CORINTHIAN NEWS
MAY 2008
(The Final Countdown)
Dear Secretaries & Referees,
Well ladies and gents that is it for this what seems like a very long season indeed, it has been a very successful season for this league in respect of the league and cup games especially the Division Two league title but more of that later but first let us start with our cup finals which started on a Wednesday night at Hertford Town between local rivals Cuffley and Goffs Oak in the newly formed Division Plate, the tie was settled by an early goal in the second half by Goffs Oak giving them a trophy in their first season with the league, the match itself was a entertaining affair played in good spirit and well supported, both clubs can take a lot of credit for their performance.
The Division Two final was next with New Riverside taking on their close rivals from Watton the Waggon & Horses, this match was watched by a large very vocal crowd it was always going to be a high scoring game, and so it proved each time Riverside took the lead Waggon came back at them and at 90 minutes the score was 3 – 3 and so extra time was played, two quick goals gave Riverside some breathing space and when Waggon lost their goalkeeper who was sent off there was no coming back this time and the team from Cheshunt eventually ran out 7 – 3 winners their fitness told in the end but Waggon can take a lot of credit for an entertaining final in difficult conditions, the pitch was like the sahara desert in places and losing the ball in the uncut grass in others and temperatures in the 80’s. mind you it helped me lose some weight (alright, I know I need to).
In the afternoon Sun & Harrow met their old adversaries Hornsmill United in the Division One Final, this was always going to be close and so it proved, the Harrow took the lead in the first half but United came back and drew level mid way through the second and that was the score after 90 minutes extra time again was played and there was no further score so we went to a penalty shoot out which proved just as close with the score at 5 – 4 to Hornsmill this time their keeper saved the final kick thus giving United the Division One cup and ending Sun & Harrow’s hopes of a league & cup treble.
(The Final countdown continued)
The following week we had our last set of finals, the first being the Jubilee Cup between Division Two runners up Sun & Harrow Reserves and the improving youngsters from Buntingford Cougars, at it was the boys from ‘the Bury’ which took an early lead which seemed to take the wind out of the Arrows sails, the rest of the half was a tight affair and stayed at 1 – 0 to Cougars, you sensed that the next score would be crucial and so it proved when after a bit of pressure from the pub side Buntingford broke away and were awarded a penalty which they duly converted sending both players and coaches into ectasy, that goal seemed to deflate Sun & Harrow who offered very little after so much so that Buntingford a third towards the end and amid jubilation amongst the club lifted a trophy for the first time.
The last final to be held was the Challenge Cup, this has always been a close affair and there was no reason to think different this year, Division One Champions Sun and Harrow took on new boys Goffs Oak who finished runners up in Division One and their previous matches had proved tight but this time there was only one team in it, by half time Goffs Oak had completely destroyed Sun & Harrow by completely outplaying them with some superb football and led 4 – 0, the Harrow never got to grips with the fast flowing football served up by Goffs Oak and were glad to hear the final whistle suffering a 6 – 1 drubbing, this was the first time that I have seen Sun & Harrow nee Hornets completely outplayed but no doubt next season they will be back. To Goffs Oak congratulations on a brilliant performance we are glad to have them in the league not a bad first season two cups and runners up in the league.
In the League Divison One Sun & Harrow had wrapped the title up a few weeks previous, but Division Two was not settled until a dark and wet Thursday evening at Buntingford when New Riverside took on The Salisbury in a match where its winner takes all, after a nervy first half but entertaining football prevailed and the team from Riverside went in a goal up but Salisbury still had plenty to give but midway through the second half the boys from Cheshunt scored two quick goals thus ending Salisbury’s resistence and when the referee blew for a 4 – 0 win, barring a 26 – 0 defeat at Green Man the title was going to New Riverside and a place in Divison One next season.
