Redsox Sign Off Their 2017/18 Campaign

The Redsox signed off their 2017/18 campaign with a fine 5 – 0 win over local rivals Maidenhead leaving us league champions a full eleven points clear of Old Cranleighans (see attached league table). Thanks to good Bartie management both the Redsox and SuperVets had strong squads and both teams won well yesterday.

On a glorious sunny afternoon the Redsox played some excellent hockey and despite a couple of Maidenhead chances, dealt with very well by our keeper of the season Martin, the result was never really in doubt. Our first goal came from new boy, Chris Lewis, who threw off two hip replacements to dribble into the circle and finished with a thunderous shot into the top of the net (fortunately for him as he would have been substituted off if it had gone over the bar - for not passing!). The second came from a fine flowing move eventually finished well by Tim Armitage who was thereafter forbidden to score again by the skipper in case he overtook him as top gun of the season!

Bartie rotated the squad well and even came on himself for a runout throwing off any sign of rustiness with some nice touches and one-twos and very nearly scoring. More goals followed in the second half as the Redsox dominant possession created good chances, fine goals from Ben M and Gavin and finally a deflection into the side netting off a strong shot from Chris C-K allowed the skipper to sign off with a final goal.

All in all a very strong performance to round off a great season - big thanks to Immy and Redsox umpire of the season Mike Gray for blowing well and to Bartie for his outstanding management of the Vets division throughout the year.

Micky gathered the team in a goal mouth for a final Redsox selfie as attached and to thank the squad for such a fun and fruitful season and more importantly to hand over the Redsox captaincy to Hoops, a role I know he will handle brilliantly. As I said to the team I cannot remember a season I have enjoyed so much as a skipper since the mid 1980’s when Reading stunned themselves and rivals by qualifying for the inaugural national league (it only seems like yesterday). However, old age, worsening eye-sight in my remaining eye and an instinctive feel that it is time to make way for some younger legs to take my place mean that I will be happy to offer my services to the SuperVets next season, so bad luck RHC you have not seen the back of me yet!

For those who like records I attach: the performance history of the Redsox since we formed the side in 2011 and the final top-gun list with its impressive 22 different scorers.

A huge than you to each one of you who have played Redsox hockey this year and indeed over the last seven years – it’s been a blast both on and off the pitch as well proving to be a consistently successful team.

I look forward to seeing all of you for our summer league games – more to come on this later from Bartie and Nigel.

Micky