The annual clash between the students and graduates of RCSI Soccer Club, the Sherlock Cup, took place last Saturday, 13 October 2018.

Railway Union provided the facilities with its wonderful playing surface and excellent post-match reception. The students were boosted by their recent opening match victory in the College & Universities Football League. Equally, the new management team of Jude and Paul bring a wealth of experience to the club, however, the students were missing one or two key players on the day, which proved decisive in the end.

The grads had the better of the early exchanges. Colorectal surgeon Thomas Heggelund made the trip form Norway and showed that he has lost none of the quality that won him Irish Universities representative honours in the past. He was ably assisted in midfield by former Monaghan United star and pharmacist James McElvaney, while ex Irish Universities international and physiotherapist Eugene McDonagh played a more defensive role. This central midfield threesome controlled the match for large portions. Current students Saif, Peter and Mohammad Al Hasmi knew they were in for a tough game from an early stage! 

Fionn Lynch led the line for the grads and the St Vincent's University Hospital intern tormented his fomer team mates for most of the game. Tomas Carroll (scientist, Smurfitt Building) and Cormac Jennings (Cardiology) were solid at the heart of the grad’s defence. Full backs Richie Maher (CUH intern) and Ronan Kearney (GP/Sports Medicine) were composed throughout. Dublin GP Steve Karrigianis had an excellent game at right midfield before being forced to retire with a knee injury, while physiotherapist Ben Melvin was superb at left midfield. Ayanfe Obilana and Graeme Kelly provided fresh legs as various grads took a breather. 

The opening half was all about the grads and they raced into an early lead with McElvaney coolly slotting home from 15 yards. The students pushed for an equaliser and had a great chance to get back on level terms when they were awarded a dubious penalty. However, the penalty was saved by  goalkeeper  Ibrahim Aldosry, which proved costly for the students. Shortly afterwards, the grads side produced a move of real quality with intricate play from Kelly, Melvin and Obilana down the left releasing Fionn Lynch who made no mistake. Indeed, Lynch soon bagged his second with an emphatic finish. Debutant student goalkeeper Dean Maguran produced some outstanding saves to keep the students in the game, but at 3-0 down, the half time whistle could not come soon enough for the students.

The second half was more keenly contested and the students began to claw their way back into the game. Mohamed El Obeid’s fine strike reduced the deficit. Dayo Ajisafe added another to set up a nervy finish. The students pushed for an equaliser with their final chance coming from a set piece. Eoin Lombard’s free kick narrowly missed the top corner and the final whistle sounded. A jubilant grads team celebrated regaining the Sherlock Cup, cheered on by graduates David Gough, Jamie Clerkin and Mark Rogan.

Dinner and drinks followed the match in the clubhouse in Railway Union. RCSI graduates from all over the world got in touch to wish the club well on the night. Jim Sherlock presented the Sherlock Cup to winning grads captain and Man of the Match, Thomas Heggelund. Dr Mark Rogan presented the President’s Award to worthy recipient Richie Maher for services to RCSI Soccer Club. Saif Al Madhari was named Club Man of the Year. Fionn Lynch was voted Player of the Year by his team mates and was presented with the Rogan-Chute Cup.

The grads reminisced about previous overseas tours with RCSI Soccer Club long into the night and all agreed that another tour would be a great idea.

The RCSI Soccer Club wishes to thank Director of Human Resources at RCSI, Barry Holmes and the staff at Railway Union for the wonderful facilities and reception; Oliver Flanagan for capturing the drama of the game on film; Emily O’Brien and Corriena Brien in Student Services for their continued support; and all those who turned up for the match and dinner, particularly Jim Sherlock, a true RCSI legend!

The Sherlock Cup remains one of the highlights in the RCSI sporting calendar.