(The Final countdown continued)
Going back to the finals I would like to thank many people which made these finals a complete success, firstly to Clive & Tracy for all the hard work they put in, getting programmes done (best so far), food, organising bouncy castle and face painting, well done Tania for the painting, the ball boys who are a godsend to us committee members by chasing after the hefty clearances in the jungle behind the ground, to Sarah for doing a job not many would want on the gate, you’re an angel, all other members and non members that helped out, to you all many many thanks, and last but no means least I would thank Hertford Town Football Club for allowing us to use their facilities, (could you cut the grass please next year).
One other point is a vote of thanks to Linda Ennis and Gary Norman from the Hertfordshire Football Association who came to both weekend finals and were presented to the teams and officials before the matches and later presented the trophies, we as a league were delighted that they accepted our invitation to attend, it’s good for the leagues profile as we strive to enhance our reputation as an up and coming league.
The next important date for you all is the Leagues AGM/Presentation night on June 4th at Bengeo Working Mens Club, this is your chance to air any problems that you have, because at the end of the day it is your league, we the committee run it with your interests at heart you might not think it sometimes.
In closing I as fixture secretary would like to thank the majority of you that had to play midweek for playing most of the fixtures set out for you so we came to a proper conclusion, this league has had enquiries from 12 clubs so far with this in mind we will definitely be running at least one extra division many more perhaps another who knows by the AGM we will be able to ascertain which way we will go.
Once again do not forget the 4th June, look forward to seeing you all there and thanks for an excellent season on behalf of the management committee long may it continue.
CORINTHIAN NEWS
APRIL 2008
Dear Secretaries & Referees,
In what I can only describe as a bad month for fixtures because of the atrocious weather (snow/rain) and it meant that a lot of matches being rescheduled somehow we have got the finalists in most of our cup competitions to be held in May, I would like to thank all clubs for their cooperation in getting games played.
In the League Challenge Cup Sun & Harrow have reached the final after a gritty performance by Division Two White Lion who actually led in the semi final for a while but in the end S & H fitness told and they ran out easy winners but well done to the Lion for a brilliant run in the leagues premier cup, Sun & Harrow will meet Goffs Oak who had to come back from a goal down to beat New Riverside in a thrilling semi final that would have been worthy of the final itself, both clubs were a credit to themselves and this league.
In the Divisional cups Division Two title favourites New Riverside eventually overcame a resolute Dane End United side 3 – 0 but the villagers made them fight all the way, in the final on May 11th Riverside will meet the free scoring Waggon & Horses (The Bull) who beat the improving youngsters of Buntingford Cougars 6 – 2 after falling behind, this promises to be a goal feast between sides that have scored over a 150 goals between them.
In the Division One final once again Sun & Harrow make an appearance but in their semi final Cuffley pushed them all the way losing on by the odd goal in three, in the final they will meet their old foe Hornsmill United who easily overcame the relegated White Horse who will be looking to re group next season in a lower division.
Commiserations to Hornsmill United on losing out on a County Cup final place after being beaten in the semi final for the second time in two seasons I am sure that they will be going flat out to get some silverware this year and the final should be a cracker.
Congratulations to all sides that have made it to a final this year and I hope you all enjoy the day ( some obviously won’t if they lose but at least you got there, someone has to lose please take defeat with dignity) and to the winners well done to you.
I would like to thank all you clubs that have put out sides mid week this season, it has gone well, with just a few weeks left of this season everything should be tied up very soon, just the few important Division Two matches still to be played, the final outcome of this and cup final days reports will be in my final newsletter of the season, speaking of which even if you are not taking part give one final at least your support.
Hope to see you in one capacity or another at Hertford Town FC, don,t be shy come up to me and offer me a drink, I would not insult you by turning it down.
Yours in sport
Ron Bunce
Dear Clubs & Officials
With xmas a thing of the past we look forward to the second half of the season with still a lot
of teams in the running for honours.
