The Jersey Cup

Bletchingdon: R. Hayward (c) M. Lomas I. Willoughby D. MaCready B. Lewis T. Harris T. Brock R. Brock J. Swain K. Willoughby P. Cremmen C. Tomlins

Bletchingdon Scorers: J. Swain 2 R. Brock 1 T. Brock 1 P. Cremmen 1

Heyford Athletic: Unknown

Heyford Athletic Scorers: R. Brock 1

The usual large crowd assembled on Bicester Sports Ground on Monday for the final of the Jersey Cup, recognised as the Blue Riband of Mid-Oxfordshire junior football.

Bletchingdon who won the Jersey Cup last season, were in the final once again, facing old rivals Heyford Athletic.

There was little constructive football in Monday’s final, as so often happens on these occasions. Bletchingdon opened the scoring after 20 minutes when Geoff Smith scrambled the ball away for John Swain, following up, to put it in the net. This lead was increased by Roger Brock, whose hard direct shot was mishandled by Smith into his own net. Heyford fought with spirit at the re-start, but Swain scored his second goal followed soon afterwards by Bletchingdon’s fourth goal, with Terry Brock the marksman.

In a spirited Heyford attack Rodney Brock ran clear to hammer home a grand shot, but Phil Cremmen restored Bletchingdon’s winning margin, and they finished at 5-1 to carry off the Jersey Cup for the second year running.

Prior to the presentation of the Jersey Cup and miniatures, there was a surprise in store for Mr Martin Beesley, who performed the ceremony. Mr Eric Roderick, life vice-president of the Jersey F.A. explained to the crowd that during the season, Mr Beesley had to give up the office of honorary secretary, after seven years, through ill health.

The Jersey F.A. Executive Council felt that they could not let Mr Beesley go without some tangible appreciation of his work, and clubs and officials had responded generously to the appeal made.

Mr Roderick invited Mr Arthur Crawford, the association honorary treasurer, and one of its longest serving officials, to make the presentation.
Mr Crawford, in asking Mr Beesley to accept a silver coffee set; spoke of the good work put in as honorary secretary and the deep regret felt when ill-health forced Mr Beesley to give up office.

Mr Crawford thanked all the clubs for their generous response to the gift fund which, he added showed the respect and esteem in which their former secretary was held.