Old Rutlishians AFC (Old Ruts) is made up of ex-pupils of Rutlish School, amateur sportsman from the local community and the friends and relatives of existing players. It was reformed after a 58 year absence in the summer of 1990 having originally run from 1907 until 1932 when it folded after being replaced by Rugby as the popular winter sport at the Old Rutlishians
The 1st XI are at Home to Most Wanted Elite FC. Venue – King Georges,Tudor Drive (Pitch 3). Kick Off is at 1.30pm. This fixture has been switched, as their Ground is expected to be unplayable on the day.
The 2nd XI are at Home to Motspur Park Res FC at Poplar Road. This will be a Double Header to assist with potential fixture congestion later in the Season. Kick Off is at 1.30pm.
The 3rd XI are at Home to OW Shaftesbury Res FC. Venue – King Georges,Tudor Drive (Pitch 1). Kick Off is at 1.30pm.
The 4th XI are Away to London Olympia FC. Venue: Wimbledon Common Extensions. Kick Off is at 1.00pm.
Best wishes to all of the Ruts teams this coming Weekend.
The 1st XI secured a comprehensive 6 – 1 Victory at Real Holmesdale FC in the Surrey Cup earlier today.
Joint Player Manager George Tidey put the Ruts ahead in the 25th minute with a superb finish, following a swift move, which saw Lee Holland’s through pass to Billy Liffen deftly knocked on to Tidey.
Elliott Gibbs made it 2 – 0 shortly after from a Paul Gough Corner which was fumbled following pressure from Billy Liffen. Gough then powerfully headed home the Ruts 3rd goal in the 39th minute from a Kevin Foster Corner.
The Hosts reduced the arrears early in the 2nd period, in what appeared to be a debatable goal (as in did it actually even go over the line?)
The OR’s then had Keeper Evan Watson to thank for a superb penalty save, as he kept out the spot kick to his bottom right hand post.
Late on the Ruts then put on a quick fire goal show, as strikes from Lee Holland, Toby Lempriere and Alex Blenkinsop were added, with huge credit going to the tireless Billy Liffen for his assists in all bar one of the Ruts goals and to Lee Holland for his work rate which secured him the OR’s MOTM vote.
The 2nd XI lost 2 – 1 to WKFC. Dean Riordan scored the Ruts goal, Kyle Moore was the OR’s MOTM. Unfortunately we also missed a Penalty which left Manager Jay Ramsey to rue the outcome of the afternoon as he tucked into his substantial Curry back at the OR’s Ranch.
The 3rd XI went down 8 – 1 at AFC Leatherhead, as their 12 man squad effectively became 10 with a couple of very early injuries. Joint Manager Christian Cittie was upbeat with parts of the battling performance. Alfie Bradshaw scored for the OR’s.
The 4th XI also suffered a hefty reverse as they lost 7 – 1 to a strong Inter Star FC at Poplar Road. Abdel Hafidi notched the consolation Goal and Andy Flanagan was our MOTM.
The 1st XI are Away to Real Holmesdale FC in the Surrey Cup. Venue – John Ruskin Playing Fields, off of Coombe Lane, Croydon CR0 5HL. Kick Off is at 1.30pm.
The 2nd XI are at Home to Wilf Kroucher FC. Venue – King Georges Rec,Tudor Drive. Kick Off is at 1.30pm.
The 3rd XI are Away to AFC Leatherhead. Venue – Bridge Rec Ground,Kingston Road, Leatherhead, KT22 7RB. Kick Off is at 2.00pm.
The 4th XI are at Home to Inter Star FC. Venue – Poplar Road. Kick Off is at 2.00pm.
Best wishes to all of the Ruts teams this coming Weekend.
The 1st XI battled out a predominantly physical encounter with Old Plymouthians FC this afternoon.
A very boggy pitch and the odd bit of rustiness after ‘lockdown 2’ did not lend itself to too much free flowing football, although both sides went for it toe to toe.