In Division One Sun & Harrow are leading the way, with Hornsmill ready to pounce if they slip up with the early leaders Goffs Oak in third, in the Second Division the title has been blown open with Sun & Harrow Reserves suffering a surprise defeat at the vastly inproved White Lion,
The Salisbury and New Riverside have games in hand but they have to get the points meanwhile The Waggon & Horses (The Bull) are having a good season and will not be far away, both Divisions will have a clearer idea (weather permitting) by the end of February. March will see mainly cup matches speaking of which good luck to Hornsmill United, Sun & Harrow and New Riverside in their county cup matches lets hope they all fly the flag and progress into the quarter finals.
A supplementary competition for Division One sides that do not have many league games left is to be run under title Division One Plate, the rules are that the 6 teams entered play each other once, the top two teams will then play in the final which is to be played at Hertford Town F.C. this will be a mid week match, please note for reference that all games ( except the final )will be played on a league basis, no extra time, nor penalties.
A point raised at the council meeting was about fines accrued by not phoning cup results in is that although I accept the minutes do state the referees to phone in but according to the rule book which you all have accepted, under cup competitions it still states that both clubs phone in results so in fact this is a grey area and one we will be dealing with at the AGM , all I can do is ask you all to bear with me and for the rest of the season please just phone the result in, many thanks,
The next point is the i/d check before the game, it is to be carried out in the centre circle, each player should carry his own card for inspection by the opposition, referees please ensure this happens, you do not have to inspect cards yourself just make sure this happens.
The league is getting tremendous coverage in the Hertfordshire Mercury this season, this is helping to get us more noticed and the enquiries that we have had would indicate that for the next season we could/should have a third division, we do need you to give Clive the info asap so he can relay the report to the paper, it’s the same clubs all the time, so if you want your club mentioned give Clive a call.
Please remember that if your game is postponed to phone myself and Melvyn.
There is a new pitch being used at Bramfield, you may arrive and think it is too small, I can assure you all that I had the pleasure of officiating the first match on it recently and all measurements are of the required sizes, some are the minimum but legal.
One last point is please contact the correct officer for any problems that occur, hopefully your problem can be dealt with by relevant officer, other that that good luck to you all in your quest to reach a final remember not everyone can, so take defeat with dignity, hopefully see you around the parks.
Yours in Sport Ron Bunce
CORINTHIAN NEWS
MARCH 2008
Dear Secretaries & Referees,
Its been a while since my last letter to you and in that time we have seen one or two surprises in the cups, I will come to that later on but to start with league matters in Division One the crunch game between Sun & Harrow and Hornsmill United took place on Sunday 16th and resulted in Sun & Harrow becoming the Division One champions with a comprehensive 4 – 1 victory, I would like to congratulate them on the title and they are worthy winners, the runners up spot will go to either Hornsmill or Goffs Oak the latter having a good first season with us, down at the other end White Horse have known they will be playing Division Two football next season for some time now, who goes with them will be decided over the next few games.
In the Second Division Sun & Harrow Reserves still lead the pack but will probably be overtaken by the favorites for the title New Riverside, who will join them will be decided after some important games, The Salisbury, Waggon & Horses or White Lion could go up with them, whatever happens this has been in my opinion the best Division Two league for many a year.
In the various cups one or two shocks have been thrown up namely in the LCC quarter final White Lion defeating the mighty Hornsmill United which now pairs the Lion with the Sun & Harrow in the semi final another daunting game but who knows! The Division One Cup semi finals we have White Horse trying to get some glory out of a disappointing season by upsetting Hornsmill who will in turn be keen not to be on the end of another upset, in the other semi the young side from Cuffley will try to get to their first final in this league but they have to get past the champions Sun & Harrow to play at Hertford on May 11th, my prediction no shocks.
