Six OHAFC players represent The Harrow Association in Dubai

15 Apr 2012

Old Etonians 6 Old Harrovians 5

After a fiercely contested 35 degree heat debarcle the previous year, Hyatt-Khan sensibly confirmed a floodlit 8pm KO for the 2012 fixture. As before, members of OHAFC made the trip over from the UK to bolster the ranks.

Eton made a lot of the early running and put pressure on the Harrow goal which was competently being defended by Pritchard with the help of Chopra just in front of him. However, The Harrow Association found themselves 3-0 at half time having conceded three soft goals, much to the annoyance of captain Zulf.

Harrow pulled one back after half time after Sandip Patel struck with a confident finish. The tide hadn't turned just yet though as Eton banged in a two more for good measure just before the 60 minute mark. Harrow were 5-1 with half an hour remaining.

Jump started into action, Harrow reacted by playing two at the back (Bartlett and Woolley) coupled with the aim of using Ed Martins as much as possible. The tactic seemed to work and the goals started to fly in from messers Bailey, Chopra and even Sowler - swatting past the keeper with ease in his Timberland boat shoes he'd worn at the polo the day before.

By now Martins was dominating the midfield with his pace and skill and, as a result, Harrow foud themselves at 5-5 with two minutes to spare with a famous comeback almost complete. It wasn't to be, as Eton's final attack proved fatal as their number 9 finished from close range following a decent passing move.

A brave effort from the eleven players who were desperate to relive last year's glory.

Team (r to l): Alasdair Pritchard, James Wightman, Harry Tregoning, Arjun Chopra, Tom Sowler, Sandip Patel, Nick Bartlett, Edward Martins, Harry Woolley, Zulf Hyatt-Khan, Matt Bailey