Alex Blenkinsop put the OR’s ahead with a lofted effort from outside the box to secure the Ruts the interval lead and they had their MOTM Evan Watson to thank for making a superb agile save down to the bottom right of his goal to enable that lead.
OP’s levelled around the hour mark and both teams then had the odd chance to secure all 3 points. However, on the overall balance of play, a point each was probably a fair outcome.
The 2nd XI bounced back from a 2 goal half time deficit against Junction Elite FC at Poplar Road, as they spun the game full circle by eventually securing a 3 – 2 win. The Ruts scorers were Kyle Moore, Mark Todd and an O.G. Dean Riordan was the OR’s MOTM.
The 3rd and 4th XI’s both suffered a number of late blowouts and no shows, with the 3s challenge of playing top of the table Merton Social an even taller task, as they only had 10 men which contributed towards a hefty 9 – 0 defeat.
The 4th XI went down 4 – 2 at Purley Old Boys. Billy Mahoney and Abdel Hafidi notched the Ruts Goals.
Best wishes to the Ruts Youth Junior teams tomorrow.
I played against the club for Rutlish School. Loved it and have been part of the club ever since. Must mention how immensely proud of Ruts Youth I am. We have provided 100’s of local youngsters and their parents with some magical moments including winning the Surrey Cup and playing at Stamford Bridge. We are very close to achieving the original objective of getting the players to become Senior Players at ORAFC. This will happen within 2 seasons.
Question 2 – What was your most memorable match and why?
There are 2. The QF of the Surrey Cup in 2004/05 was the highlight as a player for me. No point retelling the tale as I’m sure everyone has heard it multiple times.
Then there was the Semi Final of the Surrey Cup for Robbie Baird’s youth team. We played a very good Barnes FC team and found ourselves 1-0 down due to a shocking penalty decision. In the final minute we threw everything at them, the ball dropped to my eldest son Jamie in the box, he duly buried the equaliser, the noise from the support was amazing (75 plus watching). We ran out of gas in extra time but that goal and the amount of support we had was a sign Ruts Youth was going places. The following season we drew Barnes again in the quarter final, the boys played superbly to avenge the defeat on their way to lifting the trophy – Great memories.
Question 3 – Who was the best Manager/Captain you played under?
In the early days Mark Barber was great in building confidence of younger players. A special mention to Boo Boo though, who made me Captain in our double winning Season. However, due to his commitment, longevity, leadership on and off the pitch and ability to get a side out regardless of absentees it is without a doubt Erol Yilmaz.
Question 4 – Your funniest Ruts Football Memory.
Easy one. Step forward Peter ‘Polo’ Thomas. A tough tight game over Wimbledon Common Extensions saw Polo marauding forward and into the opposition six yard box. The ball rolled into his path for a simple tap in. Instead of calmly side footing the ball home he decided to try and break the net. Unfortunately for Polo the ball cannoned squarely off the post and rebounded to the half way line. Everyone on the pitch stopped because we were laughing too much. Made even funnier by how cross he was.
Question 5 – What is your least favourite Ruts Football Memory?
I don’t really have too many negative memories on the playing side as I enjoyed being part of it so much. Off the pitch the only negative is how only a handful of people do so much to provide football. If only more people pitched in then the jobs would be less time consuming. There are many people that have loved playing for us but only a handful put anything back.
Question 6 – Best Player you ever played with for the Ruts?
I’ve played with all the usual suspects that get mentioned when this question crops up. They are all well worthy of being listed. However, from a personal perspective I most enjoyed playing alongside Darren Noonan. We built a great defensive partnership in the double winning season and were appalled on the few times the opposition did manage to score.
Question 7 – Favourite Goal you scored or were part of in the build up?
Without a doubt the goal that drew us level in the Surrey Cup QF. Shalford were 2-1 up and cruising with 10 minutes to go. I was sub and harassing the managers to put me on. Eventually they ran out of ideas and I was slung on. The ball was pumped forward and I managed to control it and dispatch the ball past the on rushing keeper with my left foot. There’s a rumour I stood there Cantonaesque in celebration. I was more than likely in shock.
