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| 24 Mar 2026 | |
| News of OTs |
Many congratulations to the Old Tonbridgians for their win in the Semi-Final of the Arthur Dunn Cup.
The OTFC Committee report:
"A picture-perfect day at Tonbridge School. The Old Tonbridgians playing host to Old Bradfieldians in the Semi-Final of the famous Arthur Dunn Cup, the second-oldest football competition in the country, and a 30-year 'Football at Tonbridge' reunion. The stage was set, the pitch on Whitby's immaculate.
The OTs knew this would be a tough game, and went into the match as underdogs, the OBs having beaten us twice in the league already this season. However, the OTs were fast out of the blocks and started the better side, taking the lead through Club Captain, Olly Turner (OH 12-17). Great link-up play down the left wing between Turner and Byron Doughty (WW 19-24), allowed a ball into the box which found Luke Spurling (JH 09-14) free at the back post. Spurling played the ball back across goal to find Turner again, who finished with aplomb. A Di Canio-esque volley, for those in the know!
As expected, the OBs then began to take hold of the game, and the OTs had to soak up a lot of pressure. A couple of chances came and went for the OBs, and the OTs were delighted to hear the half-time whistle, going in 1-0 up. The second-half went much as the first did after the opening goal. Continual OB pressure, but the OT defence lead by Captain Harry Balcombe (WW 15-20) and Goalkeeper Harry Langham (CH 10-15), stood firm. With 15 minutes to go, and the OTs holding on, the Captain took things into his own hands. A corner from Alex Holder (Sc 07-12) was met by Balcombe, a thunderous header proving too much for the OB goalkeeper. 2-0. Bedlam at 'The Deck'.
Buoyed on by an ebullient and expanding crowd of boys (both old and current, possibly even future) and teachers on the sides, the OTs saw it over the line to seal a famous win and book their spot in their fifth Arthur Dunn Cup final."
The OTs go on to play in the Final of the Arthur Dunn Cup against Old Reptonians on
Saturday 11 April 2026, 15.30 kick-off.
Memorial Sports Ground, Old Merchant Taylors’ School, Sandy Lodge, Northwood, HA6 2HT
All supporters most welcome.
Go well OTFC.
OTs celebrate at the end of the match. Captain Harry Balcombe (WW 15-20) in the air!
