Men's 1s West Men's Division 1 North Champions 2022-23
After slipping up with an away draw at Leominster last week, our 1s boys were a game away from league victory. Swansea, the only thing standing between our lads and an unbeaten season. Or as it turned out... not so much! Captain Jimmy received word that the Swans couldn't muster the courage to face our elite XI, so although the team were denied their chance of a final day victory, they had successfully scared off the final obstacle between them and the Men's Division 1 North trophy.
Jimmy and the coaching team kept the news from the team, who arrived kitted and pumped up for the battle ahead. Arm-in-arm, the squad huddled to hear a spine-tingling speech from their skipper. As he announced the news, half-stifled celebrations followed, as some feared a cruel April fools joke, before rapturous celebrations and champagne showers!
Not quite the final day the club was so excited for, but an outcome that was gladly received. Both our men's and women's teams finished the season as unbeaten champions and will be competing in the Premiership and Division 1 next season, an incredible achievement for the club.
Elsewhere, the squads were looking to end their seasons strongly. Our men's 2s secured an away win in Wales to secure a respectable 4th in Division 2. It's been a difficult season for our 3s and 4s, but both teams rallied in their final matches to draw with their opponents.
In an additional fixture to end the season, our mixed XI travelled to Birmingham for their last 32 cup game. Unfortunately some of the men were "fatigued" from the activities of the previous day, and the squad weren't able progress to the next round.
A great effort all round from all of the Orange Army this season. A successful season on and off the field as we welcomed a host of new members and saw the rise of our junior players through the ranks. Plenty to celebrate at the award night at the end of the month.
Match Summary
Men's 1st Team
Bristol & West [5-0] Swansea 2 (HWO)
A home walkover + unbeaten season + league title + promotion 😎
Well done lads
Men's 2nd Team
Whitchurch 2 [3-4] Bristol & West 2
Not the calmest of performances! Conceded first again (bit of a habit this season), but outplayed Whitchurch for most of the game. A deserved victory to round out the season with. 4th place finish.
4-3 win
Goals Luz 2 fish 1 Chaz g 1
Assists max 1 nevs 1 si b 1 Luz 1
Motm nevs 2 weeks running 🔥
Dotd de witt 2 weeks running 😂
Defender bonus Wayne
Men's 3rd Team
Bristol & West 3 [3-3] Westbury & United Banks
A strong performance in the final game that could have been victory but for a late Westbury equaliser. Top effort boys
Men's 4th Team
Bristol & West 4 [5-5] Clifton Robinsons 6
Great point against an always tough opponent.
M4 5-5 Vs Robbies
🥅 @Ryan Johnson 2; @Leo Nolan 1 @Jeremy Bourke 1; @Stuart Bryant 1 (ps)
Assist Edd 3 Ryan 1
YC @Edward Wood
MoM: ryan
Def: @Andrew Bryce
🍆 Edd wood
Men's 6th Team
Bristol & West 6 (Dev) [0-6] Westbury & United Banks 3
Mixed Team
Hampton in Arden [4-2] Bristol & West
A sluggish start from a very hungover team saw us drop out of the cup. Credit to the women who put in fantastic performances!