Club Notes 16 March 2014

Another excellent week-end for Achilles with both teams winning 3-1 - the Seniors over at East Bergholt and the Inter As hosting Bergholt's Inter As at Salmet Close. Although enjoying the balance of play it wasn't until just after the interval, when Andy Coote increased his season's tally, did we turn our superiority into goals. From thereon it appeared most likely that the home defeat against our hosts earlier in the season would be avenged and further goals from Ben Taylor, and Andy again, produced a three goal advantage. Annoyingly, perhaps, with closest rivals Grundisburgh breathing down our necks at the top of the Senior Division table, sporting a superior goal difference, Bergholt reduced the margin right on time. Nevertheless, a fine win on a well maintained surface.

Meanwhile the Inter As were involved in a fast, sporting, encounter against Bergholt's Inter As and the 2-0 interval lead was down to the unusually deft touch of "Doodle" Calver who scored both goals and also hit the post with a fine header which would have given him a first-half hat trick. However, he had another chance midway through the second period to achieve the feat from the penalty spot but rattled the bar with a thunderous effort. A while later another penalty came our way but responsibility this time was entrusted to veteran Austin King who slotted the ball. Identically to the Seniors' game, Bergholt reduced the lead right on time. The win raised the team to second spot in the Inter A table and with games in hand the league and cup double is very much on.

Away from the park, the evening in the Pauls Sports & Social Club's clubhouse saw the joint Race Night (Achilles and Christchurch Ladies Netball Club). Achilles would have liked to have seen a few more players in attendance but, nevertheless, it was a most enjoyable night, expertly organised by Sue and Peter Crossley and ably presented by former Seniors' manager, Alan Middle. Many thanks lady and gentlemen for an excellent evening which, I'm sure, has produced most appreciated finance for both Clubs.

News has been received that near neighbours, the Bourne Vale Sports Club, will be closing at the end of April. This could be extremely bad news for, in particular, Ipswich Athletic, and we do hope that the closure does not lead to the demise of that and any other tenant club down there at Bourne End.

Finally, no game this Saturday for the Seniors and so all eyes will be on the Inter As who host the Inter As of Ipswich Valley Rangers.