In the Division Two Cup, after their fantastic fight back in the quarter final against The Salisbury which saw them 5 – 1 down at half time saw Dane End use their ‘Hill’ to score a remarkable victory with virtually the last kick of the match winning 6 – 5 and being rewarded with a semi against the other favorites New Riverside in the other semi Buntingford
Cougars youngsters will be looking to cap a much improved season by defeating the free scoring Waggon & Horses and being the first Buntingford side to take part in a final in this league, my prediction Cheshunt v Watton.
The Jubilee Cup has a little way to go yet in the semi’s Sun & Harrow Reseves are waiting for Cuffley or The Highway in the other semi HMOB or AFC Ram will play Millstream or Buntingford my prediction for final Cuffley and Millstream PV, PLEASE REMEMBER IT’S ONLY MY OPINION nobody else’s.
The final set of fixtures will be out shortly, to all teams required to play mid week matches please know that for evening fixtures we the committee know the problem with getting players there for kick off time to show i/d cards so with this in mind we are prepared to relax the strict rule about not being there at kick off time, all we say is any player who arrives late still first must show his card to the opposition before he can come on the field of play, but the same applies if he does not have his i/d, once again he cannot play, if you cannot fulfill the fixture you have to let me know at least 2 days before the match or you will be fined and lose the match.
On the disciplinary front one or two issues have arisen that prompts me to remind all clubs that this league will not tolerate foul and abusive language at our matches and especially to match officials, your players risk losing their registration card if they reach an unacceptable level of misconduct,We have placed advertisements in both the Hertford and the Hatfield/Welwyn Mercury newspapers which has prompted several enquiries from both Clubs and Referees, so the future in this league looks like its on the up, at this time it looks like we will be running an extra Division next season, which will benefit some clubs that are struggling to find their level, if any of you are thinking of departing we would appreciate that you inform us at the earliest opportunity but we would encourage you all to stay and be a part of an up and coming League.
So in closing this time may I wish all clubs involved in cup ties or league matches all the best may the best team win to the losers there is always next year and to the winners ‘ Success with Dignity’ and do not forget the referee might make a mistake now and then but perhaps take a look at yourself how many do you make during the course of the game. One final point, want to contribute towards the league feel, like a stint on committee if yes give me a call.
NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2007
Dear Secretaries & Referees,
Its been a little while since my last newsletter and with the season getting on for half way it was time to report on the goings on within the League.
In Division One Goffs Oak started very well and were top but after suffering defeats to The Highway and White Horse have found themselves overtaken by a very good Sun & Harrow side, waiting in the wings are last years champions Hornsmill for any mistakes by the top two so the meetings between the three should decide the crown, Cuffley are once again leading the also rans, like Bury Rangers and Millstream they win amongst themselves but cannot defeat the teams at the top, whilst The Highway and White Horse despite dreadful starts have picked up some welcome points.
Division Two seems to be one of the closest for a while with Sun & Harrow Reserves like their 1st team heading the table, The Bull are having a good season averaging over 5 goals a game and are just behind them as are New Riverside who have a couple of games in hand and at this time are still in the County Junior Cup( good luck ) , also on their day The Salisbury are a force to be reckoned with, White Lion in their first season are doing well at this time and are fifth, Division Two had the 1st Round of their Divisional Cup recently, in the match of the day The Salisbury knocked the favourites Sun & Harrow Reserves out by 3 – 2, Dane End needed extra time to defeat White Lion 6-3, New Riverside accounted for a resolute Van Hages side 3 – 0, and in the other tie Buntingford Cougars caused a mini upset by beating Ware Saviours 3 – 0, the draw for the 2nd round will be held at the League Council meeting on January 14th.
The League Challenge Cup group stages come to a head this month, most of the seeded teams probably will make the quarter finals, my crystal ball says the following, Bury Rangers, Cuffley, Hornsmill Utd, Goffs Oak, The Highway, Millstream, Sun & Harrow & New Riverside will be in the draw also to be held on January 14th.
