Well, that was a week and a half wasn’t it? Great, but sad day last Saturday, and a fantastic turn out by the people of Ryhope and the friends, the many friends, of Richie to support his family in their grief. Understandably the game took second place on the day, and it was probably only right that it ended in a draw, it wasn’t a day for winners and losers. The replay took a while to catch light, and was another very tight affair, with RCA probably the better side for the first seventy minutes and the CW coming on strong at the end, and the last few minutes not for the faint hearted. I’m pleased RCA won, but you had to feel for the CW, who continue their steady improvement of the past couple of seasons and will feel they should have won it with that penalty. And we only have to do it a minimum of another three times this season. Can we stand the pressure? Only a fortnight since the start and it feels like a lifetime already.
Good so far though, and another tough one today. Whickham are having a go for the top this season, and they are not the only ones. It feels to me like it could be one of the most competitive first divisions for a while. I reckon several clubs have decided that the FA have made their minds up that change is happening so you might as well get on with it and let the future take care of itself. Could be wise, could be daft, only time will tell. I guess we will be in the mix somewhere, but where? This might be me being pessimistic, but I can’t help looking at what is happening to Bury and Bolton at the minute. Looks like we are perilously close to starting to lose clubs in the Football League, and if it happens there will it filter down to non league? Don’t chase rainbows lads, that’s my advice, keep a tight hold of the pursestrings, and ignore the pull of the heartstrings. There endeth the sermon.
In amongst the raindrops the summer game is still underway, with the Aussies here to fight for the Ashes again. I’m writing this as England are struggling on Thursday afternoon, so by 3.00 on Saturday it could all over bar the proverbial. Both sides bowlers are better than the batsmen, but unfortunately the only good batsman plays for the Aussies. However his mam is English and he has dual nationality, time to make him an offer.