Holland, 'New ground new challenge'.

August 06th 2009

Epsom Downs player secretary Mike 'Dutchy' Holland, insists that The Downs propesed move to Molesey Hurst will be a good thing.

With Long Ditton Rec's 1st pitch being given to the now grown up Ditton Athletic junior team, The Downs have been considered 'out of favour' with the local controlling council.

" It's a bit of a blow to be honest. We have got used to the excellent facilities, pitch and clubhouse here at Long Ditton, so to be forced away by a group of jumped up little shits is a bit of a pain. But at the same we have to look at the positives. We will now be ground sharing with the reserves, something we have been hoping for since the merge in 2007. Jamie Bramwell (Reserves player / treasurer) has been to look at the ground abnd its facilities and assures me they are decent, althoug I've yet to have a look myself. "

The Downs have now been situated at Molesey Hurst which is near Hampton Court, off of the A309.

" We still pay our fee's and collect nets from Ditton Social as usual, although Im considering purchasing some nets in our famed Green & Black colours so we dont have to make the detour every morning. Plus, with Inter Ditton and the Juniors still at the old rec, you'll probably be stuck with some shitty pair of nets and 1 hook or something. "

Holland now has to obtain pitch permit dates and inform the league of the move. An arduous task given how shit and slow most councils are.

Holland would like to get at least one pre season game at the new ground before the start of the season, so the guys can get used to the new playing surface.

" We'll still train at Ditton for the time being. We have friendly's on the 16th August with the 1st's playing against Old Wimbledonians and the Reserves against Woodside Athletic. Ideally I'd want at least 1 game on the new turf so we know what we're up against. Hopefully the drainage and harsh weather resistance is as good as it was at Ditton. It was rare to have a called off game there which was always a bonus.

The Downs expect the season to kick off in mid September.

Next Match:

Epsom Downs Vs Wickham Wanderers - 29/11/2009 (GA Cup)

Epsom Downs Reserves Vs AFC Old Bank - 29/11/09 (Div 8)

Est. 2004