Old Ruts v Kingston Albion

Old Rutlishians 3-0 Kingston Albion
Scorers: Jimmy Wilkes (2), Steve Jupp
5th April 1996	KDFL Teck Senior Cup Final
By Gavin Lennard This was a great game almost exactly a decade ago on Good Friday 1996. It was memorable for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was the biggest game in the Ruts short football history (then six years into our reformation). Secondly, it was the KDFL Centenary year and their showpiece Cup Final was played at a modern Kingstonian FC (normally at Hampton in those days). Thirdly, we were the complete underdogs really, our opponents Kingston Albion were a very good side and without doubt the strongest club in the KDFL at the time. This was our first season in the Premier Division and they had spanked us 4-1 earlier in the campaign and we held on for a 0-0 home draw the week before the final. Anyway, the team played out of their skins that day and centre half Steve Jupp headed in a first half free kick from player/manager Gary Newcome's free kick. Then young Whizz-Kid Jimmy Wilkes notched two stunning second half goals to secure a fine 3-0 victory. A massive party ensued throughout the rest of the day, starting at the K's bar, taking in the Old Ruts and finally onto Wimbledon and the Curry Royal - truly awesome. It is terrific that we took a photo of every player with the cup at the Ruts midway through the mammoth session.

(click all photos to enlarge)
	Dave 'Zanz' Williams Zanzy was first choice keeper at the Ruts for several more years and is still in touch with many of his team mates today
	Gary 'The Lizard' Clayton A life threatening injury thwarted the Lizard's latter footballing years. Brother of Graham, our current Chairman and Reserve manager.
	Gary Newcome Newcs was one of the best ever Players to wear a Ruts jersey. Now living in Australia, although he donned a Vets shirt in 2004 on a rare trip home.
	Howard 'H' Meredith A talented centre back, H went on to manage the First team although his career was blighted by troublesome knee problems
	Steve Jupp A model player, Juppy played on for a few more seasons and on his first ever Vets appearance this seaon (after many years absent) he got a nasty injury and is sidelined!
	Jimmy 'Whizzer' Wilkes The Ginger Ninja is high up in the Hall of Fame and is still a first team player today! The talented former forward now plys his trade mostly at left back
	Jeremy Capper Caps still bosses the centre midfield... although it's now with the 3rd XI. Amazingly his old midfield partner Gappy still plays alongside him on occasions
	Simon 'Gappy' Hithersay Multi-talented Gaps is still super fit and once again is doing the London Marathon this year. Equally at ease in goal or with his old partner Caps in the middle of the park
	Ian 'Boony' Lennard Club legend Boony had a phenomenal record as a goalscorer and still leads the all time scoring charts with 300 goals in 336 games (not bad as he played several seasons in midfield and defence!) His career ended with a knee injury in 2001
	Chris Dubreuil Chris was a talented left sided midfielder who only played for the Ruts for a short time - then he did a Lord Lucan!
	Dave 'Spud' Murphy Dave was also a prolific goalscorer and long term club player - very fast and skillful, equally comfortable on the flanks or up front
	Darren Knott Knotty our Club Captain is still playing after all these years and regularly turns out for both the 3rd XI and the Vets
	Mel Taylor Melons played from day one in 1990 and was a consistent performer before hanging up his boots in the in the mid to late 90s
	Gavin Lennard Club President and former Secretary was an unused sub on the big day (pictured with then Club Chairman 'Little Dave' Morris)
	Roland Heal Club stalwart and former Treasurer Roly the Goalie was also an unused sub


Skipper Gary Newcome collects the trophy

L-R: Back - Gary Clayton, Gavin Lennard, Dave Murphy, Roland Heal, Howard Meredith, Dave Williams, Mel Taylor, Jimmy Wilkes, Steve Jupp
Front - Jeremy Capper, Chris Dubreuil, Gary Newcombe, Darren Knott, Simon Hithersay