Crookham Rovers F.C.

Manager : Mark Sherman

Assistant Manager : Stephen Ferry

U12's

Manager : Mark Sherman

Assistant Manager : Stephen Ferry

U11's

Summary of the Season

A huge well done to all the boys for great football. It has been a fantastic start to our 11-a-side team, with many wins during our first half of the season.

The League Cup games were amongst some we played well, with us reaching the quarter finals.

Our second half got off to a slow start thanks to the weather bringing several weeks of snow, ice and rain! Our first match was to be the 'Hampshire Cup Semi Final' against 'Curley Park Trojans' where after nail biting extra time and penalties we went through to the final; only the second team in the thirty eight year history of Crookham Rovers. Well done Raiders!

Our Hampshire Cup Final was played against Petersfield in March at Winklebury Stadium, Basingstoke. It was an amazing and proud day for all the boys. Well done Raiders!

Congratulations to Ross Frisby, Mikey Auge de Rancout and Sam Warner for making the North Hants Team.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to all the parents for their help and support throughout the season and for their great touchline atmosphere. Steve Warner and Tania Hoskins for Match Reports, Paul Carpenter and Andy Auge de Rancourt for acting as linesman and all the mums for organising and helping with refreshments.

A big thank you to our sponsors 'Hart Windows' for supplying our away kits.

Finally a big thank you to Stephen Ferry for all his support.

Manager : Andy Marchant

Assistant Manager : Mark Sherman

U10's

Summary of the Season

PREMIER DIVISION CHAMPIONS & LEAGUE CUP FINALISTS

The 2009 season started promisingly enough but the atrocious weather combined with Christmas meant that we played only one competitive match in seven weeks. As the weather improved, so did the Raiders' form. A string of exciting, close fought games showcased the boys' tenacity and left us playing for the title with two matches in hand. Premiership victory was sealed when Joshua Timmins confidently headed home the winning goal against Camberley Town Raiders. Sheer delight and relief all round.

In April we became League Cup Finalists.

There were plenty of individual achievements along the way. Dilraj Mankoo triumphed as the most successful keeper in the league with only nine goals in the back of his net all season. Ryan defended competently at the left back. Michael Auge De Rancourt emerged as top scorer with fifteen goals to his credit. Four players Ben Geal, Micheal Colfer, Sam Warner and George Marchant have all been given trials by football league clubs. Oliver Ferry new to the Raiders this season, is establishing himself as a strong right midfielder. Lewis' versatility, determination and enthusiasm make him an asset whether playing up front or midfield. Finally, Joshua Timmins maturity brings stability and balance to the side.

The Raiders have enjoyed a phenomenal season and have earned their success. We now look forward to new challenges as we make the transition to the 11-a-side game.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Mark Sherman for his enormous contribution; Fran Sherman for running the best side-line catering outfit and organising our social events; to our sponsors, Crondall Builders for the additional kit they supplied and to Rachel, custodian of the water bottles!

Manager : Andy Marchant

Assistant Manager : Mark Sherman

U9's

Summary of the Season

This was the Raiders first fully competitive season in the NEHYL and having debuted in the Premier Division there were to be no easy matches at this level.

As the season progressed the boys put the management team and spectators through the wringer on a weekly basis. This was football at its most tense and exciting. The Raiders fortunes fluctuated. Mid-season relegation could have been a dinstincty possibility with every match so tight. But with blood, sweat and tears and vociferous management, the boys dug admirable deep. Through dogged determination the team finally emerged triumphant to clinch the runners-up in the premiership; a truly spectacular result. Well done boys. You've done yourselves proud. We celebrate your achievement tonight and look forward to cheering your success at the League presentation at Princess Hall in the summer.

In the fianl analysis, the key to the Raiders' success was their solid defending. We have the best defensive record of the league by far and I have been proud to have that strength openly recognised by the opposition managers; George Marchant, Captain, incredibly consistent throughout and Ryan Sherman and Dilraj Mankoo (saved 5 penalties this season) to be particularly noted for their defensive strenght and weekly efforts. The season's statistics tell the story; Played 16, Won 8, Drew 5, Lost 3. Goals for 21 Goals against only 16 (next lowest goals against in the league 29!)

The team has matured and developed this season. The boys have earned just reward for their efforts and commitment. Good luck to the Raiders in the coming season.

Acknowledgements

My sincere thanks to Mark Sherman for his support and to Fran Sherman, our indefatigable catering and social events manager. Our generous sponsors ensured that we were by far the best kitted-out team in the league with new beanies from Crondall Builders and new away kits for the whole U9's squad from Grant Haze London. We were grateful for the input from the FA Skills coach who ran a couple of sessions for us. My eternal thanks to Trixie for her third year of dedication, administration and forbearance. Finally, thanks to the boys.

Manager : Andy Marchant

Assistant Manager : Mark Sherman

U8's

Summary of the Season

We opened our account this season still buoyed up by our first and only win at the very end of the previous season as Under 7's. Three seeding matches saw us win two and concede one close game - good enough results for the first division. A superb pre-Christmas run was like a dream, win after win, against often strong opposition.

By January the squad's competent performance earned them promotion to the premier division where they have held their place after well earned wins from gritty, close-fought battles. The standard is high, but the team has proven to be equal to it.

It is hard to pick our any individual players for special mention as the boys are now developing well as a team overall, which is deeply satisfying to witness. Football is a team game after all! Michael Auge De Rancourt has emerged as top goal scorer, ably aided by Joshua Timmins, Michael Colfer and Lewis Hoskins who have also put away a fair number of stylish goals themselves. George Marchant and Ryan Sherman have been consistently solid at the back and Dilraj Mankoo has kept a clean sheet in a third of all matches. Billy Baxter, Jonathan Boyce and Ben Geal all played their part as able substitutes.

The record reads: P24 W11 D4 L 9 GF40 GA 31

With a squad of 17 players, during March we formed a second match squad. Those boys tackled three inaugural matches with enthusiasm and in good spirit. The invaluable match experience will quickly stand them in good stead for the future. A remarkable year and one of which all the players and associates should be very proud. I am certainly proud of all the boys' development and achievements this season.

Acknowledgements

I'd like to thank Trixie Marchant for her significant and endless support, the boys for their continuing effort and enthusiasm. Thanks too to the parents for supporting the boys and the coaching team throughout, and for the ferrying to matches (goalpost assembly training next season!). Special mention to Jason Taylor and Neil Baxter for their active and much valued help at training sessions.

Special thanks to Ravi Patel who was the referee for most of our home matches.

We're very grateful for the support of our two new sponsors: Crondall Builders who have supplied the entire squad with great wet jackets and Grant Haze London who have donated goalie kits to the second match squad.