League of Honour 2008-2009: Season review

Mon, 25 May 2009 09:17:31 -0500

TEARAWAYS TEAR THROUGH TABLE TO TAKE TITLE Samuel Green’s Cosmic Tearaways sealed a 10-point victory on a dramatic last day in the 2008-2009 League of Honour. Second Season Syndrome, managed by Martin Barlow, had dominated the division for four months, before desperately surrendering their position on Gameweek 37, allowing Green’s men to lead the table for first time in the whole season. Barlow’s team madeup eight of the 18 point deficit on the final day, but it wasn’t enough as Cosmic Tearaways hung on to win their first league championship.

Barlow was leading the table at half-time on Sunday thanks to captian Robin Van Persie's first half onslaught, smashing two goals and an assist into double points for ‘Second Season Syndrome’. Fortunately for Green, the Dutch dangerman stopped scoring in the second half, and Barlow’s point’s dried up. A late captains’ assist from Steven Gerrard, and an unlikely right-footed Ashley Cole strike then claimed a narrow victory for Cosmic Tearaways.

European Champion of Honour Rachel Ferguson snuck into an impressive third place finish, overtaking the enigmatic Derek Berra and tactical tyrant Spencer Seymour-Smith on the final day, and adding a bronze ball to her second consecutive finish as Top Girl, and her summer international triumph. Berra's Chedder's Utd took 4th, building strongly on a 7th place finish last term, and will certainly expect to be amongst the contenders for next season’s title. Spencer's Players valiantly battled to withhold the reputation of the Seymour-Smith family name, despite a dismal 28th position for Hugh's Parlourettes. 2008 winner Jack Foster's pathetic final push resulted in a drop to 6th, edging out debutant Nick Brown (7th). Surprise package Pauline Green (8th) ousted husband and last years runner-up Stu into 9th place, and persistent Will Cannaby signed off with a second consecutive finish within the prestigious top ten. Difficult times lay ahead for all associated with the Tuck/Yates family, and the gentlemen will have tough questions to answer as Chelley (11th) finished on top of a mid-table scrap with Joe (12), Ed (13) and Jay (16). Global wanderer Lee Green (14) will be deployed on a South American scouting mission during the summer after consolidating his league position. In transitional seasons, Lee and Kiwi debutant Aidan Smith (18) will be looking to kick-on and add a global presence in the top ten next time around. Aside from Australian outcast Hugh Seymour-Smith, the biggest falls in grace saw a 19th finish for Chris Polding (3rd last year), and 26th place for World Cup of Honour holder Senor Fieldinho (5th last season), who has already resorted to claims that this was only a practice for 2010, as he leads into his global title defense. “I will bring back honour and respect to the championship,” exclaimed winning manager Samuel Green, who’s team flourished in their late charge for success. Fantasy bosses all around the world will now be looking onwards to next season’s challenge for ultimate glory, but until then losing contenders will be licking their wounds, as Green has well and truly claimed bragging rights over the summer.

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LEAGUE OF HONOUR GOLD CHAMPION:

Samuel Green (4th last season)

LEAGUE OF HONOUR SILVER SHIELD:

Martin Barlow (8th last season)

LEAGUE OF HONOUR BRONZE BALL

Rachel Ferguson (12th last season)

TOP GIRL:
1. Rachel Ferguson, 2. Pauline Green, 3. Chelley Yates. SEASON OF SOLIDARITY: - Still in the top ten: (Last seasons positions in brackets)
1. Samuel Green (4th), 2. Martin Barlow (8th), 4. Derek Berra (7th), 6. Jack Foster (1st),
9. Stuart Green (2nd), 10.Will Cannaby (10th)

SEASON OF SUCCESS: - New into the top ten: 3. Rachel Ferguson (12th),

5. Spencer Seymour-Smith (New Entry), 7. Nick Brown (New Entry), 8. Polly Green (New Entry).

SEASON OF SHAME: - Dropping out of the top ten: Joey Short (12th), Chris Polding (19th), Senor Fieldinho (26th), Hugh Seymour Smith (28th).

MANAGERS OF THE MONTH:
August: Joey Short                  January: Derek Berra
September: Nick Brown         February: Martin Barlow
October: Jack Foster               March: Stuart Green
November: Jack Foster           April: Jay Tuck
December: Nick Brown          May: Samuel Green