26/11/2025
COLE CUP MATCH #3
For the first time since its inception, the annual Duncan Cole Memorial Cup alumni football game was held under sunny skies, on November 16. It was a great change having a gazebo provide shade rather than shelter from the pouring rain.
The good turnout of players encompassed Cole Cup regulars of the past two years, former BC 1st XI captains and players, a senior club footballer, the loyal league man, players from the BC football academy and a parent (who proved to be the ‘real deal’ in goal). The youngest player ever to take the field in the fixture dribbled from half-way to put the ball in the back of the net at the start of the second half.
Goal-scoring was even through the first half, but as the game went on the Rotheray XI made the most of their shots on goal to break the dominance of the Alderman XI and take the match 11-7. It didn’t go unnoticed that the Rotheray XI had their first win when Mr Rotheray didn’t take the field!
There were several very competitive match-ups, some lengthy advice given to the ref, unintentional headers and a number of spectacular 'tackles'.
Dotted around various vantage points were spectators, almost equivalent in number to those who go and watch the Auckland rugby team. As part of the afternoon’s nostalgia, one spectator was wearing a BC ‘parachute’ sports jacket from 20 years ago.
Our thanks to all who were part of the event and its preparation, especially the tireless Mr. Alderman.
We look forward to Cole Cup #4 in 2026!
You can see more photos of the game on the BC website’s Alumni page: https://www.birkenhead.school.nz/alumni
