Mr Crawley was our new Sports Master freshly demobbed from his military service with the army.
We all soon realised that "Creepy" - as we soon nick-named him – hadn’t realised that he’d left the army and was dealing with a load of ill disciplined softies. He did not let that deter him and soon knocked us into shape – military style – frequently using a boxing glove on a broomstick, punching us in the face if we didn’t perform up to standard.
I personally loved it, being completely sport-mad.
Along with three classmates (Gordon Connell, Terry Grimsey and Alec Cocker) it wasn’t long before Crawley spotted our enthusiasm, combined with reasonably good football skills and called on us to train with the School First XI. A great feat - these being only 3rd years and making the grade in the 4th year First team.
Mr Crawley took us all under his wing and we were trained to peak fitness and skill for the many matches we had to play, taking frequent time away from lessons, much to Messer’s Barker, Roberts, Biggar, et al, chagrin.
We had a brilliant season of results, losing nothing on our way to the Harrow Schools F.A. - Brady Cup Final.
Mr Crawley was delighted with us reaching the final at his very first attempt.
Our opponents were Headstone. Unfortunately our colours clashed as we both played in blue. We tossed to determine who changed strip. We lost this toss but it didn't deter Mr Crawley. He said don’t you worry we're going to play in a real kit. From somewhere he begged, borrowed or scrounged a beautiful, full, new England strip of the time – white shirts, black shorts with red socks. We all felt so good, looked brilliant and knew we couldn’t lose dressed in England colours.
The game was played at
the original Wealdstone ground behind The Ritz Cinema in Harrow and was a very tightly contested match.Chandos came out on top, winning 2 – 1.
Team Photos, memorabilia and a newspaper report.
Both teams had a smattering of District players, i.e. Harrow Borough:
Headstone – Fuller, Reeder, Wallace;
Chandos – Chapman, Tompkins, Connell, Hill.
Alan Hill 28.05.2014.