On Saturday 21st January 2012, Woodley Saints Lions U18’s became EBYFL Division 3 champions. Having started the season in spectacular form, including an 11-0 victory in their opening home match of the season, Saints immediately became the team to beat. However, that early season form looked to be tailing off, as only 1 point was taken from 2 consecutive games. After that wobble, a tight 1-0 victory against Woodley Hammers returned Saints to winning ways and they ended the year with a stunning 7-2 victory over Ashridge Park, which left them one point clear at the top, having played a game less than their nearest challengers. Despite recording only two points since the turn of the year, other results favoured Saints and they clinched the Championship, with one match (against local rivals Woodley Hammers) to spare. That game ended 0-0 and stopped Hammers being 2nd in the Division
It has been a fantastic final season for the team, some of who have played together since the age of 7.  Special thanks should be made to the Saints Coach Innocent Mugabe who took over only last summer and worked with the team over what would normally be the summer break in order to gain an early edge over the rest of the division. Thank you also to Colin Crabtree who helped to build the team, having managed them for two years prior to this season and also for continuing with the administration side of things this season.
Bring on the Challenge League!
Report by Steven Kinnard (U18’s Player)