Club Notes 27 February 2017

Mixed blessings for the Club on Saturday with the Seniors at home, finally, triumphing 4-2 against a very competent Felixstowe Harpers outfit but the Inter As losing 3-0 out at the Woodbridge Town ground in the Suffolk FA Senior Reserves Cup semi-final against Stowmarket Reserves.

The Seniors' match, watched by a fair crowd considering the wintry conditions, got off to a dynamic start courtesy of a startling drive from some 25 yards by Liam Hillyard, an effort almost identical to his opening effort at East Bergholt the previous Saturday. We were soon two up when a solo run by David Grimwood ended up with the ball stroked past the formidable frame of the visitor's 'keeper. Subsequent play from both teams was a joy to watch and the Harpers were rewarded when some deft work up front saw Jack Foster left helpless between the sticks. However, our visitors' joy was soon muffled when that man Liam stroked a bouncing ball into the far corner with the 'keeper helpless.

Much of the second period was "even stevens" and with some 15 minutes to go a quick break down the right saw Harpers score a fine second. However, our visitors' joy was short lived when the best move of the match from Achilles saw the visitors' 'keeper forced to employ a rugby tackle and Liam stepped up to register his second hattrick in consecutive matches.

Meanwhile, the Inter As match at Woodbridge was, for the faithful, a disappointing affair with Stowmarket's sharper fire power upfront proving the deciding factor leaving Achilles the disappointing task of, nevertheless, offering sincere good wishes to our triumphant opponents in the final which, I understand, may well be played outside the County - would you believe?

This coming Saturday the Seniors travel to Wenhaston while the Inter as welcome East Bergholt Inter As to Salmet Close.  Finally, a reminder of the Race Night on the 25th March in the Club - a triple promotion involving Achilles/Pauls/Christchurch Ladies Netball Club.