A day of mixed emotions...
The second step in North Somerset's quest for world domination was without question always going to be the most difficult of the season for the squad.
Not because of the opposition (though the Cs did take on one of the best C teams in the country, but because of the logistics for the squad. With the Ladies and Cs in Hants and the As and Bs in Somerset, any slight issue was going to be more difficult to resolve. And issues we had...
A major lack of players, not helped at all by a further absence pre match, put severe strain on the Cs and ladies. This will be much better next game so please, if you were one of those players who represented on the day, see this as an initial blip that won't be repeated!
Again, prior to the match reports a couple of points:
We have players representing North Somerset going to Reading on w/e of 23rd May for England Trials. 3 from the mens and 4 from the ladies have qualified for trials; at the moment it's not sure exactly who's going, but Dave and me have already booked a hotel so we'll be there!
If you have any questions about the way things work in County, please ask your Captain or a Committee member.
There are subs for County that was agreed at the AGM- this is for the development of the County setup into a self financing body - this is not just about Coaches - The Railway has subsidised a number of seasons of County and we are now stronger and more able to finance ourselves. For the Men's teams this is £5 month (there were signup fees that should have alreday been paid)
I'm trying to take photos of people for the pages, I'll keep plugging away for the next few games
The next match is away to Plymouth - we are all together, going by Coach and it will be an early start. You will get details in the run up from your captains, but if you have any questions let us know.
Anyway, on to the Match Reports:
Men's A Team - 20-16 win vs Somerset
It is becoming a major issue, something that we may struggle to come to terms with. Our main local derby involves a team we now actually quite like...
And they're a stronger outfit now. They were taking them out when needed and could well have run away at the start. But, far removed from last season's banana skin, we kept racking up the frames without looking imposing. Winning the first 3 sets 5-4, we proceed to lose 4 of the next 6 frames, leading to squeaky bum time...
But, with us needing one frame from the last two, this happened...
A great win, with several 3 from 4s, Jamie Ross still showing his class, Dave Cryer returning to wining ways and Sean taking three with a war wound in a style yet again defying pool theory. We can say we are one step ahead of where we were last season.
Mens B Team - 20-16 win vs Somerset
Another day, another victory in a season that seems to see the Bs also destined for nationals...
The Bs stuggled for numbers, drafting in C team players who performed in style. In similar fashion to the As, the first three sets went our way before losing 5 of the first 6 in the last. A tense last couple of frames saw Kerry and Lee Mulholland bring it home. Another strong side, but with the number of players missing it was apparent that we have one hell of a squad...
A number of players on 3 from 4 also, Nuggs, Malcolm and Clive storming it as expected... but with Lee Mulholland coming up from the Cs, he showed that he could fit anywhere in the squad with his 3 from 4 domination of the yokels.
A first game welcome for Dougie, who fought hard and will no doubt take a lot from the day.
Mens C Team - Loss to Hants 26-10
It was a difficult day for the Cs, players missing, players taken to fill in the Bs, player walking out before leaving, it was all happening and to say they were on the backfoot would be an understatement.
This was the worst game the Cs will play this season - it was the longest drive, it was isolated from the rest of the squad it was against one of the best C teams in the Country and was at a time when a number were for various reasons away.
So, to pull a number of frames from them was an achievement. A special mention to the girls who stepped in, with Mandy taking 4 from 4 and showing she is a quality player in any situation.
Remember, Cs won 26-10 last match... it's going to be a rollercoaster but from here on in there's a good chance that you will be gathering momentum!
Ladies - lost 16-12 to Hants
It wasn't just the Cs who suffered today, the ladies had to backfill the Cs to the tune of 4 players, so it was a very diffcult and busy day for them!
Still a 16-12 loss is a close run affair and with such pressures making life very difficult. Vicky might add to this... but without any further details I cant really say much more... other than it was a good performance given the huge job the ladies had to do on the day.
I'll say it again, next match will be different - away to Plymouth on the coach will be the polar opposite, one of the best days of the season with everyone having a laugh together as a full squad. Make sure you're there!
