League Report, 1998/99
EFA League for the Douglas Keeble Cup
Division 1
The Old Olavians first team won the Douglas Keeble Cup for the second year in succession. This was a laudable achievement, since they split their strongest players between first and second teams, and eventually won the title by 7.5 points. The Old Harrovians pushed them hard for most of the campaign, inflicting the Champions' only defeat, and the title race would have been much closer had they produced a team at Orpington. They had a much improved season however, as did the Highgate Club, who finished in third place. Old Etonians, Old Ipswichians and Old Olavians 2 all finished comfortably in mid-table, but the Old Salopians fell markedly from their high standards of recent years. It remains a problem that far too many pairs and matches are cancelled in this division, and it is unclear at present whether or not the Old Edwardians will field a team next season - no side wished to be promoted from Division Two.
Division Two
St Olave's School comfortably won the Division Two title with Old Carthusians runners-up, and Old Westminsters finishing a creditable third. Old Salopians 2 struggled to raise sides, and are relegated to Division Three, but both Old Millhillians and the EFA Club side will be promoted to this division next season to make eight teams in all.
Division Three
There was an exciting tussle for the Division Three Championship, and the Old Millhillians narrowly triumphed over the youthful EFA Club side, who were in their first season in the league. Old Westminsters 2 also had a successfgul campaign, and next season Windsor & Eton, Old Reptonians and Old Aldenhamians will join this division to make eight teams in all.
Division Four
Division Four never got off the ground, and has been disbanded. Sadly the Old Stoics, Abbey Club and the Village have withdrawn from the league for the time being.
It remains my view that the league exists to provide a fixture structure for teams of a similar standard, and is mostly successful at achieving this. Teams must make every effort to fully fulfill their fixtures however, and to give maximum notice of any cancellations. Finally could I repeat my usual plea:
Results Submission
Finally could I repeat my usual plea: Please send the result of each match as soon as possible. Please keep a record of which pairs were played, and which were not, and for what reason. League results may now be sent direct by e-mail to: m.williams@etoncollege.org.uk and should be copied to mike.fenn@etonfives.co.uk (for the EFA website).
Report by: C.M.B.W.