Sixth CML Bonanza 2009

Rob Hornby and Chris Berezai, together with everyone involved in front of and behind the scenes over the two days, put on a truly memorable 2009 ‘Bonanza’. For me, it was good to finally complete a full ‘hop’ itinerary and be part of a well-organised occasion that was a credit to the Central Midlands League.

This was the sixth hop organised by the league and despite the current ‘difficult times’, it attached fans from all over the UK as well as French, Swedish, German, Australian and Japanese enthusiasts. Normally, the event is held over Easter but for this year and the next two the CML has vacated that spot in favour of the South-West Peninsula League.

All five games produced plenty of entertainment and goals, despite a strong blustery wind that must have made life difficult for those on the field. With around 126 advance tickets sold, each club attracted over 100 additional paying customers with the final game at Clipstone having the highest attendance of 306.

Friday 13th March

Rolls Royce Leisure 3 Ollerton Town 4
Abacus Lighting Central Midlands League Buckingham Insurance Supreme Division
At: Rolls Royce Sports Ground, Watnall Road, Hucknall
Kick-off: 7-45 pm
Attendance: 236
Weather: cold, dry
Duration: first half: 46:55; second-half 49:00




Saturday 14th March

Bulwell Town 1 Thorseby Colliery Welfare 1
Abacus Lighting Central Midlands League Black Dragon Premier Division
At: Goosedale Sports Club
Kick-off: 10-15 am
Attendance: 298
Weather: sunny, strong blustery wind
Duration: first half: 47:43; second-half 47:37




Kirkby Town 5 Newark Flowserve 1
Abacus Lighting Central Midlands League Black Dragon Premier Division
At: The Summit Centre, Pavilion Road
Kick-off: 1-15 pm
Attendance: 264
Weather: sunny, windy
Duration: first half: 45:35; second-half 48:05




Forest Town 2 Harrowby United 1
Abacus Lighting Central Midlands League Buckingham Insurance Supreme Division
At: Forest Town Welfare
Kick-off: 4-15 pm
Attendance: 237
Weather: sunny, windy
Duration: first half: 45:43; second-half 47:45




Clipstone Welfare 1 Kimberley Town 2
Abacus Lighting Central Midlands League Buckingham Insurance Supreme Division
At: Lido Ground
Kick-off: 7-00 pm
Attendance: 306
Weather: cold, dry, windy
Duration: first half: 48:05; second-half 51:25