Smiles all round as Kintbury Rangers lift Wiltshire Senior League title
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Kintbury Rangers finally got their hands on the Wiltshire Senior League title.
They secured the title last week with a 3-1 win at home to Salisbury Development, but had to wait until their final home game of the season to lift the trophy.
Wroughton were the opponents, who provided Kintbury with a guard of honour as they walked onto the pitch as champions for the first time.
Kintbury went 1-0 up thanks to a very early Danny Hale strike and they remained in front at the break.
Hale struck again in the second-half to double Rangers’ lead, before leading scorer Kye Williams put the champions 3-0 up.
Wroughton threatened to spoil the party though, and reduced the gap to one thanks to Nick Craft and Lewis Sandwith’s goals.
3-2 is how it ended though, leaving Kintbury to fully enjoy the moment.
Representatives from the league were on hand to award players with their medals, before it was finally time to lift the cup.
Champagne flowed and music boomed as Rangers got their rewards for a dominant campaign.
25 wins from 30 games, averaging 2.6 goals per game, Kintbury are currently 19 points clear at the top.
There was plenty to reflect on for co-managers Chris Collin and Mark ‘Jesse’ James.
Speaking on the pitch as Collin’s young daughter played with the trophy near the corner flag, both men summed up their emotions.
“To go 27 unbeaten and then lose twice, it’s just relief really,” said James.
“All the hard work that goes into it… it’s great, an amazing feeling.
“I said to the boys, enjoy today, because these days don’t come about very often.”
Collin reflected on a year of hard work for all involved.
“In those moments, training on wet nights, dark nights, we had a way that we wanted to play,” he said.
“We tried to change their mentality… implement the way we see football on and off the pitch.
“Our desire on the pitch, how we were as clubmen.
“Changing the culture,” James adds.
The pair work in tandem, and are keen to continue this momentum as they enter Step 6 football next season.
“As a club we’re going in the right direction,” said Collin.
“We’re making small steps, which is the right way to do it.”
“The baseline is hard work,” said James.
“Fitness is massive, it gets you out of so many problems.
“The approach next season will be similar.
“They’ve earned today.”
Many at Kintbury expect to be placed in the Wessex League next season, which would see them face AFC Aldermaston, United Services Portsmouth and two sides based on the Isle of Wight.
With works having been carried out on their ground, Kintbury will learn their fate over the next few weeks.
For now though they have trips to Trowbridge and Shrivenham to look forward to, as their season comes to a close.
