As season 2018/19 approaches the term "resting on ones laurels" comes to mind - an approach that Achilles must dismiss from our vocabulary, even after finishing "champs" in the SIL Senior League and losing semi-finalists in the Suffolk FA Senior Cup to the ultimate winners, Woodbridge Town Res.
Happily, with Luke Hillyard and Andy Coote remaining at the helm and main sponsor and coach, Trevor Childs, once again in charge of training, matters are well underway for the new campaign. A better start, as well, for the Reserves with Chris Crick and Leon Wyatt in charge and the ultra busy, Jamie King, active in the background. A further development is the adoption of Sunday Vets' club, Eastern Electricity, now re-named Achilles' Vets but continuing under the slick management of Ted Spurling. This development is perfectly logical in that several of these Vets are former Achillians in any case.
At this point the "famous" Pauls Sports & Social Club pitch looks more like a wheat field and, although the tropical weather has been most welcome, in common with most other pitches in the area, a good rain is desperately needed.
So far as the Senior squad is concerned one or two of the "elders", to use a possible relevant term, may be looking at retirement but virtually all of last season's triumphant squad have re-signed and, with one or two astute signings on the part of Luke, there is every hope that the Club will be on the trophy path once again. However, anyone out there keen on playing in either the SIL Senior Division, the SIL "A" Division, or the Suffolk & Ipswich Vets' League are most welcome to turn up at Stone Lodge Lane any Wednesday at 6 30pm.
The Friendlies pre-season agenda is as follows (2 30pm unless otherwise stated):
21 July - Stanton (A)
28 July - Hadleigh (A)
31 July - Fram' (A) (7 45pm)
04 Aug - Wickham Mkt (H) (1 30 pm - double header)
07 Aug - Old Newton (A)
11 Aug - Bacton (H or A)
The Seniors will enter the 2nd round of the SIL Bob Coleman Cup on the 10 Nov and, also, all eyes are on the Suffolk FA Senior Cup 1st round set down for the 15th Sept.
Finally, best wishes to everyone connected with the SIL and a special mention of David Mayes, the excellent SIL's Fixture Secretary, who is taking a well earned rest - many thanks, David, for all your patient work.
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.