The Old Cranleighans won the inaugural Heron Cup, beating the School 2nd XI 2-1 in a tight contest on a muddy St Andrew’s. Two second-half goals for Tom Farrelly secured the win, although the OCs had to weather a late flurry of shots.
The first half was goalless, both sides’ defences snuffling out most attacks although Max Richards caused problems for the School and probably should have done better when he shot wide with only the keeper to beat.
If the OCs edged the first half, the School looked much stronger after the break, pressing much higher and controlling the midfield, albeit without creating any real chances.
The breakthrough came 12 minutes from time, Max Subba Row flicking on a corner to an unmarked Farrelly who shot home from six yards out.
The tempo of the game increased but still chances did not come at either end. Six minutes from time the School only half cleared a through ball and with the keeper committed Farrelly neatly lobbed the ball over the retreating defence into an empty goal.
The remainder of the game as played in the OC half, a highlight coming when the impressively solid Dave Forster was sent flying by a body check from a 16-year-old.
A soft penalty two minutes from the end gave the School hope, and they could have levelled I the final minute when a short-range shot from a corner was well saved and after a resulting ping-pong scramble the ball was finally cleared to end the game.
It was a superb way to start what will be an annual fixture with both sides playing hard but in the right spirit. Thanks to the new Head for presenting the trophy and for the veteran Andy Houston for refereeing.
