A downpour of near-biblical proportions on Sunday morning was the backdrop for a near-miraculous event: the OHAFC Veterans keeping a clean sheet.

The appalling conditions and saturated pitch at the Bank of England Ground failed to deter John Wyn-Evans' men from claiming an impressive 3-0 win over Winchester as their preparations begin for this year's assault on the Vets Cup which begins with a trip to Brentwood at the start of next month.

The Vets made an excellent start in the rain, scoring twice inside twenty minutes: Ru Hoffen firing home first-time from fifteen yards from an excellent cross from the right and, in similar circumstances, Jon Ingram pressuring a Winchester defender into deflecting the ball in from Lederman's fierce cross along the six-yard line.

The remainder of the half was more even and Ingram, having donned the 'keeper's gloves, was called into action at the opposite end of the pitch when he pulled off a superb save, correcting his initial dive to spring to his right and palm away a deflected shot.

But the most enjoyable moment of the half took place on the halfway line, far removed from either goalmouth. A Winchester corner was well-cleared by the Harrow rearguard and Ru Hoffen closed down the Wykehamist defender, forcing him to slip over as the ball flew past him into acres of open space. Excitable cries from the Harrow side alerted 'the Hoff' to the fact that he now had a clear run on goal, but hysterical laughter from both sets of players ensued as his planting foot slid from underneath him, sending him sprawling into a large puddle, the opportunity lost for good.

Sadly, with puddles appearing in an increasing number of areas on the pitch, the second half was short on entertainment and long on frustration for the players. Numerous attacks began promisingly enough but were ended by balls skidding through to no-one or plopping dead en route to a waiting teammate.

The one bright moment came from a corner on the hour mark, Ingram leaping well to head home at the far post and cap a memorable individual performance.

The Vets now have a week off before a run of games, culminating in the Cup 1st round tie away to Brentwood.