My God! It only seems like two minutes ago that I was saying a tearful farewell to the troops at the end of last season and they in return were presenting me with a multitude of invisible gifts, to mark my last game as 1^st XI captain.

Since then a whole plethora of events have occurred which now lead us towards the imminent start of a new season

A willing mug volunteer was found to take over the 1^st team reins, in the form of Stevie the Fish. I know he is very much looking forward to the challenge (which includes tea rota and scorer contingency plans!)

The 2^nd XI plumbed new depths by voting in the great Claz-inho as their leader. Just when they thought things couldn’t get any worse! I know that his players are very much looking forward to the challenge!

In an amazing feat, not seen since the heady championship days …… SCC signed a player, as Rob Love made the switch from Church Fenton in order to play for someone where he would lower the average age. Welcome to Dad’s Army Rob!

The even more amazing and just as welcome comeback of 46 year old Tim Quirke, has ensured that Rob will just about achieve his goal. Tim takes over the mantle of oldest (yet probably fittest) player in the 1^st XI.

Some other things, not seen in a while

Anyway, the new season gets underway on Saturday April 18^th, with the 1sts travelling to Church Fenton, whilst Claz’s army take on Scholes at the SCG. Fingers crossed, we have a good selection of players to pick from this season, so hopefully both teams will acquit themselves well over the coming months.

In another rare event, we have secured a friendly to be played on Saturday April 11th, at home to Saxton – 1.30pm start. Should be a good game against an up and coming side (the other side of the hill to us). Stevie the Fish will be sorting a team out nearer the day.

As usual at this time of year, there is much to do at the ground, in order to get it ready. There is to be a Ground Day on Saturday April 4^th. It’s all day, so please try to get there at some point if you can. Don’t worry, I’ll be the one with my hand down the bogs as usual!

Finally, just a bit of notice that the club is to hold a Wild West Night on Friday May 1^st. Tickets will be on sale shortly for what promises to be a yee-haa of an evening. There are all manner of things going on, from line dancing to bucking bronco rides, and enough goldarn chilli to inflate a hot air balloon! Hope you can make it …… (not the chilli, that’s sorted ……. Brrrumm, pum, pum)

Here’s hoping for a good season and here’s also hoping that Sidd actually loads this onto the website, otherwise you won’t even see it and I just wasted half an hour!