On a crisp, sunny winter’s afternoon, a perfect day for football, the Old Oakhamians claimed the Ed Farmer Trophy with a clean sweep of the Oakham School 1st, 2nd and 3rd XIs. This event is to celebrate and commemorate the life of Ed Farmer (15), a talented and able sportsman.
The 1st XI vs OO match provided the highest quality and drama of the three fixtures. The OOs took an early advantage, but the 1st XI rallied well, equalising with a penalty before taking the lead early in the second half. The contest had briefly seemed over as the OOs conceded once again, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.
The match was finely balanced heading into the last 10 minutes, with the OOs laying siege to the 1st XI goal. The equaliser came from a well-taken corner to make it 2-2 and looking destined for extra-time. But a rash challenge and a second booking led to the 1st XI being down to 10 men and forced to defend a free-kick in a promising position. The ball was swung in and pinged around the 1st XI box before being dutifully smashed into the back of the net, breaking the hearts and resistance of the 1st XI.
In the OOs vs 2nd XI match, the OOs took the lead early, up 2 goals in the first 10 minutes, and never relinquished their stranglehold on the game. Trailing 4-0 by half-time, the 2nd XI put in a better performance in the second half as the old boys tired, but the lead was insurmountable, with the game finishing 7-2 to the OOs.
The OOs vs 3rd XI match finished 2-0 to the OOs, followed by an exhibition penalty shoot-out which was short on quality but high on entertainment and laughter from both sides.
At the post-match presentation, Director of Sport, Iain Simpson, and Headmaster, Henry Price, spoke of the enduring values of teamwork and fellowship that Oakham School athletes embody, and implored both current and Old Oakhamians to exhibit that fellowship and care through all walks of life.
Ed’s parents, Mr Jeremy and Mrs Helen Farmer, were on hand to award the Ed Farmer Trophy, now in its second year and surely a mainstay of the School calendar for many years to come.
Report by Joe Roberts
