Message from the Chairman
from the Senior League Secretary in his absence

Once again our season was disrupted by the weather, but we managed to complete the League and Cup programme, all be it by dropping matches (especially in the Seniors). As promised last season, we have monitored the situation regarding a second Senior pitch and believe the only way forward for Raynes Park Little League to continue would be to acquire one.
If the League is unsuccessful then after this current season, unfortunately we will no longer be able to guarantee places for Junior players moving up. Ideally we would need to increase the Senior League to eight teams.
I fear we have become a victim of our own success over the past ten seasons or so. With the increase of the amount of teams in both Bantam and Junior Leagues has produced a knock-on effect of more players advancing through our League set-up.
Raynes Park Little League has prided itself on the fact that we have always managed to find positions for players that have played throughout our Leagues.
I’m not certain that can continue without the use of a second Senior pitch.
It would be unfeasible to increase the current Senior squads to more than their 16 as it is now because this would cause a complete overhaul on the playing field of substituting every player several times during a game. In fact I, personally, would love to see the squads reduced back to 14 by creating two new teams.
That said, if we are unsuccessful in gaining a further pitch and increasing the league to 8 teams, I will be forced to stand down as Senior League Secretary at the end of this season.
Our League has NEVER been run by ability but by the enjoyment of the game and I don’t have it in my heart to turn boys away that have been loyal to the League.
Last, but not least, I’d like to thank everybody for all their time and effort during last season.
We are eternally grateful to those managers who continue with us and to those who have joined us.
We give our sincere thanks to departing managers for all their hard work over the years and look forward to another successful season.
Russ Crandley, Senior League Secretary

RAYNES PARK LITTLE LEAGUE Christmas Tombola
will take place on Saturday, November 15