Hallam Amos and Rhys Williams were selected to represent the Southern Mercian League U18 football team in this year’s showcase match against the Northern select side. The South eventually ran out comfortable 6 – 2 winners, with both Hallam and Rhys setting up two goals apiece. Both boys will be back next year to represent the School 1^st  XI.

‘Revenge is sweet!’ Richard Broome replied as Monmouth’s captain George Johnson handed over the glass ball ‘Broome Trophy’ for the 2012 season

After defeat in 2011 the OM organisers opted for youth and axed many of the older stalwarts for this encounter. Several players from last year’s School 1^st XI returned to put the new young guns in their place. However, hearing about his fine performance against the English over 50s football team, the OM committee called upon the services of Welsh international footballer Tony Jones (OM60-67) - a fine piece of management from the OM selectors

 OM match tactics were dashed immediately on arrival when they found out that the School side had broken from their traditional 3-5-2 system to the more offensive 4-3-3 style of play. Nevertheless, a quick team talk beforehand soon addressed the issue

The match itself kicked off on a glorious Saturday afternoon in front of a large crowd and was played in the right manner, following the Corinthian Casuals spirit of play

 Well done to the OM team for their 2 -1 victory.

Andrew Thomas (2006-2011) has taken over the reigns as OM organiser and if you are interested in playing next year then please contact him on  07973 266877

Match Report

An exciting crowd pleaser saw Wycliffe eventually run out 5 – 4 winners. Monmouth controlled much of the first half and with some good passing football went in 4- 2 up at half time with Hallam Amos netting three. However, the second half was a different affair as Wycliffe rallied well and surged forward in numbers. Two well taken goals from Gabriel Khattar put the game on a knife edge. With 15 minutes left it was anyone’s match. But to Monmouth disappointment and Wycliffe’s jubilation Man of Match Khattar found space once again and calmly slotted home his fifth and the winner

G Weatherell, W Durbin, G Johnson(Capt), F Cornwell, T Hillman, T Vickers, J Bird, J Hogan, J Spear, H Amos, R Williams, H Bartle Jones

After cleaning off their boots and locating their shin pads from the previous year a relatively young OM team (average age 26 - or so Richard Broome the captain announced!) took to the field on a fine Saturday afternoon. The OMs mixed youth with experience in an attempt to regain the Broome Trophy. (A trophy awarded by David Broome - "1960 BBC Sports Personality of the Year" - and it was pleasing to see David on the touchline supporting the OMs).

Both teams opted for a passing style of football, which excited the many on-lookers. At half-time the contest was in the balance at 1-1 with both sides failing to put the final touch on some good build up play. The second half proved to be equally as tense and exciting as the OMs took the lead at 2-1.

The trophy looked destined to return to the OM cabinet, but.... with the minutes ticking down a well-worked move by the school boys enabled top scorer Hallam Amos to sneak in and equalise. The final whistle blew with the score at 2-2. 'Penalty shoot-out' was the cry given by the referee and the expectant crowd!

The shoot-out resulted in a 3-1 victory to the School's 1st XI and jubilant celebrations followed.

The game was played in a competitive but friendly atmosphere and was highly entertaining to all. Please contact Mark Tamplin  MJ.Tamplin@monmouthschool.org (at the School) or Richard Broome rwbroome@hotmail.com if you are interested in resurrecting your footballing days and gracing the pitch for one final time.

Thanks to the OM Team: Richard Broome, Iain Clayton, Tom Robinson, John Wray, Luke Reeve-Tucker, James Richards, Ben Jenkins, Luke Aldridge, Jason Woo, Jeremy Wyatt, Oliver Price, Jon Denning, Oliver James and Ben Pike