The County Intermediate cup is this weekend (weather permitting ) with Cuffley and Hornsmill United both traveling whilst Sun & Harrow are at home I would to wish all three of you the very best of luck, keep flying the flag guys, other leagues are sitting up and taking a bit of notice of this little league in east herts which is getting bigger and better every year.
We have so far already had three enquiries for next season two of which are definite, so hopefully we could after many years absence restore a third division but that is in the future back to the present, on the grapevine I hear that a few of you are saying some of the fines are petty, I say read the rules ladies and gents, the majority of fines come from results, like I have said before it’s not rocket science to fill in all the result card or pick the phone up and give me the result of your cup match or am I missing something, whilst some of you keep failing I will keep fining, just put a few minutes aside to carry out these simple rules and it saves money, probably yours.
Discipline within the League has improved so far, although we have found clubs that cross the line pay the price, as before the message is enjoy your football with us, spoil it for others I can assure you there will be only one winner and it will not be you.
That’s about all for this time, it just falls to me on behalf of the Management Committee to wish all officials, players,referees and families a
MERRY CHRISTMAS
AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
Ron Bunce
Deputy Chairperson
There have been many fines so far for various reasons, but can clubs be reminded that we have two coloured result cards.
The white one is for LEAGUE matches only and the pink one is for all CUP matches.
If you send, the wrong colour you will be fined for incorrect card, please also be aware that the entire result card MUST be filled in, anything not filled in will result in a fine being issued.
I am amazed how some of you are getting it wrong, just spend a few minutes to get it right and save a fine, if you do not know the match referee on the day ask either the opponents or the referee.
Make sure the opposition signs your card, this is my final reminder to you all, it is no good complaining about a fine, if you do not agree I will send a photocopy of the card.
I do realise that due to the postal strike there will be disruption to the deliveries and there will be late arrivals I will make allowances until the strike finishes.
In addition, may I remind you all that any club playing in a county cup-tie MUST phone their result to both the Herts FA and myself (BEFORE 6PM) and BOTH teams to phone me with any domestic cup (Divisional, League Challenge Cup, and later on the Jubilee Cup)
Ron Bunce
Results & Cup Competitions Secretary
Rons Newsletters
Aug 2007
Dear Secretaries & Referees,
With the summer eventually arriving our thoughts now on the beginning of a new season lets hope that the 2007 – 2008 one is reasonable trouble free for all concerned, don’t forget if you have a problem give the relevant officer a call because saying you haven’t been told will not work as you all have been given the information throughout the close season.
The county cup draws have been made so I wish all of you good luck in your own competitions and go as far as you can representing this league.
The Junior Cup is on September 16th with the Intermediate Cup being held on the following week.
If there is a problem with the fixtures give me a call.
I hear one or two of you have a problem, well gents I did send out a letter stating that if I had not received a reply by August 1st I would allocate matches whenever so until I receive the open dates for your home matches i will continue to allocate matches where I see fit.
With regard to the League Challenge Cup I will endeavor to give you equal home and away games, the Divisional Cups are straight knock out so the first team drawn out is at home, and extra time and penalties will be played if the scores are level after 90 minutes, all expenses are shared in cup games,also do not forget to phone me with the result of any cup game you take part in, be it League or County Cup by 5pm please.
Please remember that NO match will take place if you have not got your players indentification cards for inspection, the match referee must not allow the game to proceed if the i/d cards are not shown.
You should have your result cards with you now, please be aware of the
filling out the card (I have sent a sample copy to you all)
I hope that the worrying trend of higher misconduct does not happen this season, like I have said before this committee is committed to stamp out any bad apples and we will come down heavy on any offenders or clubs that wish to spoil peoples recreation on a Sunday morning, and to clarify so you are aware, if ANY person within your club enters the field of play without the referees permission your club will be fined up to a maximum of £50 pending the referees report and then the committees recommendation.
As this is the last newsletter before we start the season I urge all managers,officials, coaches etc to promote the leagues good conduct policy before during and after each match and enjoy the season with us.
