To all members and officials
As we come to the end of the first round of fixtures I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have played, officiated or just turned up to support. I would on your behalf like to make special mention of all the Captains who have spent hours making sure that sides have been put out to represent our Club. In addition to the normal struggles with injuries that players of our age are always beset with there has been the additional restrictions brought about by COVID for them to contend with and each and every one of them has risen to the task.
To any of you who have missed out on selection then I do hope you continue to be part of our Club and make sure you make yourself available for the friendly fixtures still to come being organised by Pete Shephard.
At our age the joy from the game must be that we are still able to compete but I know from my time playing with the 70s that there is still that strong competitive edge amongst a lot of you. So maybe some are disappointed with how the season is finishing. Obviously pride of place, and our congratulations, go to Mark and the Over 50s who go into their last fixture top of Section 3 and with a home game against Wiltshire at Barnstaple to be played this Sunday. Anyone in the area please get along and support them. Win or lose the team will qualify for a home fixture and we look forward to seeing where and when this will be.
The 70s have an away fixture to Wales on Thursday 5th August. Wales topped the National 70s table and have beaten Devon twice this year but on both occasions we gave them a good run for their money so who knows whether the tide will turn for us. If it does it would guarantee home fixtures for the rest of the season.
Both 60s sides and 50s 2nd XI await to see their fate in Vase competitions as unfortunately the season has been quite difficult for all 3 sides. I know, if drawn away, the thought of a possible long trip might not be the most popular, I would remind everyone that when we enter these competitions we know the rules. I will leave it to each of the three sides to reach their decision but I do hope that, as a Club, we make every effort to follow the competitions we entered to their natural conclusions.
So good luck to all five teams for whatever time they have left in the season. Well done for all the contributions you have made so far. Keep safe and let’s continue to look forward to our time in Devon Seniors.
Mike Canning
Chairman
