Club v School 1st X1

KCS Old Boys Football Club vs Kings College School Wimbledon.
Result: 4-0 (Goals: Chester Gash, Patrick Barton, Aren Sargood, Sam Pederzolli).

On Saturday 31st August, the King’s Old Boys Football Club took to the pitch for the opening match on the sparkling new home pitch at Arthur Road. At stake were the bragging rights for the Kane Cup (in honour of Liam Kane) – the trophy awarded to the victor in the annual fixture played between the Old Boys and School Football 1st XIs, which fell victim last year to heavy rain. It was fantastic to see so many alumni and pupils take part in the fixture, with the Old Boys squad consisting of some 28 players ranging from 1999 leavers who had originally set up the club, right through to recent school leavers. The game was split into 3 x 30 minutes to allow for sufficient squad rotation, with the Old Boys 1st XI taking to the pitch for the first third and making a fast start, scoring two goals within the first 5 minutes. Further goals were added in the final 30 minutes by a team made up largely of 2nd XI and Vets, with the Old Boys running out 4-0 winners and lifting the Kane Cup, handed over by Liam Kane himself. This was followed by speeches and a barbecue kindly cooked up by Paddy Ralston from the OKC Rugby Club, which was also playing a pre-season fixture that afternoon, and generously financed by the Development Office.

It was great to have so many parents and supporters of the pitch project in attendance from OKC clubhouse trustees through to representatives from the Development Office and School, including Headteacher Dr Anne Cotton. Thanks must also go to the Groundstaff led by Miguel for preparing such a high quality pitch that is now the envy of the Arthurian League. Following our opening home league match of the season on Saturday 7th September, a 5-3 defeat against last season’s champions the Old Reptonians, the opposition captain sent the following message around the league captains and organisers:

“If anyone here is lucky enough to play at KCS this year, make sure you’re not unavailable or injured that weekend. The new pitch is spectacular!”

It really feels as though we have begun an exciting new era, which duly reflects the growing stature and quality of football at KCS.