On behalf of the League Management Committee I would welcome both old and new clubs to the 2007 – 2008 season in which we have 21 clubs in two Divisions and hope you enjoy your season do not forget that not everyone can win most in fact lose so I would ask losers to accept defeat with dignity.
This League would respectfully remind you all that this committee will be taking a hard line on any persistent offenders be it either club or player.
I would ask all managers, trainers to remind their players of the conduct which we are promoting, secretaries please keep up to date any paperwork that needs their attention, make yourself fully conversant with the Leagues Rules and Regulations if you get in difficulties contact one of the committee members who be will more than happy to help you
Once again I wish you all a good season.
Ron Bunce
Hon Vice Chairperson
East Herts Corinthian Sunday Football League
To all clubs and officials,
Despite some of the worst weather ever in June, I hope that you are enjoying your summer break from football unless you are the mighty breed that plays 5 a side football.
I hope to see you all at Bengeo Working Men’s on Monday 13th August, where we will discuss the way that this league will work for the 2007 – 2008 season, at the meeting you will have the chance to ask any questions if you have a query also later on at the meeting we shall be conducting the draw for the Divisional and League Challenge Cups.
Despite most events being put on the website one or two of you have asked if I will continue to do monthly newsletters as to my surprise you seem to enjoy my waffling on’s, I know some of you will groan but if that’s what the majority would like I shall continue willingly. This one however is short and sweet, continue to have a good summer and hopefully will see you all at Bengeo on the 13th.
NEWSLETTER
League Newsletter June 2007
Dear Secretaries,
Following the recent Annual General Meeting the following was decided, a couple of minor changes regarding referees and linesperson, and the club captain to wear a armband but the most important one is the checking of players I/d cards being held on the centre circle, each player to have his own card, and the referee can check studs & jewellery at the same time, if a player turns up late the opposing manager is responsible for checking the I/d before he comes onto the field of play, also the same applies even if he is a sub, if any of this is not carried out please write to me with your comments. I must remind you all that the referees are instructed that this is compulsory and if you do not have any cards with you the match will not go ahead, if it doe’s he will be accountable for his actions.
Also concerns were raised about the fine implemented for unauthorized entry onto the field of play by person/persons of club, as explained the committee have set a maximum fine of £50, each case will be dealt with at committee level but please be aware about entering the field without permission is not acceptable, we had a number of occasions when this happened last season, once again it is your responsibility to keep your members in check.
I have been asked to remind you all of the following: Your clubs pitch venue/address and post code, for inclusion on web site Your and 2nd contact email address (if appropriate) Have you got all your signing on forms, if you have please make sure you get them back to Clive Brooks as soon as possible, you have until 16th August but it would be helpful if you could return them earlier. All above to be sent to Clive on clivebrooks50@msn.com or his address of : 24 Cranbourne Close, Hornsmill, Hertford SG13 8HU, any queries with forms call him on 01992 415098.
NEWSLETTER (Continued) With regard to last season I would thank you for your continued cooperation in getting the majority of games played, the mid week fixtures were a waste of time with not one played, so with that in mind and more teams in both divisions we will start on September 9th and finish on Cup Finals day on May 18th, any club that is concerned about lack of games please do not worry, Division Two clubs have enough to be going on with, in Division One who have slightly less games we will monitor how you are all getting on but having reconsidered about the League Challenge Cup it will be as before run on a league basis so I believe everyone will be getting plenty of games.
I would like to welcome all new clubs to the Corinthian League and hope they enjoy their football with us, we are endeavouring to stop foul play as much as possible with the disciplinary code in place and will come down hard on any persistent offenders or clubs, also I welcome back member clubs of last season apart from Wareside who have folded sadly, and AFC Cheshunt who have gone to another league (how I will miss my cosy chats with Mr Smithies), hopefully the referees will sign on again I wish Melvyn Pateman luck in his new post, Bob Flack as treasurer, Tony Hayden as Fines Secretary, I would congratulate Clive in getting this league’s coverage of results/reports in the Mercury giving this league exposure, and organising this years cup finals which were a complete success. In closing, I wish you all a good summer, do not forget the forms, and get them back ASAP.
