Pulborough Pythons clinch first-ever title in final year

For the first time in the club's recent history, Pulborough Pythons have won a league title.

More poignantly this is the last season for the team playing under that name and is the very last season for manager Neville James after nine years in charge - having taken up the reins of the under-eights in the 2007-08 season.

Two of the current team have played every season from the start - Robert James and Cameron Murphie.

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The team evolved over the years in many guises. In three of the seasons, half of the squad featured boys playing up a year as two teams amalgamated into one. The teams always managed mid-table success which in itself was a massive achievement.

This latest side formed as the under-15s were about to fold as the younger players drifted into teams of their own age group, leaving only five players behind.

Captain David Wood and his father Russell stepped in and encouraged team-mates from their Saturday teams in Roffey to come and play for the Pythons.

Four different teams joined forces on that very first Sunday game in September and little did the management team of Neville, Russell Wood and John Barker know of the fortunes that awaited them over the Sundays to follow.

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Roffey Robins Rockets, Roffey Robins Athletic, Storrington Vipers and the five remaining Pulborough players earned promotion with a record of winning 11, drawing one and losing three.

For the 2015-16 season they were joined by a Chesworth Rover and all the remaining players resigned.

This year the side played 16, won 16 and lost none. Winning the Arun and Chichester under-16 B Division.

Manager James said: “I am so very proud of the achievements of this group of players. Their attitude on and of the pitch has made managing them an absolute privilege. Every one involved with the team has thoroughly enjoyed watching them play. They deserve their success.”

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The Pythons will still have two remaining teams in the Arun and Chichester League next season - under-13s and under-14s. The club would still be happy to run teams from under-seven upwards if their is interest. Contact Neville James on 07968 707467.

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