2005 – 2006

Men’s First XI

Captain: Paul Gorrie; Secretary: Sushrut Yalamanchili

After winning the premier league last season, hopes were high for another successful season. Sadly, these hopes were far from being realised in what turned out to be a very disappointing season, which ended in ignominious relegation. After last year’s impressive display some of Queen’s more accomplished players were asked to represent the university team, which left Queen’s bereft of a number of talented footballers. This did, however, give others who may not have expected it the chance to step into the breach and represent their College, which they then did week in week out with passion and determination. On the other hand, Queen’s never really had a settled team as in each match different players would play depending on availability. This was doubtless the cause of the heavy defeats suffered at the start of the season, such as 4-1 to St Catherine’s in the first match, which, unfortunately, set the tone for most of the season. Shortly after this came Queen’s first round exit from Cuppers, when a full strength Queen’s side, and arguably the best in the competition, was beaten 2-1 by St Hugh’s in surely the most disappointing moment of the season. However, the team spirit was never dampened and the occasional good result, such as the 1-1 draw with the champions Worcester, and the 7-3 destruction of Magdalen, provided brighter moments.

With the diminished number of available players the fresher year was heavily relied upon to provide members of the first team. They were not numerous but two strong players did emerge, centre-half Andrew Jack, a tough player and a very strong tackler who will be next year’s captain, and Simon Lennox who showed the imagination and vision to be an excellent creative midfielder. Two other notable players were veteran Robert Pearson who inspired the team and whose contribution to Queen’s football over many years will be sorely missed, and Sam Fowler-Holmes, who was a rock in defence.

Both the 2nd XI and 3rd XI also suffered from a lack of available players and this unfortunately led not only to some matches being forfeited but also to the relegation of the 2nd XI.

It is to be hoped that admissions for next year will have provided the Club with some talent that will help to guide Queen’s back into its rightful place in college football.

Women’s First XI

Captains; Rebecca Goldie and Susannah Chapman

The loss of many experienced players at the end of last year left this year’s team facing a challenging season. Joining Janet Fallon, Louise Dent, Lily Gibbs and Monica Jackson in defence, the team gained Zulfiye Kazim and Nicola Wright, whilst Susannah Chapman remained in goal. Kitty Horsey and Sarah Rowley came in alongside Justine Nolan, Ruth Magarahan, Aislin Mageean and Rebecca Goldie in midfield whilst Fleur MacDonald and Anna Simpson formed the new attack. Following two early heavy defeats at the hands of New College, the previous year’s Cuppers champions, and an equally strong St Anne’s side, the team received some much needed coaching from David Kinner and David Richardson. This led to much improved performances against Osler Green and Keble, and a particularly competitive match against Balliol in which Queen’s was cruelly denied victory in a close encounter. Queen’s was forced to wait until the last match of the season to return to winning ways, with a 10-0 win over St Peter’s in which all the hard work paid off and the team finally gelled together. This last performance bodes well for next year. The Club is grateful for the efforts of Louise Dent, Nicola Wright, Lily Gibbs, Anna Simpson and Rebecca Goldie who are leaving this year.