Question 8 – Most embarrassing moment in a Ruts Shirt? (Playing or Socially)
Socially there are hundreds. Playing wise I’d say my ill advised run out last season. I was run ragged by an average forward and had the ball pelted into my not small hooter. The only completed pass I made that day. Boots well and truly hung up.
Question 1 – When did you join the Old Ruts and why?
I have been a life member since I was 16. After many years of Thursday evening kick-abouts Gavin finally got his arse in gear, got us a kit and in a League (which we won first time) and here we all are now.
Question 2 – What was your most memorable match and why?
Winning the Joe Hankin Memorial Trophy as Manager and Captain
Question 3 – Who was the best Manager/Captain you played under?
Apart from me ?
Question 4 – Your funniest Ruts Football Memory.
Too many to pick, but has to be Greg Suares playing as keeper throwing the ball in his own net!
Question 5 – What is your least favourite Ruts Football Memory?
I don’t have any
Question 6 – Best Player you ever played with for the Ruts?
Graham Clayton, what a touch. But the ball had to go to his feet
Question 7 – Favourite Goal you scored or were part of in the build up?
My second goal -an edge of the box job.
Question 8 – Most embarrassing moment in a Ruts Shirt? (Playing or Socially)
Roland Heal was in goal – taking the ball around him before calmly putting it in our net for a quality OG.
Question 1 – When did you join the Old Ruts and why?
Something to do on a Saturday afternoon.
Question 2 – What was your most memorable match and why?
Teck Cup final @ Kingstonian 1996.
Question 3 – Who was the best Manager/Captain you played under?
Easy – H
Question 4 – Your funniest Ruts Football Memory.
Football tour to Amsterdam in 1998, don’t remember much but the Hostel room had wild bunnies jumping over it and we had pigeons in our room every morning.
Question 5 – What is your least favourite Ruts Football Memory?
Seeing Graham Clayton in the shower.
Question 6 – Best Player you ever played with for the Ruts?
Matt ‘ Mad Dog’ Blomeley….ha-ha (have to say H but not for his football ability).
Question 7 – Favourite Goal you scored or were part of in the build up?
Teck Cup Final brace, particularly the 2nd when I lobbed the keeper from the edge of the box after telling Boony to keep an eye on the keeper as he liked to come off his line.
Question 8 – Most embarrassing moment in a Ruts Shirt? (Playing or Socially)
Don’t get embarrassed, but remember the look on the other teams face when we stripped down to our thongs in Hungary.
Ruts Appearances – Until the 5/10/96 – 156…records then lost by Mark Barber.
Ruts Goals – Until the 5/10/96 – 35…records then lost by Mark Barber, which is a shame cos a hell of a lot more hit the back of the net in the matches after.
Question 1 – When did you join the Old Ruts and why?
I joined in 1991/92, the second season after the football section had reformed. I had been playing my Saturday football in the Southern Amateur League for Carshalton, who had their clubhouse and two lovely pitches at the back of Beddington Park. It was a fantastic league with each club putting out 8 teams plus a Vets team every Saturday. There were a few fixtures over in North London which could be a drag but also in the league were all the major bank sports clubs, (including the Bank of England), insurance Companies, the Civil Service and my favourite Lensbury, which was Shell Oils Sports Club. The facilities, pitches, food and bars at these places were exceptional and the hospitality often meant a late return back to the Carshalton clubhouse, which was always buzzing. So it needed something big to get me away from there, and for me you can’t get bigger than the Old Ruts. I had been playing cricket down the club since I was 13, nearly all my mates were egg chasers down there, it was local and I loved the place, so when Gavin asked me to join the football section it was a no-brainer.
Question 2 – What was your most memorable match and why?
