So here we are at the end of what has been a fantastic season, definitely with two pieces of silverware in the trophy cabinet and with the real possibility of doing the double. As these notes are being written prior to the weekends games it is not certain how things will be standing coming into the final fixture of the season.

But twenty weeks ago today we started the season off by visiting Lowerhouse and today sees us ending the campaign at home to the same team. We extend a very warm welcome to their players, supporters and officials and hope that they enjoy their visit to Thorneyholme Road. Undoubtedly twenty weeks ago I do not think that many of you would have thought that with one game to go we would either have already been crowned Champions (depending on yesterday’s result at Rawtenstall) or at the very worst still on top of the table with a great chance of taking the title.

Whatever happens this weekend we are assured of our second trophy of the season, as if the unthinkable happened and we did not win the League we would still win The Holland Cup as runner’s up. I am sure you will all join me in congratulating the players, officials and back room staff on what can only be described as a sensational 2008 Lancashire League competition for Accy. It has truly been a team effort and the success we are enjoying at present is testimony to all the hard work put in by a lot of people all through the year.

Without doubt the most important factor in our success has been the great team spirit the players have showed. The way they have played this year they deserve all the plaudits they have received and on behalf of everyone at the club I thank them for all their efforts and for bringing a smile to many many people’s faces in the town. A very special congratulations and thank you goes to our Professional – Roy Silva, it has been a pleasure to have him here. He has conducted himself in a terrific manner on and off the field and we are all looking forward to him returning next year.

It is always difficult to mention and thank all the individuals who have helped the club during the year, for fear of missing somebody out and upsetting them. Suffice to say that to all the willing volunteers and helpers, whatever you do to help, thank you – we could not have done it without you. There are however two groups that I would like to particularly pay tribute to, as without all the hard work they put in we would not be able to enjoy our cricket in the same way.

Firstly to Christine Sneddon and all the ladies who work in the tearoom, thanks for keeping us fed and watered throughout the season. Our tearoom is right up there with the best.

Secondly another huge thank you to Groundsman Ian McCrae and the folk who help him to keep the ground in such good condition. In yet another year of poor weather we have had the best wickets that could be prepared under the circumstances and the players appreciate what you do more than you will ever know.

So another season has come and gone, but this year instead of just slipping off home after the last game as we have done for many a year, we can party on and bask in our success. So to everyone connected with the club I say this, enjoy today and who knows you may well be seeing the League Championship trophy being presented to Dibber after the game. It can then join the Worsley Cup and cap a season to end all seasons, who says that dreams don’t come true ??

Ours have this year so for one last time in 2008

Enjoy the game.
Ian Wilson