It is unlikely the HSMBA has previously seen a season where so many questions were left unanswered heading into the final week but that was most certainly the case this year!
In Division One, Woolhope Wanderers produced an incredible run of three perfect results ensure the Division One Winners Shield returned to them after only a year away in what was is their 21st title. Ross Wolves, who looked to have the title all but certainly in their grasp having left Woolhope needing 31 points out of 33 from their final three games, finished up second with Weston Wizards just pipping the Gorsley Chapel Oaks into third. At the bottom of the table, Fownhope’s return to Division One has proven to be short lived on this occasion but they leave with valuable Division One experience that will no doubt serve them well next season. They are joined in the relegation places by Llangarron who fall out of the top flight for the first time in 4 years.
Division Two saw Woolhope Wasps complete their climb up the ladder since the club introduced them as their second team two years ago. Successive promotions for the Wasps will no doubt have Division One teams looking over their shoulder in what promises to be an even more competitive division next year. They are joined in the promotion places by Tarrington who managed to take one point from their final game against Woolhope to draw them level with St Martin’s Hawks on 67 points with Tarrington taking second on shots difference. At the bottom, a close battle involving Golden Valley, Aston Ingham Severns and Ross Alligators saw Golden Valley just pip their competitors to secure safety, sitting on 50 points to the others 46 and 44 respectively.
Gorsley Chapel Cedars upgraded last year’s Division Three runners up trophy to the winners shield, guaranteeing promotion and doing so in style with them producing the best record of any team across the three divisions with 11 wins and 1 loss. As has looked likely throughout, Ross Hedgehogs secured second place with Ledbury Swallows taking third 4.5 points behind.
To view the tables in full please follow the below links:
The HSMBA sends its congratulations to all league winners as well as its thanks to League Secretary Ian Roe and all of the 198 players who represented their clubs this season. The association now looks forward to the Summer League which kicks off in May.
*Please note that promotion and relegation places are dependant on entries to next year’s Winter League. Until this is known, it is assumed that the top and bottom two places in each division will be subject to promotion and relegation respectively. If you have any questions please contact Ian Roe via hsmbaleaguesec@gmail.com.