Without doubt the 1996 Teck Cup Final vs Kingston Albion. They had smashed us at their place in our first league meeting earlier in season. We were the new boys in the division and they taught us a lesson, but by the time of the home fixture at Poplar Road, (the week before the Cup Final), it was clear we were the best two teams in the league. The game ended 0-0, but Albion’s linesman raised his flag to deny Capper a perfectly good goal with a great diving header. So on to the final. Albion were the favourites, they were confident and a number of players wore those nasal breathing plasters across their noses….(t…..!). Gary Newcome, our player/manager, had prepared us well and from the first whistle to the last it was our turn to teach a lesson……a 3-0 lesson.
Question 3 – Who was the best Manager/Captain you played under?
Gary Newcome. His experience at playing at a higher level was evident in his team talks and training sessions. Not only did he bring that to the club, he was one of the best players to grace Poplar Road, what a left back.
Question 4 – Your funniest Ruts Football Memory.
You can’t get any funnier than a woman marching on to the pitch screaming that she doesn’t know the password ……..the only person who didn’t find it amusing was H.
Question 5 – What is your least favourite Ruts Football memory?
Finding out that the ‘Dalek-style’ coat-stand, that entered the UK illegally after the ‘Grim Reaper Tour’ to Belgium in 1995, had been thrown out during renovations to the OR Clubhouse.
Question 6 – Best Player you ever played with for the Ruts?
That’s a difficult one. As previously mentioned Gary Newcome was a great player who had played at a higher level and that was clear in his performances for the club. Then there was the young scamp up front, Boony. It’s not just about the amount of goals he scored but a lot of them were beauties, add that to the goals he created for others with his skill and vision and it’s no wonder he’s an OR legend. I feel lucky to have been part of great era while playing in the first team, and it was a privilege to play with many fantastic players but the team-mate who I’m gonna choose is centre-mid partner Jeremy Capper. It was a joy to play with him…..we had a great understanding, at times it felt telepathic, instinctive and trusting. His energy was boundless, his tackling fearless, as good in the air as he was with the ball at his feet and always able to hit the back of the net with more than his fair share of goals. On top of this he represented the USA soccer team at the 1994 World Cup!
Question 7 – Favourite Goal you scored or were part of in the build up?
It wasn’t a big part I played but it was a big goal, one of the biggest in the clubs history. I nodded the ball back to either Piers Capper or Steve Rowlands, who smashed the ball out to Darren Knott on the left wing. He produced the type of cross that he was so good at…..a pin-point cross to the far post…..it was begging to be finished off by a big no.9…..but who was there, the smallest firefighter in the fire brigade and possibly the worst headerer of a ball in the club, Simon Minihane. But what a finish, he rose like a salmon and headed the ball past the stranded keeper, and in doing so won the first Surrey Cup for the Old Ruts…..and earned player/manager Erol Yilmaz ‘the Freedom Of Poplar Road’.
As someone who has spent some time between the sticks I’d like to include the best save I’ve seen by an OR. It was in the same season and it ensured the 3rd team progressed in the Surrey Cup, in effect it helped us win the Cup. I don’t know who the opposition were but it was played at Nursery Road, and with the ball flying toward the top corner, Steve Shaw somehow managed to fling himself in the air and tip the ball on to the bar and over. A remarkable save from a remarkable fella.
Question 8 – Most embarrassing moment in a Ruts Shirt? (Playing or Socially)
Will keep this brief…..it happened whilst playing in goal. The opposition had played the ball towards our goal and with their centre forward chasing a hopeless cause I came out to gather the ball only to slip on some leaves, miss the ball and gift the centre forward the easiest of goals.
Question 1 – When did you join the Old Ruts and why?
The legend and visionary manager Howard ‘H’ Meredith made a big money approach just as my professional career was about to take off, I think 2001 or 2002. He hounded me for months and finally persuaded me to sign with a tour of the OR’s stadium, facilities and training complex. It was the communal bath that did it for me. As a Rutlish boy it was great to start playing with a lot of my good mates again and although the football on the pitch was good, it was the laugh we all had off of the pitch that made it such a special place to play.
