LOBFC return to the College

OL 1s, 2s and Vets return to the College

On Sunday 7 November, 35 former pupils returned to the College, to witness the opening of The Ken Shearwood Pavilion along with assembled OLs, Staff and Pupils. A very special moment that meant the College community could pay tribute to someone who had left such an overwhelming legacy for Lancing sport.

The 1s, fresh from their demolition of Malvern, were excited to face the school's current first eleven. The 1s, again led by captain Felix Haxby (Head's 2010-2015) made a few changes from their squad the week before but returned to the pitch enthusiastically. In the first half, the school eleven played very well and created numerous chances but were thwarted by the 1s experienced defence. The Old Boys went into half time with a 2-0 lead thanks to a goal from centre-forwards Josh Fawssett (Teme 2007-2010) and Isaac Abatan (Head's 2016-2021) but knew the next goal would be crucial, with dynamic wing play from Will Honychurch (Gibbs' 2014-2019). However, the school created more chances but couldn’t find the back of the LOBs net before Josh Fawssett scored another. The school then got a deserved goal when the LOBs center-half miscued a cushioned header which sailed over the LOBs goalkeeper. The school, now feeling more confident attacked the LOBs goal but fortunately for the LOBs Josh Fawssett scored another to complete his hat-trick and put the game to bed. There were numerous stand-out performances from the College and under the tutelage of new Director of Football Lewis Benson, the College’s football certainly seems to be on the up. Meanwhile, the 2s under the captaincy and handling of Hector Mendoza-Sharman (Gibbs' 2012-2017) played against an experienced Vets side who were captained by Phil Canavan (Teme 1996-2001). A keenly fought game finished 2-2 with Guy Bryman (School 2012-2017 and very much under 35) scoring arguably the pick of the goals with a fine lob for the Vets.

The 1s, 2s, and Vets hope to have a Saturday block fixture against the College next year and again return for the annual Ken Shearwood Shield.

Lancing Old Boys first XI against Malvern College in the Arthur Dunn Cup first round

On the 30 October, the Lancing Old Boys first XI played against Malvern College in the Arthur Dunn Cup first round at Lancing. The first team pitch was immaculate and so were the conditions, many of the squad had travelled down from London and were concerned the game would be postponed due to the torrential rain in the capital. However, Lancing bathed in sunshine.

The first XI brought a full squad of 14 to the game and quickly looked to impose themselves on their Worcestershire-based opposition. The team was led by goal scorer Felix Haxby (Head's 2010-2015), with Ben Mendoza-Sharman (Gibbs' 2010-2015) and Will Johnson (Head's 2014-2016) providing real quality in the LOBs engine room in central midfield. The 1s raced into a 2-0 lead courtesy of two goals from the impressive Demi Abiru (Teme 2013-2018) playing up front with creative support from Oskar Berelowitz (Head's 2011-2014) and Tom Haxby (Head's 2012-2014). The LOBs went into half time 4-0 up. The skipper made a few changes and the LOBs went 5-0 up through a delightful chip from Ben Mendoza-Sharman and then Demi scored again to make it six. However, Malvern pulled one back after some soft defending, the impressive Luke Davies (Head's 2011-2016) finally being beaten in goal. The LOBs, with experienced defenders in Jamie Betts (Head's 2006-2011), Taylor Hope (Second's 2003-2006), George Conway (Second's 2003-2008), and Wilfred Aylett (Gibbs' 2005-2010) steadied the ship and the LOBs made sure that they firmly shut the door on any hope of a Malvern revival by scoring two more, one of which was by the mercurial Jonny Clifford (Teme 2001-2006).

The final score saw Lancing win 8-1 against their division one rivals. Honorable mentions should also go to Will Bainbridge (School 2016-2018) and Johnny Sullivan (Second's 2012-2017) who played with real maturity. This was a statement performance from the 1s and saw brilliant individual performances from Demi Abiru who finished with 5 goals and Ben Mendoza- Sharman who added real quality to the side. It was an outstanding team performance and the team now looks forward to a glamour tie against former FA Cup winners, the Old Etonians on Saturday 18 December in the Arthur Dunn Cup. Any OL support will be very welcome in Windsor.

Full set of photographs from the match can be viewed here - Lancing Old Boys v Old Malvernians | Flickr.