Inside NWX’s invincible season in Newbury Sunday League
NWX have enjoyed a dominant campaign.
They secured the Newbury Sunday League title with a win away to their title rivals Kingsclere.
What's more, they won the title whilst winning every league game.
Sixteen wins from sixteen games saw them average an incredible 5.9 goals per game, while conceding only ten in total.
On Sunday they made it an unbeaten double, winning the Jim Wild Memorial Shield 6-2 against Thatcham Tornadoes.
For Craig Robinson, a 2-1 win at their rival’s home was the perfect way to win the title.
“We have the fixtures secretary to thank for putting that game at the end,” Robinson joked.
“It was a bit of a cup final for us.
“When Kingsclere first joined it was a bit more spiteful between us.
“But now both teams respect each other.
“In my five years doing this, I’ve never had a team cause me so much stress!
“They prefer a long-ball game, we keep it on the floor.
“So you get to see two different styles come up against each other.”
NWX and Kingsclere have led the pack this season, whilst a clear divide has emerged between the established sides and the league’s new joiners from the summer.
Robinson believes that clubs in their debut season should not be disheartened by this initial gap in quality.
“It’s taken us five years to become undefeated,” he explained.
“We were one of those teams back in the day.
“We finished just below mid-table in the second division five years ago.
“Every team can grow and keep going.
“And players come and go too.
“From our first squad, there’s only five still signed on.
“Every team can improve, and the social aspect still stays the same.”
Robinson helped to lead efforts to grow the league last summer, with only five sides registered at one point.
Open trials and organisational efforts helped to raise this number to nine, with further expansion expected next season.
“Around Christmas we were all worried about the standard,” he recalled.
“But in the Spring we saw some surprising results, anyone could beat anyone.
“Every single final this year looks competitive.
“Frilsham against Crickets, Aldermaston against Diamond.
“Either side could win those.
“We’ll have the open trials again to help build new teams.
“Ideally we can get up to twelve teams.
“If we can do that it’ll be the biggest we’ve been in about five years.
“The best way to get in touch is either through the NWX Instagram @nwxfc or @newburysundayleague.”
NWX have the chance to seal an unbeaten treble, with another upcoming cup final.
They’ll contest the Lambourn Cup final against Diamond on May 4th, held at Lambourn Sports Club.
