|
Soccer Section Centenary celebrations off to a great start
Bank of England 3-0 2nd Battalion - Royal Anglican Regiment
(The Poachers)
In April 1907 a gentleman of the Bank of England, one A.E.S. "Dick" Curtis of the Private Drawing Office
(who between 1905-08 had been instrumental in setting up the Sports Club), gathered together some Bank
friends and arranged a game of football against his brother's Regiment, The Bedfordshires. The game was played
at the ground of Clapton Orient (now Leyton Orient) in Homerton, East London. The Bank X1, captained by
J.D.S. "Jugger" Dean (who had played for Southampton) won "an exciting game" 3-2. This is the first
recorded match of the Bank of England AFC and it was decided that a repeat fixture would be a great way
to "kick-off" our centenary season.
Following diligent research, it was learnt that The Bedfordshires' now formed part of the 2nd Battalion, The
Royal Anglian Regiment. Contact was made and following correspondence (sometimes to/from Basra) the match was
arranged. On duty in Iraq there was some concern about the possibility of an away fixture, but fortunately the
Regiment returned to England in December 2006. So it was, therefore, that on a warm, sunny 28th April our
Centenary season started, with both the Sports Club's own centenary flag and the flag of the Battalion proudly
flying from the clubhouse.
|
|
Two matches had been arranged for the afternoon. The first was between the Bank's 2nd and 3rd X1's, with the
second XI winning a close game 3-2. Nick Hamilton (referee) with Gary Elie and Ian Turner
(assistant referees) officiated.
|
The main event followed with the Bank First X1 taking on the Regiment (nicknamed The Poachers). The setting
was perfect, a magnificent pitch in the shadow of the Records Office, just as it might have been 100 years
ago. Recently returned from service in Iraq, the army players, whilst very fit, were somewhat lacking in match
practice and had arranged training sessions with Lincoln City FC. During the game they also wore Lincoln city kit.
With the Battalion C.O., Lt. Col. Simon Jones, a former Kew Association player, playing in goal for the army
side, battle was joined.
We witnessed a cagey start from both teams and indeed for most of the first half there was little to choose
between the sides. It was not until 10 minutes prior to half time that captain Ritchie Taylor headed home
after good work down the left side had drawn a free kick in dangerous range.
At half time the Battalion drum corps, in full dress uniform, gave a marching display reminiscent of a
Wembley cup final and from the start of the second half The Poachers showed a determination to level the game.
Much effort was evident from them, although the home goalkeeper was not troubled from close range. Then the
ball was picked up in midfield by the home team and with several tight passes to create space, Rohan Churm was
able to 'nick' the ball past an unseeing fullback and finish low to the goalkeeper's left; 2-0.
|
The Battalion did not give up hope and maintained their pride by continued perseverance until the final
whistle. However, a third goal, again scored by the Bank's captain, put the result beyond doubt. The game
was played in good spirit and was very much enjoyed by the supporters who turned up to watch. The officials
for this match were John Faithfull, assisted by Richard Melvin and Ian Kerr.
Following the matches, we held our end-of-season/start-of-centenary dinner, a rather special occasion
thoroughly enjoyed by all who were present. Pre-dinner drinks were taken outside the Clubhouse and we were
all summoned into dinner by a bugle call and a spoken request (order!!) from the R.S.M. which was wisely obeyed by
all.
|
|
The dinner was held in the marquee and with the Battalion having brought several items of Regimental silver for
display on the top table, the setting was perfect. The Chairman of the dinner, Brian Binning (a former Chairman of
the football club) welcomed the guests and following the meal proposed the Loyal Toast, which was preceded by
the National Anthem played by the Drum Corps. Mark Woodward, the current football club Chairman, concluded his
speech by proposing a toast to The Regiment, which was itself preceded by the Drum Corps playing the Regimental
March, the Lincolnshire Poacher - song sheets having been provided for all to join in. Gifts were then exchanged
and the Drum corps performed a 20 minute display which ended with the drum major taking a traditional glass of
port with his C.O.
The dinner concluded with a presentation to the Football Club by Mike Brown, the Chief Executive Officer of the
A.F.A, of a plaque from the Football Association and an engraved silver salver from the A.F.A recognising
the centenary. He also presented Mike Redhouse with the Football Association Commemoration Medallion in
recognition of 50 years service to football - a remarkable and thoroughly deserved award.
The whole day was a truly memorable occasion. Our thanks go to the Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment,
for contributing so much to the success of the day; and to the Sports Centre and Searceys for their help
in the planning the events.
Since the dinner, Mike Brown and Mike Redhouse have attended, as guests of the Battalion, their boxing finals
held at their barracks at Ternhill, Shropshire - a very liquid evening (and night/morning). The Football Club
has also been invited to Celle in Northern Germany, the Battalion's current home before returning to Iraq
later this year, for a return match in May 2008.
|