Runners-up Ardgowan performed well throughout the Season and I am sure they know that their big chance of success disapeared when they suffered a 'granny' against Grosvenor 1 in the penultimate game of the season, which I am sure was as much of a shock to them as it was for everyone else. I would even say that I don't think Grosvenor would have expected things to go so well that night. Third placed IBM also performed well for most of the season and maybe their efforts would have been far more successful if they had the fortune to pick from a larger pool of players. However year after year they prove that they are one of the districts most consistent teams, and always amongst the front-runners over the last three or four years.
Gourock 1 started well this year and I was very surprised to see their form dip so dramatically over the last phase of the season. Maybe they should have done what Grosvenor did and change things around at the 'fair'?. Still, at least they have the consolation of finishing above their nearest and dearest AP Jess pretenders, The Park' to brighten up what became a disapointing league campaign. Port Glasgow 1, the most successful League team over the last canteen years have finally let go of the elusive flag and I put this down to the loss of some 'big name' players who for various reasons were not able to turn out on a regular basis. Having won the League Flag so many times over the last two decades (only time I remember them not winning it before was in 2000 when Ardgowan won it!), will quietly be hurting and no doubt eager to put things right again next year. Gourock Park, similar to IBM, we only have a small pool of 'League Players' to pick from and like may clubs have lost players due to shift work and quite simply we did not have all our strongest players available at the right time. Still, in saying this, we are pleased to have gained a 'top six place'. Losing twice to Gourock was disappointing and I can only hope that my Season as President can be rescued by seeing them leave empty handed on AP Jess Day on 10th September.
As already mentioned, Grosvenor also scooped the Second Division Trophy and well deserved it was too. Wellington had a chance to pip them at the post on the last day, but although the 'home' team scooped all six points, it was a bad away day for the other half. Kilmacolm romped to victory in the 3rd Division with Fort Matilda second. Fort Matilda! Surprisingly failed to live up to last Season's standard and although they started to string a few results together towards the end, just were no where near as consistent as last years form suggested.
Finally to sum up Season 2005's League, it was certainly far more interesting than last years all in one league. Interest was kept active for far more Clubs and all three leagues were not decided until the last week. Whether the G & D run with the same format or not next year is yet to be confirmed (as far as I know!) but my personal thoughts are that this year's format was a success and should be continued. What do you think? Take part in my online poll below. Ok thats it from me for the Season 2005 League campaign, I hope you have enjoyed my reports and results service over the last 6 months and I wish to thank everyone who has helped me by sending in the results as soon as possible. Special thanks to L & A Motors for their continued sponsorship of this page.
Enjoy whats left of the Season all the best to you all. Gary Bradley |