Sarisbury: not so green

The reformed Sarisbury Green Social Club C is still struggling to get away from the foot of Division 3.

A mixture of social players and former league players, who disappeared between 15 and 25 years ago, are gelling together nicely in their second season.

But Andy Hyndman would like to see the Sarisbury third team “creep up” the table a bit.

“We did creep up a little bit but we fell back down again,” he said. “Win a few, lose a few. You don’t let it worry you. And it’s good to meet up with your mates.”

Recalling the annual presentation evenings at the Top Rank, Hyndman added: “They were the good old days. A lot of clubs have shut. It’s terrible, really, when you think about it.”

Roger Ayling, who was taught billiards by Geoff Knapp, admitted he was nervous when he started back in the league.

“I need to loosen up,” he said. “Playing on a Friday night, you can have a 20 or 30 break no problem. But when you’re playing in the league, you’ve got to keep it tight because people are watching you and I tend to tense up.”

However, Paul Wareham insisted: “It’s only a game at the end of the day.” But he did admit: “You do get nervous.”

Wareham, who used to live in Park Gate, now drives over from his home in Totton. “We’re doing pretty well,” he said. “It’s a break from work.”

Mike Enfield said: “I’m enjoying it. It would be better if we were not at the bottom of the table. We’ll get there eventually.”

And Enfield added he’d love to “have a go at playing superb players” in the Super League one day.

Team captain Ross Riddett enjoys the friendly atmosphere and competing against different players in different clubs.

“We’ve got a good little team,” he said. “They’re still learning, more safety this year. They’re a good bunch of lads. We have a good laugh, a bit of banter.

“We’ve lost a lot of games 3-2 when we should’ve won. But that’s the way it goes.”

Alfie Agius was pleased to meet up again with old friends, like Nick Taylor at Atherley Bowling Club. Agius, whose late brother Paul played at Bitterne Park WMC with Jeff James, reckons Alf Hobbs was one of the greatest players in Southampton.

The old Sarisbury Social C team folded in 2009 when three teams amalgamated to form two because some players moved on when the Super League started.

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