Question 2 – What was your most memorable match and why?
Maybe a Cup Final where some bright spark decided to bring a stereo in to the changing room before hand and give it the big-un pumping out the tunes, I think it was DJ Polar Bear aka Dave Cundy! We had never done that before and we looked like right twats. Then we played like s… and lost 1-0.
Or the Surrey Cup Semi Final in 2007 in which Ryan Brown and Scott Ryder got sent off, one for tripping the other, Brown then got two yellows, as did Steve Nash and we played most of the match with 8 players.
Or the Charity match when we beat the Chelsea legends 5-1 and they were moaning at half time as we were being too physical with them!
Question 3 – Who was the best Manager/Captain you played under?
Too many, Brian Kerwick, Jimmy Bolton, Peter Heyne, Clayts and H as managers. Captain, probably the housewives favourite, Philly Rea, or The Beast.
Question 4 – Your funniest Ruts Football Memory.
Where do I start, maybe Blommers trying to explain his ‘spare man theory’ to the team during a corner we were defending in the last seconds of a match. Basically he would be the spare man up the pitch and when we got the ball, we would play it to him and he would score, he then ran off up the pitch. They took the corner and the bloke who he was supposed to be defending scored. When we asked him about it after the match, he tried to explain why his spare man theory was flawed, he ran around in circles with his fingers in his ears shouting ‘I’m not listening!’
Or being on tour in Lloret de Mar, I mean Barcelona, and H speaking ‘Dutch’ the whole weekend and doing his best dance moves, basically just going down on one knee for ages, everywhere we went. We were all doing it by the last night. So simple, but so effective at pissing off the locals. Then on the same tour after two days of drinking, going straight to the match after a night out. It was baking hot and the other team where warming up as we got off the coach, they all looked fit as f…, so all 30 of us volunteered to be subs. We only lost 2-1 though! Probably one where you had to be there for.
Or the time Maddy was waiting for us in the hotel reception at 3am after a night out on tour in Manchester, he was trying to tell us how we should be more professional and not go out drinking. The next day we smashed the tournament and he loved us again!
Question 5 – What is your least favourite Ruts Football Memory?
Two stand out, either the time when some arsehole came to pre-season training, played a couple of matches then went off injured early in the season and nicked all our valuables and did the offs in Steve Nicola’s car. Or the time that it all kicked off when the oppo and their supporters started attacking a Ruts player and the police blocked off Poplar Road.
Question 6 – Best Player you ever played with for the Ruts?
Far too many to mention, Phil ‘razor/meathead’ Rea, Richard ‘The Beast’ Lines, Boony, Jonny ‘fittest man on earth’ Woods, Trig, Raggs, Scottie Ryder, H, Knotty, Wally, Murph, Higgy, Skeetsy, Terry McG etc etc. but the one who is head and shoulders above them all is the one and only, Matt ‘mad dog’ Blomeley. He had everything, vision, pace, leadership qualities, loved a tackle, fanastic footballing brain and always giving everything for the team. He will tell you himself, players like Steve Finnan wouldn’t have made it to the Premier League and won the UCL without him. The Ruts very own Luis Figo, as Matt liked to call himself!
Question 7 – Favourite Goal you scored or were part of in the build up?
Well far too many to remember! One of my favourites was against Oxted, I chipped the keeper from outside the box. Or a header playing for the vets against, Grafton. It was 3-3 after a hard but fairish match, apart from Del getting in a bit of bother with their manager/ref. The ‘ref’ played about 10 minutes extra time, unheard of in a vets match as all we wanted to do was get in the bar, in the hope that they would get the winner, but then we broke down the right and I made a last ditch lung busting run into the box to power a header home, the ‘ref’ immediately blew for full time!
Question 8 – Most embarrassing moment in a Ruts Shirt? (Playing or Socially)
Probably the first two matches I mentioned in question 2. Or rounding the keeper and putting the ball wide from about two yards, I still blame the dodgy pitch!!
