SONNING 1 - 5 SWANS
15th March 2008

Yes, a disappointing result given the scoreline, but 2 weeks earlier we hadn't expected to even have a shout at top slot and Swans had managed to field their strongest team (according to their captain), which goes to show how much of a threat they saw us. Add to that, the fact that this was the Swans 1st team and clearly full of experienced players (& not a colt among them) and I think all our players can feel very proud.

It was an ominous start when Swans scored from their 1st short corner, but the same player scored 2 beauties in the 2nd half to round off a hat trick - sod's law that he just happened to be on top form in this game.

2-0 at half time and we weren't playing at all badly, and had created several half chances. We felt we could get back into it if we played our passing game, but were undone within minutes of the restart by a crafty reverse stick shot. Jon Warby got one back for us and it wasn't fantasy to think we could claw our way back but 2 more from Swans sealed our fate.

Fair play to everyone though - no matter what the score, no one gave up and the final whistle came at the end of what was actually an end to end game. Swans deserved the result and to become division champions, but 5-1 was rather harsh given our possession and overall performance.

So, that's it for my first season as captain and only the 2nd season for the 6th team. We've averaged 4 colts playing per game and developed a big squad of players - all of whom played their part in this exciting and successful season.

My thanks, congratulations and admiration go to all the players - we deserve to be 2nd and with any luck it'll mean promotion and a bigger division bringing more games next season.

Man of the Matchit was decided that the whole team should get the award - despite the result, everyone had battled to the end and there was a fantastic team spirit.
Thanks to Eddie Butler for umpiring and all the help and encouragement this season - just sorry we couldn't get the result to finish in pole position!