Metheringham FC - Spring 2009 Update

As for the rest of our teams a half year report would read - COULD DO BETTER.

Going through the teams, the Saturday XI is out of all cup competitions and sit in ninth place. Should they slip into the bottom four by 1st April they could then be eligible for the Horace Franklin Cup which they are the present holders of, after beating Cherry Knights 4-0 on Sincil Bank last season.

The Sunday 1st XI lie seventh but wins have been hard to come by this season, their most satisfying result was a 5-3 victory over Hunters Leap, who were the Club's "old" 2nd XI but left the club when promoted from division one as champions at the end of last season. Unfortunately league rules did not allow for two sides from the same club in the same division, which in truth is correct. The side is still in one cup, namely the Kelly Read (Village cup) and like last season, they again meet Nettleham who are looking to lift the trophy for a third season. This game takes place at Nettleham on 22 March.

The Sunday 2nd XI (old "A" team) had recovered their season after a rocky start and were placed just above half way.

The Under 18s have found life difficult with most of their players a year below their age group. They are presently one place off the bottom.

As stated the Under 16s are third, on the same points as second placed Sibsey, who have played two games more. They still have to meet them twice yet which will have a big say in where they finish. For the Under 16's this has been a good season seeing as they came up from the lower league as champions at the end of last season.

The Under 14's are perhaps in the best position as they are one point behind the side in second place with a game in hand and three behind the leaders with two games in hand. Their leading scorer Jac Wright has seen the return of George Shores to the club and this has taken some of the weight of him as they are both scoring an average of a goal a game. Harry is presently on 145 club goals in only 112 games. In their present position, they themselves can only lose the league as it is in their own hands.

Early on the Under 13's looked to be title contenders but have slipped of late and sit in sixth place. If results go their way they could still have a say in the two promotion places. Last season we spoke of their goal-scoring machine, Ridwan Sadi - well he is still banging the goals in and has netted 33 in just 10 games, including five (twice), six (once) and seven (once). This sees his club tally, 197 in just 60 games!!

For the Under 12's, a shortage of players has not helped their cause and they languish in bottom place, although performances have improved recently and a late flurry could see them avoid the drop.

Another of our teams who opened the season in promising style are the Under 11's, but some disappointing results of late has seen them slip to sixth. They are the third highest scorers in their league which to some extent is down to their prolific scorer Harry Wright who has netted 28 goals in 11 games (taking him to 84 in 57 for the club).

Our highest league status side is the Under 10's who were promoted to the "A" League after promotion at the end of last season. Although, with a limited squad, they have picked up some good wins, including a 6-0 victory over Heighington who nicked the title from them at the end of last season. They are presently just below half way in the league. Their striking trio of Cameron Alcock, Ben Mearns and Matthew Whitehouse are still averaging nearly a goal a game and all three have scored over 50 club goals in just over 60 games.

Three new sides are in being this season at Under 9s / 8s and 7's. The latter two are not allowed to play competitive games and all matches are "friendlies." Regarding the Under 9s they are amongst six sides in the bottom part of their league with just two points separating them from 7th to 12th.

As for the Under 8s, they have won more than half of the games they have played and a good little team is being formed by Paul Chambers and his assistants Jim Pacey and John Haresign, ready for competitive football next season.

The final side sees our youngest ever team in the club, at Under 7s. They have won half of their games played but already two players have shown they know where the goal is with Daniel Lindsey scoring 18 in 15 games and Ethan Thompson 13 in 14.

Off the field the club continues to raise necessary funds and on the eve of the Grand National (Fri 3 April) we will be holding a Race Night in the Star & Garter, along with the Bowls Club. The event starts around 8.30 pm with anyone welcome to come along and if you want a "Horse" just contact Pete Ford (01526 320016) or Dawn Smith (01526 320502).

Whilst talking of fund-raising, the club is once again looking to hold a Fun Day with all local organisations invited to join us. This will be held on Sunday 31 May. A meeting is to be held in March for all interested groups. Last year's event was enjoyed by one and all so we are trying to again arrange for its return. We are giving organisations the chance to raise much needed funds for their own caused so come along and join us in this community event.

In closing and on behalf of the committee and 200 or so players, ranging from as young as 5 years of age, the club wish to express sincere thanks to all its sponsors, helpers and parents who once again have showed us great support this season.

Thank you

Pete Ford (Hon Sec)