In some respects our club’s fortunes seem to be mirroring those of a certain local football team: last season we were conquering all before us in the league; this season is proving to be a little trickier… And whilst the Garibaldi Reds have somehow managed to mislay two managers, we have had to cope with losing our beloved venue of over 40 years, the Royal British Legion premises in Radcliffe-on-Trent.
On the plus side we are fielding two extra teams in the league, so there has been a significant increase in the number of matches, which is great experience for all involved, young and not-so-young.
The league season started in September and runs through to early May. Here’s the state of play as we enter the New Year.
First team (Division 1)
The first team (P7 W2 D1 L4 Pts5) – playing in the top flight for the first time since 2003 – have experienced a mixture of tremendous highs and painful lows. Wins against Newark and University, last year’s runners-up, and a draw (clutched from the jaws of victory) against Beeston have been offset by five defeats. Nonetheless, we have been competitive in the vast majority of our fixtures and had we taken some gilt-edged opportunities our points total would be somewhat higher; as it happens, four of our losses have been by the narrowest of margins in the 5-board contests (i.e. 2-3).
Second team (Division 2)
The second team (P6 W1 L5 Pts2) are playing in Division 2 for the first time since the 2000/01 season, a quarter of a century ago. As with RB1, the step-up in quality of opposition takes some adjusting to and, six matches into the season, RB2 have secured just a single win, away against West Bridgford 2. And like the first team, four of RB2’s defeats have been by the narrowest possible margin in what are 4-board contests (i.e. 1.5-2.5). Fine margins indeed.
Third team (Division 4)
The third team (P6 W3 D1 L2 Pts 7) won the Division 5 title last season and have quickly adapted to life in Division 4 with three wins from their first six matches. They harbour some hopes of securing back-to-back promotions but will be frustrated at losing 1.5-2.5 against our fourth team in November. We are a very competitive club!
Fourth team (Division 4)
Playing in Division 4 holds no fears for the fourth team (P6 W2 D2 L2 Pts6). In addition to their ‘bragging rights’ win against RB3, they have beaten Gambit 6. RB4’s captain, Evaldas, is our reigning Club Champion, so expect plenty of fireworks from them in the second half of the season!
Fifth team (Division 5)
One of our newly formed teams, RB5 (P7 W1 D2 L4 Pts4) have secured just one win so far, 2.5-1.5 against Central 2. However, the point of entering two new teams in the league has been borne out by the excellent experience being gained by relatively new club members and junior players.
Sixth team (Division 6)
Affectionately known as the ‘Golden Oldies’ – occasionally, the ‘Golden Oldies plus One’ if one of our younger members turns out for them – RB6 (P7 D3 L4 Pts3) are still waiting for their first win. However, they quite possibly set a league record (or two) in their match against Ashfield 5 in November when the average age of the RB6 team was 83 years and the combined ages of the two players on board 2 was 180 years!
Rockets (Minor League)
Radcliffe Rockets compete in the Minor League against two other teams of beginners and improvers. They have had just one fixture so far and what a performance it was, beating Bridgford Winterhawks 9-3.
All match results can be viewed via the ‘League’ link on the RBCC website’s main menu.