Down But Not Out

Kenilworth C went down 0-4 away to Solihull A last night, in our final league game of the season. We had already long since been relegated, and you might think this heavy defeat was a cause for further lament, but I don't see it like that. It was always going to be a challenge for our third team to take on rival first teams, and that all too often proved to be the case. 

Yet we'd earned our place in the top league on merit, by winning the Division 2 title in style last year. This season we struggled to always get our best team out, for a variety of completely understandable reasons. But I am immensely grateful to everyone who did play the games. There must have been times (like last night) when players turned out knowing that they were going to be heavily outgraded, but nobody hid and you can't ask for more than that. 

Albeit, we could perhaps have hoped that our own B team might have demonstrated some of the same enthusiasm they showed in beating us, instead of then losing limply to our relegation rivals a few days later, but that's chess. You can never quite predict what is going to happen, and ultimately when the clock starts it is every man (and woman) for themselves. The truth is we weren't quite good enough and there is no shame in that.

One of my most heart-breaking moments in football was when Man Utd lost the League title to Leeds in 1992. In their next game, which was then a dead rubber against Spurs, Man Utd won (3-1 I think.) The newspaper report said, it hurts now for Man Utd fans, but the future looks bright. A somewhat prescient comment to say the least! So many of the C team players have improved during the season and I really think we are in great shape for next year.

Rhys had a great game against Don last night. I didn't see much of Dan and Dylan's games, but the pair of them epitomise our growing strength in depth. The truth is I didn't see much of anything, as my own game was an unmitigated disaster. I walked into an opening trap and that was that. I said to Mark the other day that I am aiming to be much more philosophical about chess these days. So, while I can't quite say that I laughed, I'm not dwelling on it either. After all, when you've got the worst game you've ever played behind you, the only way is up, right?!? 

There are plenty more games to follow. Both for me personally, and for the C team next season. We will be back in Division 2 next year. Doubtless there will be more drama. Good days and bad days. New opportunities to chase down. One way or another, there is every reason to think that we will have a lot more to smile about.