Club Notes 1 May 2013

Hectic stuff for Achilles since the last Club Notes with both the Seniors and the Inter As engaged in both midweek and Saturday engagements.  Over the period since the middle of April the Seniors have beaten Crane Sports 3-0 at their place, Grundisburgh 5-3 at home, Wickham Market 2-1 at the villagers', but just when it seemed that the challenge for the Senior League title would go to the absolute wire, battling Leiston St Margarets (far too good to be relegated) registered the first league defeat, by 2-1, on us for some 16 matches to ensure their own safety and leave us to fight for runners-up position and not top spot which, surely, will be Valley Rangers' crown for the second season in succession - well done to them.Mind you these notes are compiled before the Felixstowe Utd/Valley Rangers' result is through and "stranger things happen at sea".
Meanwhile, the Inter As are ploughing through their backlog with a 2-2 draw at home to a strong Trimley Red Devils, a 3-1 defeat at home to Crane Sports (champs for the second successive season) and a hard fought 2-1 win away at Ransomes Sports. The home game against Henley was postponed because of Henley's enormous injury list but all Achilles' eyes are fixed on the 8 May at Woodbridge Town's ground for the Gipping Press Cup against Leiston's Inter Bs and, indeed, runners up spot in the Inter A table.A coach will be departing from Pauls at 6pm and a nominal £5 charge will be made for both the squad and supporters.
All in all this has been a wonderful season for Achilles with much praise going to managers, Lee Osborn, Gary Bartlett, and Shaun Deller. There will be a chance to congratulate them (whatever the remaining results) on the 11 May when the Presentation Evening will be held at Pauls with entertainment from former Achillian, Jimmy Nunn, light refreshments and, of course, a wide range of "beverages". There will also be a modest £5 charge to defray expenses for an event to which everyone is invited.
While on the matter of social events a further reminder, too, of the biennial Vice Presidents' Dinner arranged for Friday 17 May also at Pauls. Tickets are £23 and can be obtained from president, David Routh, 62 High Street, Ipswich (Tel 255680).
TROJAN SUB.