OBA Web site change

I've just removed a page from the OBA Website. The page in question was "OBA News". That's not to say there will be no future OBA news, just that this blog is a far better place for it. It means you, the reader, can comment, articles can automatically be advertised on Facebook, and it's just easier to post them.

There were two rather old articles on that page that haven't been published anywhere else, so I have reposted them here.

31 Mar 2012 - Annual Dinner report

Peter Sharman

Edward Hackford

The Old Bostonian Association annual dinner took place on 31 March 2012 at the Boston and County Club. The toast to the School was proposed by Edward Hackford and the response was made by Nigel Wainwright, deputising for Paul Marsh, the head teacher of Boston Grammar School.

Nigel Wainwright

29 Mar 2012 - OBA v BGS Football match report

Annual Football Fixture - Thursday 29th March 2012

Boston Grammar School 4 v Old Bostonian Association 3

A late rally amongst the troops saw the Old Boys field another strong squad in their annual face off with The School 1st XI in March. The Old Boys were aiming to achieve an historic 'three in a row' and started with confidence in the opening minutes.

However, it quickly became clear that the School - including a number of 'ringers'? - were up for the fight and took the initiative. The early Old Boys confidence now looked like complacency.

The School were the first to find the net but unfortunate to see their goal disallowed for offside when flagged offside by eagle-eyed Pete Sharman (OBA President / Assistant Referee). It was no surprise when the School eventually took the lead with a looping header from a set piece corner.

The Old Boys were then out paced and out manoeuvred on a quick break and apparently on the ropes at 2-0 down. The introduction of Bell for the ineffective Fisher changed the direction of the match for the Old Boys. Parkinson and Wiseman asserted their authority in midfield and opportunities followed. Woodcock snatched a headed goal for 2-1 before half-time and the Old Boys were back in it.

The Old Boys enjoyed their best period of the match through the early second half with Dunn dominant at centre forward. Munn's equaliser for 2-2 was inevitable and suddenly the Old Boys looked odds on for victory. But this prompted The School to switch personnel and the tide turned in their favour again.

The School crafted another chance for 3-2 but a cavalier change in formation enabled another Old Boys equaliser courtesy of Bell for 3-3. Yes - it was a right 'ding dong do'. Unfortunately, The Old Boys resorted to long ball, 'ale house' tactics at this stage and The School looked most likely winners. A series of frankly confusing substitutions initiated by Head Coach - Mark Locking - resulted in disarray and ill discipline through the Old Boys ranks. Hopper was lucky to stay on the field after a cynical foul and Lakin was increasingly busy in the Old Boys goal.

As time ran down, The School flashed a cross from the right through the six yard area and it diverted into the Old Boys net via the hapless Woods (knee, shin and toe ?) and the under side of the crossbar. It was a 1966 / Russian Linesman moment but Pete Sharman could not rescue the Old Boys on this occasion. The ball had clearly crossed the line for 4-3. Game over.

Final score School 4 v 3 Old Boys.

The Old Boys would like to thank Nigel Wainwright, The School 1st XI and their guests for their opposition. Congratulations and thanks to match referee - Steve Ross - and his touchline assistants for an excellent performance. Old Boys' Manager - Marcus Cain - is currently considering his future.

OBA Team

• Lakin
• Hopper
• Woodcock
• Timby
• Griffiths
• Wiseman
• Parkinson
• Vaughan
• Munn
• Fisher
• Spence
• Woods
• Tanner
• Bell
• Cain
• Dunn