Great Winter Season at the Mini Winter Leagues at David Lloyd Newcastle
The Winter Leagues at David Lloyd Gosforth did not get off to a very good start for me as I had the flu and was unable to supervise the event; However John Cunliffe came to the rescue, and the leagues started on schedule in October 2012.
Unbelievably, the first fixture ended with a draw for the four teams competing, and it looked like it was going to be a closely fought league.
After that, Northumberland took charge, winning all their fixtures decisively, 14-2 against David Lloyd, 12-4 against Tyne Valley A, and 11-5 against the Cullercoats Cougars. The Cougars were hot on the heels of the Northumberland Tomatoes, drawing against David Lloyd, taking Tyne Valley A, 12-4 and getting a walkover against Tyne Valley B in the final fixture.
After the first fixture Tyne Valley A and B, suffered setbacks to their challenge for the Trophy with a lack of available players. Having to forfeit matches in December 2012, January and February, meant that both teams ended up in 4th and 5th place.
The David Lloyd team were unlucky with injury problems on a couple of occasions, and managed to come in 3rd position overall.
Congratulations to the Northumberland Tomatoes on winning the Winter League for the second year in a row, and commiserations on a close 2nd position to the Cullercoats Cougars. There are a great group of talented players coming through in the region, which are a credit to the coaches of the North East.
In my capacity as League Organiser, I would like to thank, all the players, parents and coaches, and especially the volunteers who scored the matches. Without their help and support, and sense of humour, the leagues would have been impossible. I would also like to thank, David Lloyd Gosforth, who have hosted the league for the past 5 months and the ‘girls’ in the NLTA office Sunderland for their patience and knowledge when I needed it.
Pippa Hawes Competition Organiser