Welton Rovers are flying high in the Toolstation Western
League First Division, unbeaten since September 26th, the Green Army have
climbed to third in the League table. Top of the shots is Welton marksman,
Chris Pile, who’s 7 goals in 6 games have given fans a real sense of optimism
that this season can yield success on the pitch. Looming large on the horizon
is Boxing Days Coalfield Classico, with a resurgent Welton fired up to win back
local bragging rights against rivals Radstock Town.
The Western League celebrates something of a milestone this
season, marking its 125th anniversary. The League's history has been chronicled
by football historian, Sandie Webb, in a book she's co-authored with her
husband Doug, entitled "Another View from the Terraces".
I had the pleasure of interviewing Sandie for the Toolstation
Western League podcast. During the interview, Sandie reflected on the history
of the League, including the historic rivalry between the mining communities of
Paulton, Midsomer Norton and Radstock.
Up at Norton Down, Midsomer Norton Rugby Club are already two
months into the 2017/18 season and the Ist XV have won three of their home
fixtures, but have found things more challenging on the road, standing mid
table in Tribute Western Counties North, at the time of writing.
The Former Players and Friends day, held on 30th September,
was very well attended and the crowd was treated to a super game of rugby as
Norton locked horns once more with old rivals Wells. The home side just managed
to take the win, but both teams deserved much credit for their performances on
the day.
Meanwhile coach Mark Tyrrell and Captain Tom Fear are growing
into their new rolls and playing numbers are high. Norton continues to field three
senior teams, but with so many active players available we are looking to put
out a IVth XV and pick up fixtures through the proposed Bath Combination Merit
Table.
This season our thriving Junior Section can boast record
numbers of participants, and their Rugby Festival/Tournament in October was
very successful with hundreds of children enjoying the day and experience. It
is traditional that each seasons U15 squad organises their own tour at the end
of that season and the current squad have set their combined sights on travelling
to Utrecht in Holland to take part in a multi team tournament over the 2018
Easter holiday. They have been very busy organising fundraising events and
there are more to come through the winter months. Check the Club website for
details on this and other MNRFC matters.
Following a successful season, a packed Withies Lane
clubhouse provided the perfect opportunity for Midsomer Norton Cricket Club’s
players and supporters to thank those members whose hard work ensures that the
club continues to make progress on and off the field and to celebrate the
successful campaigns of the First XI and the Sunday XI in 2017.
Club chairman Graeme King presided over the player
presentations, thanking all those who help support the club in preparing
pitches, making match day teas and refreshments, scoring and maintaining the
club premises.
Graeme then introduced the senior team skippers who reported
on the 2017 season. Nick Pang, at the end of his first season as First XI
skipper, thanked the team for their support on and off the pitch which had been
so important in securing top spot in the WEPL Bristol & North Somerset
Division in such dramatic fashion in the end of season clash with Winterbourne.
The scenes of celebration at the club on the first Saturday in September will
live long in the memory. Club president Ian Macdonald presented First XI
batting and bowling awards to Nick Pang and Andrew Cox respectively.
The Second and Third XI skippers, Dan Cox and Robin Cray,
reported that although their seasons had ended in relegation, team spirit could
not be faulted and had remained strong. Dan Cox also reported on the
performances of the Sunday XI which culminated in the side winning the North
Somerset Cricket Club Sunday Conference Division 1.
The Clubman of the Year award was presented by Ian Macdonald
to Alan Elkington not only in recognition of his work as Secretary but also for
the additional workload he undertakes behind the scenes which in the main goes
un-noticed.
A new award in honour of Chris Tabb was made to mark an
outstanding contribution to cricket at Midsomer Norton Cricket Club and the
first recipient was Nick Potter, current Director of Cricket and long time
First XI skipper. Nick received his award from Chris’s brother, Kevin Tabb.
If this report has wetted your sporting appetite, tune in to
Somer Valley FM every Tuesday at 6pm on 97.5FM for all the latest news from our
local teams. Saturday Live, broadcast from 4pm every Saturday, provides live
match updates for Welton Rovers, Midsomer Norton Cricket Club and Midsomer
Norton Cricket Club, along with a host of our other local and professional
teams.
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