Rossgarth Relegated

In their final weekend of games, Rossgarth required 3 points to stay up and with the first being against the runaway league leaders of the top division, Sunday was always going to be the best bet for a result. That was borne out by a 5 - 0 beating at the hands of Poole who have won the league comfortably and deservedly so. They play proper football with lots of passing and movement, something I have yet to achieve after so many years.

A hot afternoon saw lots of people at Potterne for the final game against Chickerell who were promoted with Rossgarth this time last year. They've had a good season and are in mid table. The game was difficult due to the sun and hard ground which sent the ball off in all kinds of directions but they outplayed us throughout. A two goal lead was quickly established as goal keeping errors plagued the team again. Eric cut the deficit to one but almost immediately they scored again. Half time meant 3 goals without reply were required to stay up and for a moment the momentum swang the way of Rossgarth with another goal from Eric. Once more they responded quickly and added a fifth with 15 minutes to go. To be honest that passed without event as the game drifted anti-climactically to a conclusion which sees Rossgarth in the 2nd division again. Their improved form came too late and it remains to be seen how many of the team lose interest over the summer.

Sadly there was a distinct lack of interest on the part of some of the boys and they accepted their fate with resignation rather than battling to get something out of the season. Hopefully, the step down will allow them to regroup and challenge for the title again.