Abingdonian 2020

37 www.abingdon.org.uk Lent Term it could have been. There were however a number of positives to draw upon and the Club now looks forward to competing in the Lent Term Football League, as well as the Boodles ISFA Cup in the season to come. I will leave you with Daniel Hollis, Football Club Captain to provide an overview of the 1st XI’s campaign. Tom Donnelly This year the 1st XI’s season started with the School’s first involvement in the Boodles National Cup in the Michaelmas Term. The cup run began with an extra time win against Lingfield College, which was followed by an excellent team performance against Merchant Taylors’ Crosby in a 3-1 victory to reach the last 32, before the team bowed out to the defending champions Hampton. The strong performances in the cup from a side that had yet to really get to know each other was a promising sign for the season to come in the Lent Term, and the success experienced by the School’s first attempt at the National Cup is hopefully something that teams to come can build upon. After a productive pre-season that included a 3-3 draw against a returning OAs’ XI, and a 7-0 win against Malvern College, the season began away at Haileybury. A gutsy performance resulting in a 2-1 win set a platform for the season, and this was followed by wins against Shiplake and Wellingborough to round off the first half of term. After a rocky start following half term, including a loss to the Corinthian Casuals in the annual fixture, the team bounced back with a strong performance against Marlborough that finished in a 3-3 draw, before the season was unexpectedly brought to an abrupt end with two fixtures remaining due to the School’s closure. With the team wanting to have a final game to round off the season, a last minute fixture against an OA team was arranged. The season was then capped off with a 7-1 victory, bringing an end to another successful season for the 1st XI. This season was also the last for Mr Donnelly as master in charge of football and coach of the 1st XI. The success the Football Club now enjoys year on year is due largely to the work of Mr Donnelly, and I know that all those that have played football for Abingon over the last few years are extremely grateful for everything he has done. Whilst it was not how we had envisioned or indeed wanted the season to end, the season was nonetheless enjoyable for all involved, and brought to an end the successful football journeys of all the Upper Sixth at the school. Daniel Hollis, 7DE