Yours in Sport
Ron Bunce Hon Vice Chairperson
MAY 2007
Dear Secretaries,
CUP FINAL NEWS
On May 13th, we hosted our final games of the season at Hertford Town Football Club, it started with the Jubilee Cup Final between Dane End and Horns Mill Old Boys which for the first half looked to be a close affair, with Dane End leading 1 – 0 at the break it was all to play for especially after the Old Boys had a goal ruled out, Dane End increased their lead mid way through the second half a but Horns Mill never gave up and had the ball in the net a second time once only again to be disallowed by a linesman’s flag, it just wasn’t going to be their day and Dane End rubbed salt into the wounds by scoring a third debateable goal towards the end, and so at the end Dane End took the cup by a rather flattering 3 – 0 score line, having said that overall they did deserve the victory, considering the overcast morning the attendance was once again very good, then before the ‘big one’ the heavens opened up and the pitch became a small pond for a while, luckily it eased off and the Challenge Cup warriors of Hornsmill and AFC Cheshunt took the field for a repeat of the Division One final.
The team from Cheshunt took the early exchanges and following a corner the unfortunate Danny Atkins put through his own net to give Cheshunt the lead they deserved. The game was turning once again into a mid field battle with both teams giving very little away then after being put through on goal a Hornsmill player was brought down in the penalty by the Cheshunt goalkeeper who was a shade fortunate not to receive any sort of card from Mr Ward, but he was unfortunate when he couldn’t keep the resulting kick from the spot out despite getting his hands to it which levelled the score after 30 minutes and that would be the score after 90 minutes after a lot of huffing and puffin from both sets of players and so we went into extra time with a game that could have gone either way.
After only 3 minutes of extra time following a corner a Cheshunt player handled in the area and the ref pointed again to the spot, all the Hornsmill players seemed to shrink away from the responsibility but the man who had put through his own goal earlier was brave enough to step forward and give the keeper no chance with the kick, this was a lead that Hornsmill held on to despite heavy Cheshunt pressure for the remainder, so it was wild scenes of joy when Ken Ward blew for the end for Hornsmill who had lifted their first cup in a final since their formation capping a excellent season for them having already won the League title, praise should also go to AFC Cheshunt for their contribution towards another close and entertaining match.
In closing I have to say that switching from Bishop’s Stortford to Hertford certainly paid off with record crowds watching and with the inclement weather for the second set of finals and having a power cut all day to still make a profit was brilliant, whilst we had superb facilities at Stortford but small crowds although Hertford is a basic ground, the facilities leave a bit to be desired, the atmosphere in the ground for every final more than made up for it.
Once again, I would like to thank Hertford Town Football Club for the use of their ground, Sarah and Chloe for their long stint in the turnstile, the boys who retrieved the balls for Clive, Tracy, and us for the effort that they both put in so the finals went ahead smoothly.
This was my last set of finals as the Referees Secretary, I have decided to stand down after 9 years I think that I have gone as far as I can and have felt a little let down by various events during the course of the season and also this will be my last newsletter to you all, I hope you enjoyed being kept up to date with the news, most items will now be on the Leagues website which Lee is running, hopefully with a superb website and teams coming in this league can now go from strength to strength and be held in high regard by others who in the past have called us a Mickey mouse league which we have proved is b….cks time and time again.
Have a good summer break, hopefully will see you all the AGM and Presentation night on June 6th at Bengeo
Yours in Sport Ron Bunce
NEWSLETTER APRIL
Dear Secretaries & Referees,
The season now comes to a climax with important fixtures in the league & cup.
