Despite the return of mid-winter weather last Saturday, we are all looking hard at the league tables as the end of the season beckons. Strangely, our top 5 sides have all performed similarly, winning and losing about the same number of games. This means no team is really in with a shout of any silverware but equally nobody looks in any real trouble.

No game for the 1sts who still have 5 vital games to play in what is a very competitive situation in Division 2. Only the top 4 are so far safe from relegation. In contrast, the 2nds were able to relax because, despite a similar record to the 1sts, they were safe before Saturday’s game. Perhaps they relaxed too much with defensive lapses leading to a slip up against the 2nd bottom side. However, it makes a change not to be sweating after two successive years of having to win the last game to survive. Well done Jamie Langdale and the lads.

The 3rds were our only side to have won more games than they had lost but still needed two points from Saturday to be safe. They made no mistake with a comprehensive demolition of the 3rd bottom side. The game was much closer than it might seem, with Civil Service getting 2 good chances at 2-1 down including hitting the post. It was only in the last 20 minutes that they collapsed. The 3rds are our only real chance of a top 4 place and look certain to be EBOG’s highest placed side. Congratulations to Sam Patel and his team.

The 4ths needed 3 points to be safe and just made it in an unusually low scoring match. A good time to have their first shut-out for 5 months! A pat on the back also for Dan Lewis and his men.

Despite shipping a lot of goals lately, the 5ths were the only other side safe from relegation before Saturday so another point was welcome but not essential. They have scored more goals than the 3rd placed side but need to stop the leaks in defence to get back into the Division above. Nevertheless they are our 4th side to make themselves safe and Dan Caskie’s lads deserve credit for that.

A tough final run in for the 6ths who must survive to prevent a disastrous domino effect below. They came up against an excellent Finchleians side who have a realistic chance of winning the Division.

Finally, the 7th’s faced the 2nd placed side but didn’t get very far before a late tackle caused a dreadful injury to Chay Hughes causing two fractures, a break and a dislocation to his ankle. For the second time this season EBOG players were recoiling at the sight of a horrible injury and an ambulance crew struggling at some length to deal with it. Thanks to Jenny Lowe who stayed with Chay, who was extremely calm despite the obvious pain, throughout his 4 hour ordeal until he was examined and relatively comfortable later in hospital. He is likely to stay in hospital for a few days so they set the fracture and insert a plate.

The Vets were unlucky to go out of the Old Boys Cup at the semi-final stage after losing a 2-0 lead and going into extra time at 2-2. They then managed to get it to 4- 3 only to lose that lead right at the death and go on to lose on penalties.

The Ladies fought back from 0-2 down and struck a last minute winner to keep their title hopes alive and the possibility of becoming EBOG's star team of the season. If they win their last 4 games they are certain to be champions.