Newbury Sunday League gets under way, as Diamond make perfect start against The Crickets
The Newbury Sunday League football season got under way at the weekend, with two fixtures taking place.
Games kicked off at 10:30 on Sunday morning, with players, coaches, organisers and referees braving the damp conditions following a stormy Saturday night.
At The Diamond, Greenham, Diamond FC hosted The Crickets AFC, in the latter’s first ever competitive match.
Diamond finished fifth last season, hoping to push on and become one of the division’s leading teams this year.
They made the perfect start too, when Aaron Duncan’s lobbed effort from range left the Crickets keeper stranded for 1-0.
The second was a near carbon copy, as captain Journey Waters found the net from outside the box, leaving the keeper in no man’s land.
Josh Johnson would take advantage of a rebound for 3-0, before a fourth from MJ Godfrey and a screamer from distance by Waters.
Reece Yard made it six to round off a thumping victory, but The Crickets won’t be too disheartened.
Club organisers reflected that this was a much improved performance from their two pre-season fixtures, falling short against a well organised Diamond side who saw multiple long range efforts find the net.
Elsewhere, Plough on the Green FC made their re-debut after changing their name from The Lamb Inn, as they hosted Thatcham Tornadoes at City Playground.
They made the perfect start to their new era, as Samuel Oviedo López scored his first goal for the club to lead them into half-time 2-0 up.
Elliott Jones made it three, before an own goal gave Thatcham a consolation.
NWX FC requested a week’s postponement for their match with Kingsclere, which was granted by the league.
This Sunday, Kingsclere will host Diamond at Headley Playing Fields, Thatcham Tornadoes will face NWX at Douai Abbey, while The Crickets AFC have their first home fixture at Henwick, facing The Plough on the Green.
Those interested in getting involved should contact any of the clubs on their Facebook or Instagram accounts, or contact Bill Fry on 07964 058344.
