rd XI made a slow start to the term before putting 11 past the St Edward’s 2nd XI and beating Hampton 4th XI 3-1. Then they very narrowly lost 3-2 to Cheltenham College 1st XI. The 2nd XI had a mix of youth and experience and made a great start to the season with a 2-1 win, away at Berkhamsted, before beating St Edward’s 1st XI 2-0 and securing a 2-2 draw with Hampton. Further victories followed over Shiplake, Haileybury, Bedford Modern and St John’s Leatherhead in what was a highly successful season for the side. Despite suffering defeat in the returning captains football fixture on the final evening of pre-season, the 1st XI squad bounced back superbly going unbeaten and winning the Rugby College Football Festival for the second year in a row. This was a great platform for the first fixture of the season, and a 2-0 win away at Berkhamsted. Further wins followed over Magdelen College School under lights at Tilsley Park before a last minute equaliser secured a hard fought 2-2 draw against Hampton. A 4-0 win over Radley was another highlight as the 1st XI went on to beat Haileybury 3-1 and Bedford Modern 5-1 before finishing the season with a great 3-3 draw with St John’s Leatherhead. A memorable moment has to be the inaugural Corinthian Casuals fixture, which saw the 1st XI play the Corinthians XI on Waste Court followed by an enjoyable dinner for both sides; this was a great experience and we are delighted that the Corinthians have asked to return next year. In addition to seeing all of the current Abingdon pupils take to the field over the course of the term, it was great to be able to welcome back 40 Old Abingdonians to play a fixture as a curtain raiser to the St John’s Leatherhead fixture. It is hoped this will continue to grow as a spectacle and is always nice to welcome old boys from the Football Club back. The final event of the season saw the annual Football Club Dinner at which it was a pleasure to welcome ex-England and Manchester City Assistant Coach Derek Fazackerely to present the awards before providing the boys with some words of encouragement for the future. It was a fitting way to draw to a close another highly enjoyable season of participation, progress, and success for all those involved. Tom Donnelly