November saw the SRL Old Boys take on Fulham Travellers in the semi-final of the Southern Counties Cup. Travellers were an experience side, born from the supporters of the original Fulham club, though that club had become London Broncos by 1995.

The Old Boys won the game 18-32 and would take on London Colonials, who had beaten United Services 68-16 in the other semi.

The final was played at Barnet Copthall, as a curtain raiser for the London Broncos v Highfield Regal Trophy game. The Broncos’ programme previewed the game.

Colonials led 18-10 at half-time and the Old Boy’s two month unbeaten run finally came to an end as they went down 41-20. Man-of-the match was Stephen “Biff” Simcock.

Disappointment at the defeat was dampened somewhat by the news that, as a result of reaching the Southern Counties Cup final, they had qualified for the Challenge Cup, with the first round due to take place in December.

The picture of the side was taken before the final. The orange kit isn’t the kit that the side went onto play in for the rest of the season. If anyone know what the kit was and why we were wearing it, or has any details of the scorers in either the semi-final or the final, then please let us know at skolarsrl.com

Incidentally, had the Toronto Wolfpack game against St Helens gone ahead as planned in February at Allianz Park, Skolars would have returned to Copthall 25 years after their first and only visit.

A newspaper cutting covering the fixture can be found below: