Wednesday, 8 August 2012

The big kick off !!!


Fixtures have been drawn and on opening day there are a few tasty pairings. Champions Spartans under new Manager Kenny English face Andy Lindsay's Teddy Bears. Spartans will be all too aware that the Bears came down to Whitehead early last season and went back up to Carrick late that night with all 3 points. Castle without a League Championship success for 2 seasons now, start off in a derby match against Barbarians. With the signing off Rab Butler they probably start off as slight favourites to make it 3rd time lucky. But even with the loss off Butler and Paul Harris, Rockers still should be there or thereabouts at the business end of the season as new joint managers Gee Crawley and Wayne Lewis have made some shrewd additions to the squad. Watch out for Jonny Thompsons Scorpions this time round. They entertain newcomers The Jolly Beggar and on paper their squad is as strong as any. Last season 4th placed team The Pirates have rebranded as The Cowboys and will again be difficult to beat especially at their home venue. Cowboys kick off against Whitehead Trojans who have also strengthened. Up in Rathcoole Eastway meet Alpha in a derby match which will give either Tom Larmour's or Mark Kitson's players the bragging rights until they meet again. Monkstown under new leadership of Robert Henderson welcome Harry Warwick's Greenisland, both teams hoping for a higher league position than the past season. Clare Websters Valkyries have rebranded too, they are now The Warriors and start off at home to Rab Browns improving MSC Trojans.

In the photo - Champions Spartans start the defence of their trophy off at home to Teddy Bears.

Opening League fixtures (Tuesday 4th September)
Eastway v Alpha
Scorpions v Jolly Beggar
Monkstown v Greenisland
Spartans v Teddy Bears
Castle v Barbarians
Cowboys v Whitehead Trojans
Warriors v MSC Trojans
Rockers v Bye