A mixed week, the 1st XI had a good win away to Kew 3-0, I have not heard much about the match, but 6 points after two games is an encouragement for Jack our skipper and Steve our new coach.
The most pleasing aspect, is fingers crossed, touch wood, our improving discipline, there is a long way to go so let's prove all the doubters wrong. The Res XI match against Old Lyonians was ruined by a bad injury to one of their players, it took 2 hours for the ambulance to arrive and meant switching to another pitch and a long delay which resulted in us losing 4-3. The 3rd XI lost to Old FInchleians with the fours and sixes also being defeated. The ever reliable 5th XI started with a victory a reward for all the hard work put in pre season by Paul and Jack. Another full fixture list next Saturday when we will have much earlier use of the main ground and hopefully a much larger availability.
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We started our league programme at the earliest date ever on Saturday, with the 1st XI having to play 24 league games plus 2 cups this season, it was great to get the first game played.
A largely unchanged squad of players from last season took on Old Lyonians on a very hard and bouncy pitch which with a strong wind made conditions difficult. We started slowly and were soon two goals down despite looking the better side we replied with 2 of our own including a penalty, only to fall behind again when the opposition scored twice more including their second penalty. We found time to score again before half time resulting in a remarkable score of 4-3 to the opposition. In the second half we had the wind at our backs and dominated the half to end the game winning 6-4, a good result but we have weaknesses in defence and have to hope that star centre forward Charncey Dash scorer of 4 goals is available for us on a regular basis. The game was excellently controlled by the referee, helped with the good behaviour by both teams, which meant that no cards were issued. Keep up the good work. The Res & 5th XIs also had a good work out in friendly matches A very disappointing last game of the season for the 1st XI losing 2-0 to Kew, this barring some freak results ends their hopes of promotion this season.
As I have said before there is no way a club with our history and facilities should be in the third division, we are competing against well organised clubs drawing their players from connected schools and universities and with strong youth sections giving them a steady flow of new talented players each season. If we want to get back to the first division we have to take a close look at our recruitment policy and retention of new players at the beginning of the season. We have a great committee, they just need some more help from the rest of the club. The Res XI had a much deserved and long awaited win 3-2 against local rivals Old Owens, probably too late to avoid relegation, but their good spirit in difficult circumstances have been an example to us all. Well done Eoin. The 3rd XI not enjoying their travels to South London were defeated by 5-2. The 4th XI had a good 4-2 victory at Alexandra Park, but will be too late to gain the top spot. The 5th XI entered into the SAL Spring Cup due to a shortage of fixtures and were well beaten by Old Vaughanians Reserves in their first game 7-0. They have 3 more games to play in this competition. After the gloom and doom of last weeks report, some better news the 1st XI this week, short of a full strength side due to suspensions, they pulled off a magnificent victory away to promotion rivals South Bank/Cuaco by 4 goals to 1 after trailing 1-0 at half-time. This now puts our fate in our own hands if we beat Kew Assoc in our final game at home on the 2nd April then we will be promoted to DIvision Two, hopefully the start of a journey back to the top division. All support on this day will be welcome. The Reserves had no game, the 3rd XI game against Carshalton was called off due to the opposition being unable to raise a side, a sign of the times I am afraid. The 4th XI drew 1-1 in an entertaining game against Old Parks and the 7th XI had a good win against AP. Only one game scheduled for Easter Saturday the 3rd XI at Old FInchleians so no patter next week. For the golfers the annual battle for the Norsemen Cup will take place at HadleyWood GC on Thursday 5th May PM start followed by dinner.All welcome along with guests if you wish to play contact me on aloomomo43@gmail.com A very disappointing day with the first three teams all losing plus the only other team playing the sevens losing heavily.
The 1st XI result losing 2-1 to mid table Old Lyonians was particularly disappointing with both our rivals for promotion winning well. We now need to win our last two games to have any chance of promotion. The Res XI lost 1-0 to Alleyn Old Boys in a hard fought game that they did not deserve to lose, pretty much what has been happening to them all season. It would take a miracle for us to avoid relegation now. The 3rd XI lost away to Old Wilsonians 1-0 and will now finish mid table disappointing after a great start to the season. The 7th XI lost to newcomers St James Old Boys 3s who were a very young side and played on an astroturf pitch which suited the younger legs. I think we need to give a lot of thought to how we can get this sleeping giant of a club back to its former glories during the close season |