DIAMONDS

26

The Diamonds were back for twenty twenty-two and after the last two previous seasons being disrupted with off field external factors we were keen to rediscover the winning ways and team culture. February of this year commenced with some pre-season fitness and trial of new talent to join the squad. With our position in Men’s Community 1 division secured we were keen to perform well and relive some of our rivalries with clubs such as Mt Albert Ponsonby and Western Springs Geezers. We started the season with a few convincing wins and close-run losses. With us being second to last over half way through the season a strong pep talks from Jimmy the captain had us pull off three league wins on the trot including an infamous double pointer vs the geezers. Where after being down 0-1 at half we manged to win 3-1 with a huge effort from all the squad in second half. We finished off the season mid table and will consider it not quite a success as we had endeavours on a top 3 finish and winning another Knockout Cup. Unfortunately, we lost to Mt Albert in the KO Cup and lost the semi-final in KO plate vs other Ellerslie team. No doubt motivation for us in 2023.

The team trained well all season with at least 10 showing up weekly rain or cold we were there working on our passing, dribbling and trying to keep shots from going over the bar or back fence!!!

As is always with the Diamonds team we do just as well of the field with a strong team culture and array of social events throughout the season. This included a rowdy BYO dinner, beer pong night and FIFA tournament with a tour away to Tauranga upcoming in October for the lads to cap off the season.

A massive year for the squad with 26 players lacing up the boots, 23 games played including Knockout Cup and a brand-new strip thanks to our sponsors “insurance people” We look forward to a well-deserved break over the sum-

mer (where lads will no doubt be featured at festivals dotted around the country). And come back for season 2023 where we will look to rebolster the squad and contend for the league. Michael Goulding