Farewell The Swamp, Hello...suggestions on a postcard

Saturday saw the sun shining and the bunting fluttering in the wind for Club Day. This was not just any Club Day but the grand opening of the new pitch at Dukes and the culmination of the hard work of many.

The day started with what was a guaranteed non-losing start as the Accidentals played the Beavers. The game ended in a 2-2, a fitting start to the day. The crowds began to grow as the Ladies 1s took on Teddington for their first friendly of the season and the first match of Coach Omar's tenure.

The team adopted a new formation and created plenty of chances. Despite that Teddington went ahead midway through the first half with one of their first real chances. The score was quickly levelled as Stubbsie dispatched a screamer of a shot into the top left corner of the goal. Abbie quickly added another to make it 2-1 at half time. There were plenty of chances for the team to extend their lead in the second half but excellent keeping from Teddington's goalie meant the score remained 2-1. A win to start the season!

As the sun continued to shine the Men's 1s took on Blackheath & Elthamians 1s. The oppo are a league above our lads and with a few absentees including a squirrel cavorting with a cricket reporter in Birmingham a 3-1 loss wasn't too disappointing. Matty George joined his Dad getting on the score sheet on the day.

With the friendlies played it was time to get down to the ‘official part’ of the day. We were honoured to have Judith Roberts join Worgs to cut the ribbon and open the new pitch. For those of you who don't know Judith was captain of the Ladies 1s a few years back and still plays for the Club in the 7s.

And so back to the Clubhouse to enjoy a cracking BBQ, to raise a glass to the new pitch and to see who had won the Hey Duggee backpack in the raffle. Ann Allin has been given a job for life after breaking records for raffle takings ... we raised over £560. It was great to see lots of people from across the club enjoying the evening, players past and present as well as some of the 2018 intake #BHCFamily. The 2018/19 season will be a cracking one if it continues in the same vein!

Thanks to those who organised the day with utmost precision and attention to detail not least Jenny George and Kristi Coomber.