Six members of the OHAFC 1st XI squad stayed behind after Saturday's 1-1 at Forest for a celebratory dinner to mark the two school's contributions to the foundations of the Football Association, 150 years old this year.

Forest and Harrow alumni were instrumental in the early formalisation of the FA and it's competitions, including Old Harrovian Charles Alcock who helped devise what has come to be the modern FA Cup competition following the similar format then used in House competitions at Harrow School.

To mark the occasion Forest specifically requested a League fixture against the OHAFC and the current Forest School XI took on an Arthurian League Representative side (containing mainly Etonians and Carthusians) on an adjoining pitch, the League team running out 3-2 winners.

Following the action on the pitch, around 60 guests were welcomed into the impressive dining hall by Warden of the School Sarah Kerr-Dineen and she accepted a number of gifts on behalf of the various organisations who were represented: Barry Bright, who holds numerous posts within the FA, spoke about the historical significance of Forest's contribution to the founding of the FA; Paul Field spoke on behalf of the Referee's Association and quoted some interesting statistics regarding the demands on modern referees and the opportunities available in a career as a referee; Phil Sammons spoke on behalf of the Essex FA; Mike Brown on behalf of the Amateur FA; Tony Hall, as President, spoke on behalf of the Arthurian League and thanked the Old Harrovians for being present at the occasion; finally, Jonathan Howgrave-Graham spoke as Club Secretary for the Old Forresters FC.

By the time all the speeches had concluded it was getting late and there was some debate amongst the Harrow ranks as to whether they should head straight back into town or make a quick detour to check out the queue at Faces in Gants Hill.

Images from the dinner, including some excellent numerical balloons, can be seen in the Media section here