Club Notes 9 May 2014

That's the lot for another season with joy and some marginal disappointment in the Achilles' camp. The joy, of course, from the Seniors' magnificent achievement in securing the SIL Senior League trophy. The disappointment in the Inter As being pipped at the very end of the campaign by Crane Sports in the Inter A League - the second time in succession our rivals have won the League and Achilles have finished runners-up. That disappointment could have been softened had the SIL Gipping Press Cup (which we held) came our way again on Wednesday evening at Woodbridge Town against a fine Old Newton Inter As. However, it was not to be with Newton winning 2-1.

In the final game of the season the Seniors needed just one point against visitors, Felixstowe Harpers, to secure the trophy and, after some 20 minutes, it seemed clear that Achilles were home with, already, a four goal blitz of our visitors. Two more before the break made it 6-0 and, although Felixstowe gave as good as they got in the second period, the scene was set for SIL Chairman, Keith Norton and his wife Linda, to make the presentations after the final whistle. Quite poignant for Keith in that, when he was the Seniors' manager with Achilles some 26 years ago it was he who led those lads from yesteryear to their second championship in three seasons.

Most of the Inter As were at Pauls supporting the Seniors and waiting for the Wenhaston v, Crane Sports Inter A result to come through. Just over five minutes left and the 1-1 score line would have been sufficient for Achilles to finish champs'. However, a late goal together with a 3-1 win against Ransomes Sports earlier this week was sufficient to produce the outcome above. The Old Newton final was the hoped for remedy but, after going ahead midway through the second period, our lads rather lost their way, particularly in midfield, and two quick goals, one a penalty, for Old Newton gave them a deserved trophy and some consolation for the relegation of their Senior team.

On a really sad note news came in of the passing, at 93, of Harry Lyon who with his elder brother, Fred, had been a wonderful supporter of Achilles for many seasons. It's our understanding that Harry was made aware of the Seniors' triumph just before he passed on to that "great football pitch in the sky" and all at Achilles send their condolences to Harry's family and friends in Walton.

Tomorrow (Saturday 10th) Achilles are staging an informal Presentation Evening at the Pauls Sports & Social Club with a 7 pm start. The 16th Reunion Dinner will be on Friday 16th May at the same venue (tickets £23 from Dave Morgan on 01473 435867 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). Later in the month the AGM will be at 8 pm on Wednesday 28th May again at the same venue and the Annual Golf Day will be on Friday 4th July at Seckford (entry fee £30 from Alan Middle, or contact Dave Morgan as above).

A happy summer to all those who support the (amateur) game.