ONE of the oldest football competitions in the education system has begun an exciting new chapter in its history.

There were fears that the Thorpe Cup, orginally contested by English schools opened by the Marist Fathers, would cease due to closures and restructuring of the school system.

However, the cup, founded 61 years ago, was given a reprieve when St Mary’s College, Blackburn played their first ever match against Chanel College – a school opened by the Marist Fathers in Ireland.

St Mary’s had orginally played aga-inst their namesakes from Hull, then, more recently from Middlesbrough.

But the inaugural Anglo-Irish Thorpe Cup was won by the Blackburn side who emerged 2-1 victors in a keenly contested clash.

Russell Gallagher gave St Mary’s a half time lead thanks to a smart finish before Chanel levelled after the break.

But Paul Astin capatalised on a mix-up in the Irish defence to slot home a late winner.