Horspath bid to end 42-year wait in Oxon Village Cup final

HORSPATH will be aiming to win the Oxfordshire area of the Voneus Village Cup for the first time since 1979 when they face Aston Rowant in the county final at the Recreation Ground on Sunday. 

Horspath's first Oxfordshire final since 2013

That success against Tiddington 42 years ago capped a golden era in the competition for the club, with the side crowned Oxon champions for three successive years in 1974, 1975 and 1976 as well as finishing runners-up in 1977. 

The 1980s and 1990s passed without Horspath adding to that impressive record, but the club were vying for honours once again after the turn of the century with four successive finals from 2006-2009. 

Unfortunately each one ended in defeat, and it wasn't until 2013 that Horspath reached the county decider again only to finish runners-up once more, this time to Tiddington. 

Following wins over Sandford St Martin, Eynsham and Langford, Sunday's final will be the first time Horspath have reached this stage since then. The prize for the winners is a place in the national rounds on the road to Lord's. 

It forms part of a big double-header for the side this weekend with a home game against leaders Amersham in Home Counties Premier League Division 2 on Saturday. 

The 2nd XI are away to Bicester & North Oxford in Cherwell League Division 2, while the 3rd XI will be looking to consolidate their position at the top of Division 4A when they visit Bledlow Ridge. 

The 4th XI are at home to Oxford Downs 3rd in Division 6B, before travelling to Steventon in the Steve Dixon Memorial Cup on Sunday.

Posted by: Russ