1st XI v Shrewsbury
On: Friday 20 November
Venue: Home
Result: 2 - 1 win
When Charterhouse and Shrewsbury first contested this fixture, the Welsh Wizard David Lloyd George was licking his wounds after being kicked out of the top spot by rebellious Conservative back benchers and schoolboy favourite Bonar Law was in the hot seat. 93 years on, the fixture is still going strong and this year it was Shrewsbury's turn to make the long journey across country, though they did it on one of the all-time flair buses, replete with Sky Sports, Wi-Fi and tables. No such comfort for Charterhouse when they travel, though we did watch a video once.
Anyway the game kicked off in eerie quiet, because everyone had gone home and turned out the lights, like Sun readers at the 1992 general election. But Charterhouse 1st XI don't pay attention to leave weekends. They don't swan off into the lunchtime sunshine looking for quality family time and a good home-cooked meal. No danger. Instead they turned their attention to one of their oldest foes and contemplated the tough match to come. And remarkably it was 0-0 at half time. Who can remember a game that was 0-0 at half time? Exhilarating in its usualness.
Into the second half and Charterhouse began to purr like that cat of Blofeld. It was one and two touch football and at times it was beautiful. 'Then I look at you' we thought, watching Charterhouse play and thinking of Bill Withers, 'and the world’s alright with me. Just one look at you. And we know it's going to be a lovely day'. Ollie Platts certainly agreed. Within no time he'd bagged a brace and the home side were 2-0 in the lead. Allen, Hammond, Hawkings and Platts. All involved in both goals. Mercer and Gilbey at centre back, keeping a clean sheet. And suddenly the future opened up before us, like when Harry Potter thrashed through the maze and mist and first saw the Goblet of Fire. Obviously there was still time to concede a goal, because there are very few comfortable wins at this level and because Charterhouse could never be accused of being anything other than welcoming hosts. But, bearing perhaps, the wise words of Wilson Phillips in mind, Charterhouse managed to hold on and secure a properly decent victory. Ah leave weekend! Hold us fast, tuck us in and read us delicious stories. We'll be back soon for our last three games. All in a week; all on Big Ground. The geese are getting fat. The season is nearly done.