Glossop 3rd XV’s 2007/2008 Season.
Glossop thirds this season have been nothing short of immense. Not only gaining promotion with games to spare, the season culminated in a victory of epic proportions against a confident if not border line arrogant Wigan 4th team which included a multitude of ex professional and international players. A real impetus for the side were the returning players and also the new faces that not only brought a fresh playing style and skill but also contributed greatly to the team’s spirit which was what really carried the side and led us to achieve the triumphs we went on to accomplish. Whether it was seeing Chris Snape obliterate his opponent for the first time or seeing just how fast Will Reddington could pounce on a ball and out run his opposite man, or how well the forwards acted as a pack, the rolling maul destroying teams almost every game, the highlights of the season were many. Reacting to disappointment, showing real team character with a complete desire to win was a major driving force. After falling to a heavy defeat in the 2nd week against a Broughton 1st XV that eventually went on to win the league, Glossop felt not only disappointed but embarrassed and turned themselves around, the next week winning 53-0. This was where the season began and this was where Glossop thirds started to show just how capable of greatness we were. After the next game we suddenly had scored over 100 points in two matches and had conceded none. We were ready to take on anyone. We eventually went on to destroy three sides unbeaten records, ruining what one can only imagine would and could have been a perfect season for all of them. Glossop achieved so many victories across the season racking up over 750 points in the league and conceding only a third of that. It wasn’t until week 9 of the season we had conceded a single point at home! The biggest victory of the season was against North Manchester 2nd XV where Glossop came out victors 71-5 but the result that will stay in everyone’s minds will be the 18-10 cup final result in which Glossop third XV walked away triumphant after a gruelling cup run which saw us defeat teams from the Lakes, two lots of Scousers, a tough Heaton Moor side and perhaps one of the most satisfying results, a convincing win against an at the time unbeaten Macclesfield 4th XV. In the whole of the competition we only conceded 27 points. And then on a beautiful day in Blackburn, Glossop third XV with a couple of helping hands, psyched themselves up for a game we knew we were underdogs for and put in 110% for a victory that I’m sure will stay with everyone who played that game and those who showed their commitment to the club and just came to support. It was duly noted and certainly contributed to the team’s success.
There were low points in the season too however and the defeat at Oldham certainly rides high on that topic. Despite being ahead at half time a depleted side couldn’t quite hold on and went on to be defeated for the second and only other game we were to loose all season in competitive matches. Other low points of the season were rare and came in loss of personnel rather than disappointment on the pitch. Jim Parker breaking his hand in the Halbro plate semi final (even if he did play almost the entire game with it broken) forcing him out of the rest of the season was a blow, as was long term injuries to Ian Marshall mid-season, who came rampaging back with a vengeance, Ian Hughes who sadly got re-injured not long after returning, Jon Robinson who had regular knee problems, Jon Openshaw who had a nasty muscle tear against Eccles and Rob Smith who pulled his back lifting a fridge. There were a few scares in the season though and Glossop’s testicular fortitude was tested on occasion especially in the case of Trafford Metrovicks who after 5 minutes were leading 14-0 and Bury, who even by their own admission only put out 3 third team players in their third team game ran Glossop close to a defeat in a game that ended up 5-5. We wont mention Whisty’s (my) kicking at this point in time. It was not losing these games that really displayed the determination we had as a side this year and displayed our belief in ourselves as individuals but most of all our belief in the team. Perhaps one of the lowest points of the season was seeing a number of players not having the chance to play as often as they deserved due to a swelling squad and simply too many substitutes on occasion to pick from. Next season with the prospect of a 4th XV emerging we can only request that these frustrated individuals show the same commitment to the club that they have done all season and return a fresh with the opportunity to play regularly as they duly deserve.
By Robert Smith