Penalty given, and a lifeline for the OBFC. Nick Watts (C 10-15), with his Toney-like two-step run-up, did what he does best and coolly stroked the ball into the back of the net. An exhilarating first half ended 2-2 and gave the old boys a much-needed rest.
The second half saw the school start to assert some dominance as the OBFC’s lack of fitness became apparent. A long ball over the top to the College’s striker was just what the OBs had been warned about, and the College went 3-2 up following a clinical finish into the bottom corner. The rest of the half saw chances fall to both teams, but just as they have done so many times this season, the College showed their class, fight, and commitment to winning and saw the game out at 3-2.
It was a hugely enjoyable game amd both sides can be proud of their performance and the future certainly looks bright for the OBFCs with such a pipeline of talent coming through. The College may have taken home the three points, but inevitably, the day’s real winner was Bradfield football.
The game highlighted the camaraderie of the Bradfieldian footballing community, with the OBs borrowing a goalkeeper and a staff player from the College to make up their team. For Freddie Bloem (D 10-15) it was his first time at Bradfield for many years having worked abroad and now living and playing football back in the UK. Other players in the squad were: Sam Stringer (C 12-17), Charlie Bullman (C 10-15), Kieran Robinson (C 10-15) and Teo Teniente (G 13-14).
Dan Hodgkinson (H 10-15)
