You may have been expecting this pre-season missive to be from Mark Evans, but Mark has recently moved from the area and felt unable to dedicate enough time to the post of President. I would like to wish Mark all the best in his new venture and to thank him for all his endeavours during his tenancy. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the out-going committee members for their hard work, namely Sue Hallam (Hon.Sec) and Alan Kynaston (Hon Treasurer).

I personally, in the past, have served the club as 1st team captain, Honorary Secretary, Chairman of Selectors and Entertainment Secretary, so it is a great honour to receive the 'ultimate' role! I would also like to welcome new committee members and thank those who have remained in post, for all their anticipated hard work and support.

Last season showed mixed fortunes for all of our teams. Unfortunately, the men's fist team were relegated to Premier Division 2 and now it is seen as a time of opportunity for rebuilding for the men's senior teams in general. For various reasons it is looking likely that we are short in numbers for the three men's senior teams, so if there is anybody out there who fancies even the occasional game, please do dust off your stick (or start afresh if you've never played!) and offer your services! (The same plea goes out for volunteer referees and bench officials!) The Men's U19's are again under the expert management of Daniel Hodgson with one of their opening games being the Ted Donnett trophy held at Brooklands on Sunday 5th October '14.

The Ladies senior team had an excellent season, finishing 3rd in the Northern Ladies League, despite retaining only five players from the previous season. It was very encouraging that the girls from the U18's squad stepped up to the mark to help achieve this success for the ladies. The ladies again are looking for a positive season for '14/'15.

The Metros tour to The States this summer included ten Mellor boys making up an U'13's team (and congratulations to Andy Hussey – U13's coach) who, reportedly, won a game for the first time on American soil! The U15's also had a great tour winning two out of their five fixtures. Special mention should be made of Elliot Bickerton, who won the 'Les Grainger Sportsmanship' award. Also, Dan Watson, an ex-Metro was privileged to be chosen for lacrosse coach training at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. Dan will hopefully be putting these coaching skills to use with our U16's this season.
A Metro girls team also travelled to the Annapolis area, only two of our girls were within the age range, but were selected and did very well.

The Junior Girls will be fielding three teams this season – U'13's U15's and U18's. It is anticipated that playing numbers may be a little low so, as previously, there will be some of the younger girls 'playing up' between the teams (and indeed also playing in the ladies team, as mentioned earlier). This playing and training together, serves to develop a healthy relationship between the different age groups and engenders a great club spirit.

Pop lacrosse has proved, as ever, a motivating and encouraging strategy to introduce young players to the sport, with over forty attendees participating at the weekends. From these young players a good number will be joining the intermediate training from the start of the season with the U8' and U10's tournaments starting towards the end of September.

Under the stewardship and hard work of Glenn Bowker and Bill Oxley, the realisation of two senior pitches at the Mellor ground is now imminent. I myself see this as an opportunity to show our commitment and support to the players and club and I would encourage you to visit the ground on Saturday afternoon to be able to view two senior games and hopefully share your views and comments in the bar afterwards.

The Mellor Sports Club Silver Ball was a great success and a 'thank you' to all the organisers. We also have some future dates for your diaries, so that you can plan well ahead. Please find attached diary sheet to put on your notice board. (This includes the September and October senior fixtures and the full fixture card will be sent to you when available). Fixtures and results can also be found on englishlacrosse.leaguerepublic.com
and www.mellorlacrosseclub.co.uk

I do hope to welcome past acquaintances and current friends at both the games, the bar afterwards and at the social events. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generous donations, which are of course a most valuable contribution to the running of the club. It also goes without saying that anyone who can contribute time, ideas or experience to the club are most welcome to contact me, it would be gratefully appreciated.

Here is to a successful, but perhaps more importantly, enjoyable season.

Yours faithfully,

Bob

Robert Anderson Bardsley

07710 836700
robbardsley38@gmail.com (The '38' is my old shirt number – not my year of birth as some of you have suggested!)