I first became involved in 2004, when the 4 man 'Park Gate' team needed a 'Super Sub' if anybody was going to be on holiday or could'nt make it for whatever reason. The league has been running for years, but the 'Park Gate' entered in 2002. In 2004. The league consisted of 11 teams. Each play each other home and away, and also in a 'Knockout' trophy. The 'Clifford Arms' always win it, and have completed the League and Cup 'double' every year except One. 'The 'Sports and Social' 'Bank house A' and ' Saracens' are usually in the mix for 'Second', with the rest of the teams being pretty even.
The 'Park Gate' only needed me for 3 games in 2004/5, and finished 5th. This was similar the following season, but now with only 10 teams involved. I was called upon a lot more in 2006/7, and it is the most succesful season to date. Now down to 9 teams. The league campaign saw us finish 3rd, and we had our best cup run as well. Because of the odd number of teams. A 'Preliminary' round had to be drawn, and we were in it. After winning that, and a 'Quarter Final', the scene was set for a home 'Semi Final' against the mighty 'Sports and Social'. Always consistent, they even have a team member who has been on 'Mastermind'. When the match was drawing nearer. It was revealed that 3 regular members would be absent for this encounter. Because of this, I was obviously called into the team, and a couple of 'Rookie' super subs were also drafted. We lost 64-63 in an epic match with an understrength line up, but we were so close to 'cup glory'.
The last 3 seasons. We have finished 5th each year, and I have been a full member for the last 2. This season we have seen the league reduced to 8 teams, and after 5 matches, you've guessed it, we are 5th. If my health deteriorates further. I might have to give up, as the travelling to away matches although only 10 miles away, gets slightly more painful each time.
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