Club Notes 22 April 2018

First of all, sad news to report, Cyril Garnham, Achilles' senior vice president, passed away a few days ago just short of his 91st birthday. Cyril, who had been a resident in the Alice Grange Care Home in Kesgrave for some while now, maintained a close interest in Achilles' activities right up to his passing, and the highlight for him last year was to be pictured with the Suffolk Senior Cup which, of course, Achilles won against fellow SIL Senior Club, Crane Sports, last May at Portman Road.

With "parish notes" taking precedent in this particular report a "full" reminder that the Annual Golf Day has been arranged for Friday 24th August 2018 at Rushmere Golf Club. Proceedings will commence at 11am from the first tee, and groups of four are cordially invited, entry fee is £40 per head which includes a meal. Full details can be obtained from Alan Middle or Dave Morgan who will be happy to provide application forms and further information.

To Achilles' prime activity - football! Local pundits have been forecasting for some weeks now that the coveted SIL Senior League "top spot" was, despite several matches still to play, ours for the taking. Certainly, our majestic points lead and more than favourable goals difference could be taken that way but managers, Luke Hillyard and Andy Coote, and coach, Trevor Child, and, indeed, this scribe, were not prepared to relax until the mathematics were conclusive.

That opportunity presented itself in the evening match at the impressive Bramford United ground last Tuesday evening (17th) when the homesters were defeated 5-0. However, despite Laim Hillyard's early goal, for most of the first half Achilles looked rather tired and our hosts could well have at least equalised before the break. The second half was a different story, lthough, and some fine forward play saw four more goals with Liam completing his hat trick, and Lee Grimwood and Gavin Van Oene sealing the nap hand and the title, with still three more matches to play - well done lads.

Saturday's match (21st) was also away this time at relegation haunted, Leiston St Margarets, and, with little to concern them, the squad recorded a relatively easy 6-0 victory - "icing on the cake" you might say! Marksmen were Danny Garrod (2), Sean Hanley (2), Le Grimwood and Lewis Kinkaid.

Meanwhile the Reserves were welcoming Bramford's Reserves to Salmet Close and, via some attractive play, they recorded a fine 7-2 win - marksmen were Matt McCarthy, Robby Steel (2), Tommy Smith, Jamie Moran, Gaz Coplen (2).

This coming Thursday the Reserves travel to the east side of town for the return fixture against Westerfield Reserves at the Ipswich School complex while on Saturday (28th) the Seniors welcome likely runners-up, and Bob Coleman Cup winners, Crane Sports, for what undoubtedly will be a match to watch.