President's Patter for 21st March 2015

My mood in writing the Presidents patter during the season has varied, beginning with new season optimism, followed by mid season despair when we were struggling to field a competitive First team, to end of season with the return of optimism.
Without going overboard there is a good feel to the club at present, players are beginning to recognise what a good setup we have and using the club more. We still have a long way to go but with a few more new workers recruited to help the excellent team we have at present, then a return to our glory days will be possible.

On the playing side the 1st XI continued their tremendous run with a 2-0 away win against Old Blues.
The Res XI scored a last minute winning goal to clinch an important away win against Actonians Assoc, they are not quite there yet but are certainly hot favourites for both the Championship and Promotion. The 3rd XI had no game and the 4th XI won their last game 6-1 against Owens, unfortunately it looks as though they will be pipped for promotion for the second consecutive season. The 5th and 6th XIs have finished their fixtures and the 7th XI lost their last league game 4-3 to Broomfield.

Two firsts this week, on Monday night the 1st XI play our first competitive league game under flood lights with a game against Old Esthameians at the Ford Sports Club, secondly after at least 80 years we will not be touring to Deal this Easter. This has been kept going by Chunky for many years, he has served his time and there is nobody to take his place, a sad end to a great tradition but thanks to Ian for all his previous work.