There has been a few concerns over mid week fixtures being allocated but with several weekends lost due to bad weather and clubs having a long cup run it has necessitated in having a few games then, the argument of us being a Sunday league is non applicable as all other Saturday/Sunday leagues are doing midweek matches to complete their fixtures.
Division One is basically down to the Hornsmill United v AFC Cheshunt games, the onus is on Cheshunt to win both matches, in Division Two congratulations to Sun & Harrow who are champions whilst Bury Reserves, Ware Saviours and New Riverside who have games in hand are all promotion hopefuls.
In the Cups, in Division One Hornsmill United overcame a resolute Cuffley side 4 – 1, in the final they will
play their old adversaries AFC Cheshunt who overcame Buntingford 4 – 2, making for a cracker of a final.
In Division Two in a close encounter Bury Reserves beat The Salisbury 2 – 0 capping a excellent first season in the league and their opponents will be Ware Saviours who defeated Dane End United 2 – 1.
In the Challenge Cup Final Hornsmill United will meet AFC Cheshunt in a repeat of the Divisional Shield, another close encounter is expected between the ‘big two’ of the league.
Dane End United will play Horns Mill Old Boys in the Jubilee Cup Final on May 13th, with regard to the
Jubilee Cup I would respectfully like to remind all competing clubs for this season that if you haven’t paid your entrance fee would you please send your £10 fee (Rule 14 m) to Keith Barrett, many thanks.
With regard to new clubs we have had 8 enquiries of which 6 are definite at this time and are still looking
for more, ideally we would like 3 Divisions again as soon as we can possibly of 8 teams per division, the gap between Division One and Two at this moment is pretty high, but some of the new clubs have
indicated that the want Division football so all in all perhaps the future looks bright for the top flight, in
the next newsletter I will inform you all of the comings and goings, we as a committee have one or two
matters to decide about the constitution for next season and once again you will be informed soon.
We would appreciate you letting us know of your intention if you will applying to stay in this league, with new clubs coming in we would like to have the format at the AGM/Presentation evening on Wednesday June 6th 2007 at Bengeo Working Mens Club, with this in mind would you please fill in enclosed form and send back to me as soon as possible thanks, and if you will not be joining please also convey this to the League Secretary.
Hope to see you at the Cup Finals at Hertford Town F.C. on April 22nd and May 13th, both sets of finals
promises to be close affairs, good luck to all teams and officials I hope you enjoy your day.
Once again during this season various problems have reared their ugly heads and we intend to put one or two problem areas in place, I think the major contentious problem is i/d cards, there will be no if or but’s next season, EVERY PLAYER will have to show his i/d to the opposing manager, once or twice teams have made an excuse as to why their player hasn’t got their i/d, or they have forgotten them, it will not work gents I will instruct referees not to proceed with the match and to managers please make sure you check before the start of the match it’s your responsibility to check and the referees duty to make sure you do It.
To all referees I would once again thank for your help this season, some of you have been a little lapse with your administration and would remind you of your responsibility of dealing with all correspondence to me in the stipulated time, lets hope I don’t have to go to Ware Sorting again office to collect result and misconduct reports and pay for the privilege because you haven’t put a stamp on, (not 2nd class) and despite reminders some of you are still marking out of 5 instead of 10.
Misconduct has risen to a unacceptable level within this league, both on and off the field, the committee has decided to come down heavy on all persistent offenders, with this in mind I shall be monitoring both this season and next season all players, clubs and officials within clubs and if it reaches a certain level serious action will be taken. also a element of intimidation has crept into the league once again it has to stop now as with playing unregistered players or trying to ‘cheat’ both the league and opponents by putting a different name on the result card or indeed not sending a result card so inflicting a £10 fine instead of £25 and no proof is then given of a ineligible player taking part, beware if you try it and get caught because we as a league could suspend and possibly expel your club from the league, that is how serious we the committee are taking this situation that occurred on more than one occasion this season.