South Yorkshire Times May 2
Great Revival Form takes Tom Hill Teams to the Top.
Great Reward for Old Boys´ clubs never say die Spirit.
This has been a season of revival for the 35 players on the books Denaby-based Doncaster League club, Tom Hill Old Boys. Backed by their never say die officials, and a scattering of loyal supporters, the members of this truly own spawn club have largely succeeded in wiping out memories of last year’s dismal form.
The results of their hard work is that the Old Boys Doncaster League Division One side led the league to the 19th match of the season, and although they then slipped a little, they now stand a good chance of finishing runners-up. And this after coming mighty close to relegation last year!
“I believe we have done very well to come back as we have done. It looks as though we should end up in this Second Division last year.” Tom Hill, secretary, Mr Tom Sapey told me on Monday.
At the beginning of this match. The first team record read: Played 21, won 13, lost 2, drawn 6, goals for 72, goals against 37, points 32.
But the club’s main hopes of honours this year lie with the Doncaster league Reserve section side, present section leaders. Their souls rivals are Doncaster Plant works, who must win their three remaining matches to pip Tom Hill to the post.
The reserve side’s record is: Played 30, 121, lost 4, drawn 5, Goals for 104, goals against 38, Points 47.
Trophy Hopes.
“With any luck we are hoping to be able to present the Reserve Section Cup on the occasion of our annual dinner in May,” added 31 years old. Mr Sapey, who has been with the Old Boys for four seasons.
He declared, “Our success this season has come as a result of an all out effort from players and officials. And don’t forget that this is a completely cell from club. We raise all our own funds.”
Mr Sapey, was father is steward at Denaby Miners Welfare Institute added: “Among the teams they have really been no individuals. It has all been a team effort.”
Numbered among the Tom Hill players is centre forward or inside man Brian Holden, leading scorer with 32 goals; David Bell and J Conlon of the reserve side, scorers respectively, of 20 and 17 goals; Brian Sapey, Tom’s brother, a former Denaby United player; Trevor Gough, left half, formerly with Mexborough Town and Denaby; Ronnie Taylor, centre half, also of Mexborough and Denaby.
Good Keeping.
Although, as a rule, Mr Sapey wouldn’t pick out individuals for praise, he did name goalkeeper Malcolm Colindridge, former Baker and Bessemer player. “We were lucky to get him,” commented Mr Sapey, “We all believe that he has had a very good season.