The time has finally come, with the Clubs’ first competitive games of the Season set to be played this weekend. The First Team plays host to last years Double Champions Meads, while the Twos start their AFA Cup campaign against Gyln OB for a right to play Old Paulines in the first round proper. Both games are at home, 3pm KO. All and any support welcome.

There are no other games confirmed as yet, but there are teams selected for the 3s, 4s and 5^s if we can get friendlies arranged. For those on email, this will be confirmed either way by email, otherwise contact your Captain just to make sure.

Again mixed results in last weekends friendlies. Conceding a first-half penalty, and then going 2-1 down, didn’t reflect the dominance of the First Team against the top side from Southgate County, who despite having chances to comfortable win the game, only managed to a 2-2 draw. Tom Kelly and Pete O’Grady the scorers. The Twos, following on from their impressive win last week against opposition from two leagues above them, were hampered by a late arrival at the away ground and eventually lost 2-0. The Third Team on the other hand, put five past their Southgate County oppo, for no reply from the visitors, which impressed recuperating Captain and Manager Micky Ward watching from the sidelines. Steve Kelly, Nick Newman, Pat McEniry all got on the scoresheet as well as Chris Dobson who netted two. The Fours however, despite having the use of a number of subs, were always chasing the game and eventually conceded 5 without scoring themselves.

Two important issues have come to light following last weekend’s matches:

• All cry-offs should be made by direct contact with your Captain via a phone call. Emails are no longer enough as their delivery can be frequently delayed.
• All meet times are there for a reason. Anyone consistently late will not be selected. It’s important for the Team’s preparation and for the Captain’s team selection to be able to know people will be there when they should.

Also, if you are not selected on the teamsheet, or listed as a reserve, but can come along to a game, the Captains will invariable name any extra players as subs. However, it’s also important that anyone planning to turn up tries to contact the Club Captain or one of the Team Captains first. This helps the Captains in knowing who they have available and may even benefit the player turning up as there are frequently cry offs prior to the Saturday, and may stop them calling up players from a lower side.

Also, for email recipients, I aim to standardise the Word format and version that the newsletter is produced in over the next couple of weeks. If you have any problems opening the documents please let me know.

Anyone else looking for a game please call one of the Team Captains or the Club Captain