Cup Wins

MINOR TEAM

HASTINGS MINOR CHALLENGE CUP WINNERS 1943-44

The Minor Team won the Youth League Cup for the second time with a 2-1 victory over Silverhill Young Men’s Club in the final played at the Pilot Field in front of about 140 spectators. The first time the club had won the trophy was in the 1941-42 season when the same opponents were beaten in the final and by the same score-line.

The road to the final…..

SEMI-FINAL

The semi-final was against Boys Brigade, who went on to win the Hastings Youth League and who beat the minors in three of the four league meetings during the season, with the match also being at the Pilot Field. A hat-trick from Eric Wicken and a goal each from Richard Pettitt and Peter Shearer gave the side a 5-2 win.

FINAL

The final was one of the fastest, most exciting and hard fought games of the season and provided many thrills for the large crowd. After what seemed like two certain goals for the Casuals, Silverhill replied when Kitchenham took the ball up the left wing and centred for Mewitt to head high into the air just in front of goal. Boutwood in turn headed for goal and the ball hit the underside of the bar. Ernie Philcox just managed to prevent the ball going in and Bob Hobbs cleared before the forwards rushed him.

The crowd roared their approval and the game continued with Icklesham continually threatening the Silverhill goal. There were several more near misses before Claude Smith put a beautiful shot right into the corner of the net. The Silverhill equaliser came early in the second half and was a brilliant individual effort from Kitchenham. He gained the ball on halfway and flew down the wing, weaving and dodging through the Icklesham defence until he was almost in the corner. He then cut in, beat the last defender and as Bob Hobbs rushed out in a desperate attempt to save, he crashed a terrific shot into the net.

This brought a response from the Silverhill supporters and the game became almost a dog fight withb he defences of both teams being kept extremely busy as well as the goalkeepers. The Casuals finally gained the upper hand and Claude Smith was able to score an easy goal. Silverhill tried to find a second equaliser and were still fighting hard when the final whistle blew.

The cup was presented to captain, Ernie Philcox by Councillor F W Chambers, chairman of the Education Committee and the Youth Committee, who congratulated both teams on a first-rate game.

MINOR TEAM HASTINGS MINOR CHALLENGE CUP WINNERS 1943-44 Back row (left to right):- William Dunlop (secretary), Gordon Weller, Claude Smith, Bob Hobbs, Ernie Philcox (captain), Richard Pettitt, Harry Kennard, Len Fuggle. Front row (left to right):- Robin Edwards, Peter Dee, Eric Wicken, Jim Bedwell.