Thursday 24th April 2025 ko 18:30

Witney & District League Hughes Supplementary Cup Semi-Final

ASTON RESERVES 3 (Harper 18 Wain 53 Pawar 60og)

SHERBORNE HARRIERS 0

Att 30 at Stanton Harcourt Cricket Ground

Free Entry

I know I’ve said it before, but I do think every football fan ought to go and watch the Sherborne Harriers at least once. I was honoured to take 120 or so hoppers there during the days of the Witney Hop and the day turned into something far more than a fundraiser, important though that is at grassroots.

Because the Harriers stand for something more than playing football matches. It’s about playing for the enjoyment of it, camaraderie, and friendship. If you are reading this and have a list of what you won’t watch, or a set of prerequisites then go and watch the Harriers. They will find an utterly charming way of showing you what really matters.

That’s why I try to see them at least once a season, its both a salve to groundhopping mores and politics, but also a chance to catch up with friends. I know that hop game did them some good, but I also know that if we’d have never visited, they’d still be playing beyond the ceremonial arch, and I’d still be fan.

On this particular evening there was the added bonus of the game being played at an unusual ground. Aston FC play their games behind the village hall but their reserves do play some of their games 6-and-a-half miles east at Stanton Harcourt Cricket Club. Don’t rely on a postcode pumped into your satnav, use Google maps as your guide – you’ll find the ground south of the village on the way to Bablock Hythe.

It was a lovely evening to watch a game. The only issue was that the Harriers were short on numbers with player-chairman Josh Betteridge out long term with an ACL rupture. They worked hard, but Aston’s margin of victory was entirely realistic. It was shame as, and no disrespect to the good folk at Aston- I rather fancied cheering the Sherbs on in a final. Still there’ll be next season….