Nine new teams elected to Bristol & Suburban League

Nine new sides were elected to the Bristol & Suburban League, during the annual meeting at the Begbrook Club, but plans were put on hold to increase the number of divisions with fewer teams in each.

Newcomers are AEK Boco Colts, Easton Cowboys Suburbia, Downend Forresters, BW Athletic, Rolls Royce, Stoke Rangers, Poker County UK, Knowle Rangers and Whiteladies, while Mangotsfield, B&W Avonside and Lawrence Weston entered another side.

"We are waiting for confirmation that all existing clubs will continue competing before the constitution of the league is finalised, a list will be posted on our website or sent out by email" said Derek Cumner, who was re-elected secretary.

He was rejoined in office by chairman and registration secretary Roger Tovey, treasurer Andrew Wait, referee secretary Alan Evans, and vice-chairmen Bob Arthurs, Steve Poole, Ian Pratt, and Des Villis.

Cumner praised the work during a difficult season of Simon Snartt, who resigned as match secretary to become an FA assessor and referee secretary of the Toolstation Western League.

"We are looking for a replacement," said Cumner, who can be contacted on 0117 9073700.

In his final report, Snartt urged the league to reduce evening fixtures at the end of the season by cutting down the number of teams in each division to a maximum of 14.

Bob Arthurs stood down as president for health reasons, having been associated with the league for more than half-a-century, but he will continue on the management committee.

Former chairman Len England is the new president, having also served as a player and officer for more than 50 years, and veteran referee Rod Green was appointed to the new post of results secretary.

Ashton United stalwart Tony Mattock resigned as a club representative on the committee and Mark Fellows, of Corinthian Sports, filled the vacancy, with Mike Carpenter (South Glos Hambrook), Andy Jones (B&W Avonside) and Ken Warrant (Glenside 5 OB) completing the quartet.

Sportsmanship trophies were awarded to St Annes Town, who went through the season without having a player sent off or booked, and Brandon TT Sports, with only one recorded caution.

The Tom Pitts Award for efficiency was presented to Brislington secretary Phil Edmunds.

Slater Stone Secretarial Awards: Premier I – Vernon Wood (CTK Southside), Premier II – Nick Smith (Whitchurch), Div I – Simon Pritchard (Tytherington Rocks), Div II – Martin Painter (Cadbury Heath), Div III – Sarah Sheppard (Teyfant), Div IV – Frank Morse (Lockleaze), Div V – Dave Pugsley (Oldbury Crusaders).

Trophy winners: Premier I champions – St Aldhelms, Runners-up – CTK Southside; Premier II champions – Southmead Athletic, r/u – Cadbury Heath Res; Div I champions – Bristol Athletic, r/u Lawrence Weston; Div II champions – Imperial Saints, r/u Avonmouth Res; Div III: Mangotsfield A, r/u Ingleside; Div IV champions – Lockleaze Res, r/u Bristol County; Div V champions – Cartwheel Sports, r/u Lebeq Utd.

Alfred Bosley Cup winners: St Aldhelms.

Norman Goulding Cup winners: Cartwheel Sports.