Arthurian League

Arthur Dunn Cup Final

Saturday 22nd April 2023

Kick Off 14.45 Actual 15.02

Old Carthusians 0 Old Reptonians 0 (AET) (0-3 pens) attendance 172

@ Merchant Taylors’ School War Memorial Sports Ground

Rugby Pitch

East Drive

Northwood

HA6 2HT

No Admission

£5 Programme, 12 pages, proceeds donated to charity.

Old Carthusians are the Arthurian League Premier Division champions and have won the Arthur Dunn Cup 30 times, including six wins since 2014. Old Reptonians finished as runners up to them in the league and are the cup holders, having won the cup on 12 previous occasions.

Sadly, the game never lived up to expectations. In fact, it was absolutely dreadful and one of the worst games I have ever watched. It was absolutely turgid, as both teams played not to lose, rather than trying to win. The only goal chance came two minutes from time when Reptonians saw a shot tipped over the crossbar. Even worse, we had to suffer extra time, which just degenerated as it dragged on. The only ‘attempt on goal’ of the first period saw a Carthusians striker go clear, but his shot went out for a throw in! Four minutes from the end of the second period Reptonians had only their second attempt of the match, but the shot was deflected for a corner.

Carthusians were bad during the match, but their penalties were even worse. In fact, they were dreadful. The first hit the outside of the post, with the next two hit over the crossbar. Reptonians netted all three of theirs to retain the cup.

Unlike the first two finals today, this was played on the rugby pitch, which runs parallel to the running track, but is slightly nearer to the changing rooms. It is the only football match that is played on this pitch, so this was a rare opportunity to tick this ground off. Sadly, the small stand that was once here (was still there in 2019 when I came here to watch Old Merchant Taylors’ play on the cricket ground) has now gone. The pitch is roped on three sides through wooden stakes.

This was my first 0-0 since visiting Hawkenbury of the Sevenoaks & District League back on 10th May 2022, ending a run of 114 matches without one.