A brand new bunch of faces and captain to the 5ths for the 2013/14 Season. The average age of the Squad was 20 years, less the Captains age. We invested in, and preserved with the Club Playing Style following interaction with the new Club Coach. It was great to receive some input from the Club embracing the 5ths we found the new Coach and the set up inclusive. This was important when trying out the formation, and getting to grips with it. All the squad bought into it and regularily supported midweek training. We found the formation helped us as a team and to deal with the in and out of players but it required all on the pitch to work hard and be discplined holding their part of the formation. When we all did - we played some awesome hockey - looking a class above. When we did not, it exposed us but at all times the 5th team squad played with flare, passion and good conduct (we held our cool receiving no cards). We have beaten every team in the league, and held league positions from 1st to 6th over the Season. As the season closes it looks like we will end up somewhere between 4th and 6th depending on players to be provided to higher sides over last 2 games. Strangely our away form is better than home. We aspired promotion and were in contention but for a combination of availabilities, injuries and an unsettled side post Xmas, saw the push for Promotion splutter and fade with 3 games to go.

Overall, there has been apostive attitude, great loyalty and comaraderie in the squad. we have had some fun too with MoM, ToM and banter after the game, and I hope all have felt involved, listened to and able to contribute. A lot of players have flourished and players promoted from the 6th/7ths also raising their game. it has been pleasing to see players progress and play higher up the club – well done to all. Graham Holton has helped me as Vice Captain, (when not on the Stage).

Awards:-
1) Player of Season - Graham "Tin Man" Holton
2) Top Goal Scorer - Reece Flint
3) ToS (winning most times) - Ed "Goat" Andrews

Tin Man/G Man,together with the Squad have put together a view of the season using words and phrases which we would like to share, it includes the names of those who have been part of the Squad. If you want explanation - track down one of the Squad. Here goes -

“A season with the 5's, high speed 1, a really really good goal, Tin opener, beans, Andy, iPad, compress, pivot, MoM, wright, shift over Ash, bra, a black pen, mullen, team romance, wind, rain, sun, hail, dog, rainbow, turner, Royal Mail, 62 potatoes, Robo-Cop, please reassure me, elliot, hp sauce, cat, sand, ball, TV, Ed's self-deploying shin bads, Coursey, mash up mix, shepherds pie, flip flops, pink boxers, jugs galore, woodyatt-butwell, are you all up for it! carnage at beer pong, Morgan, CJ's strategic challenges, ice-skating at Falconwood, ridiculously large headphones, Justin Beiber, Sat Nav, cyclone on pitch, ToM, ricochet head wound, world cup hockey goal, Iceman, The Club Style, a match abandoned, lapthorne, G-Man, Patrick's bar, billane,winning, wet, cold, pretty hockey, first goal scored, rout and flint - who knew…, double up, belcher, air horn, Clench, Andy, sulking, PG Tips, chocolate easter bunnies, Audi, 4 new tyres, more mash ups, port, pancake wendy, inspiration, pivot, carrick, who has a car? sausage, shouting, loosing, holton, reindeer antlers, hungover no-show, I could walk 500 miles, beer, sub him now, caplan, Sainsburys (taste the difference), pink hair lady, rumble, a Deal, walking, but he scores goals, sand, butler - all aboard the show boat, batteries 1-2-3, drawing, knee, friday night text, Andy, timings, bye, numerous scoring chances, Danny Dyer, selection, season formation – The Press, still more shepherds pie, masters, good honest fun but has anyone found Charlie...? Roller coaster, Emotional, Goat, Peaks and troughs. United Fun, hawes-gatt, progress, ambitious enthusiastic, CJ, happy and cracking banter at every single match.”

Finally thanks for all your support, it was a pleasure to be your Captain. The Squad and myself, would like to thank those who guested from other sides for one or two games. In particular, we would like to thank those who umpired for us and especially a big welcome and thanks to Ian Walking who has umpired most of our games after Xmas. See you all in September to push for promotion, those of you taking exams good luck and those going away to uni/college stay in touch and we hope to see you on return.

Oh and keep an eye out for news on the Club website, the 5ths section and emails from me on any 5th news or activity close season.

Thanks, Andy Bye Captain, Burnt Ash Mens 5ths XI.