Congratulations to Rye Town FC who have been crowned East Sussex Football League Premier champions, winning the top division by seven points ahead of Bexhill Town.
Rye Town manager, Shane Ridgers, said, “I am so proud of everyone within the club on a superb season for both the first and second team. Each player has worked hard on and off the pitch for themselves and each other. The statistic of not conceding at home in a football season is remarkable at any level of football and we did that. The lads have prided themselves on defending first, being a hard side to beat. Well done.”
For large periods within the season Rye were chasing down leaders Bexhill, who managed to play games through the bad weather spell because of having an all-weather facility. Rye had at one point fallen six games behind the leaders, but knew victories in these future fixtures would take them to the top.
The league specified the date of May 13 2023 by which all games had to be played, any remaining fixtures to be void and no points allocated. So Rye had to dig deep and play numerous games over a short period of time, which tested the fitness and squad depth of the club.
Shane continues, “With three games remaining, Rye needed to win two to be champions. By a twist of fate on Saturday, May 6, Punnets Town forfeited the game as they were unable to raise a team, giving us the points; then the news broke that Bexhill had failed to win their match which granted us the league championship.
“During the final two games against Westfield and Robertsbridge the club did not want to let any standards drop, striving to maintain the record of not conceding a goal at home all season in the league, and, indeed, only conceding five goals all season.
“A fantastic game took place at Westfield where we ran out eventual 3-0 winners, Charlie Stevens, Sam Hesmer and Sam Cooper grabbing the goals in what was probably the most competitive game of the season, Westfield fielding a very strong side. After the game the cup was presented to us along with our well-deserved league winner medals and the celebrations begun.
“In the final game of the season we hosted bottom-of-the-league Robertsbridge resulting in a comfortable 10-0 win, Rye Town’s biggest ever margin.”
Rye’s final statistics:
Played 20, Won 17, Drew 2, Lost 1
Goals For 49, Goals Against 5
Points 53
1. Rye Town 53pts
2. Bexhill Town 46pts
3. Crowhurst 34pts
4. Punnetts Town 34pts
5. Bexhill AAC 33pts
6. Westfield 33 pts
7. Sidley United 27pts
8. St Leonards Social 18pts
9. Hawkhurst United 13pts
10. Rock a Nore 11pts
11. Robertsbridge 5pts
Rye Town invites everyone to the end of season presentation at Rye Rugby Club Saturday, July 1 at 2pm, a family fun day where individual awards are given, and there will be attractions for the kids and food and drink.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .