The Jersey Cup

Heyford Athletic: D. Rose J. Varney (c) T. Cuss A. Lowdon W. Falkner R. Brock C. McGarry B. Brock T Hawkins D. Brock B. Keys B. Walton

Heyford Athletic Scorers: B. Keys 1 D. Brock 1

Bletchingdon: Unknown

Bletchingdon Scorers: A. Butler 1

Conditions for the Jersey Cup final on Monday were the worst, almost, in living memory. It is an occasion, locally, which is, alas, losing its popularity and appeal, but this year’s weather was the predominating factor in reducing the attendance to its lowest ever. The snow and rainstorms of the morning coupled with the bitter gale-force wind, was the principle factor in would be spectators deciding to stay at home. It was most disheartening for Fred Callow and Stan Bridges, who had done a marvellous job in preparing an excellent pitch, after the mess it was in at the conclusion of Saturday’s game, to have their work undone by the weather.

A shadow was also cast over the proceedings by a protest, lodged before the game by Heyford Athletic, perfectly within their rights in so doing, but it had a disquieting effect. The protest concerned an alleged ineligible player.
The first half exchanges were fairly even, slightly favouring Bletchington, however, but Bill Faulkner, at centre-half for Heyford Athletic, backed up by his two young and resolute full backs, broke up the opposing attacks, and Trevor Cuss in goal was safe with all that came his way. Bernard Brock, naturally, was well marked, but initiated a number of moves which always threatened the Bletchington’s goal.

After a goalless first half, the Athletic took the initiative early on, and as the storm clouds loomed ominously and the first spots of rain began to fall, outside-left Keys raced away to hit a skidding ball into the net to put Heyford in the lead. Bletchington fought back determinedly, without success, and the proceedings were then almost blotted out by a heavy snowstorm, which soon reduced the players to saturated state and turned the ground into a morass. It was a hopeless struggle, as players tried to do what they could with the ball against the blinding snow, and slithered and squelched about miserably. Speculation was rife as to whether referee Tom Barlett would abandon the game, and he would have been rightly upheld in doing so, and allow the players a better chance in more favourable conditions.

Play was allowed to continue, however, and David Brock ran through to beat his back and score, putting Heyford two up. Bletchington kept play in their opponents half for the remainder of the game, but their forwards just could not get the ball in the net, and Cuss made some good saves. Butler, however, did manage to slide the ball into the net eventually, but the Athletic held out to win the 1965 Jersey Cup final by two goals to one, a final which will long be remembered for the appalling weather conditions.

The cup and mementoes were presented by Mr Charles (Jock) Simons, a member of the Launton cup-winning side in the 1920’s.

In a close game Heyford Athletic beat Bletchingdon 2-1 in the fin al of the Lord Jersey Cup at Bicester on Easter Monday.

Before the start of the game a special meeting of Jersey F.A. Council members was held to consider an objection lodged by Heyford Athletic who alleged that the Bletchingdon team included an ineligible player.
This is the first time such an objection has been lodged in the history of the competition, which is now in its 77th season. The Council decided that the game should be played and that the protest should be considered at a full meeting of the F.A. Council.

Another surprise was the weather. It was the first Lord Jersey Cup to be played in a snowstorm for many years.

Bletchingdon were struggling in the early stages but recovered well and in a number of breakaways went close with good drives by Farrant and T. Brock.
Heyford dominated play in this half but failed to make much impression on a robust defence. Both sides went close but the first ended without a score.
The second half started with a heavy snowstorm. After 20 minutes, Heyford went ahead when Keys slammed home at close range. His ball struck Lomas and was deflected into the net.

Heyford continued to press and five minutes later D. Brock increased their lead when he beat a defender to tap home at close range. Bletchingdon fought back and reduced the arrears through Butler during a goalmouth melee.

The cup and medals for the winners and runners-up were presented by Mr Charles Symons of Launton, a former Lord Jersey Cup finalist.