Division down to nine teams after withdrawal

4:15pm Thursday 4th September 2008

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ONLY days before the season opens, the Basingstoke and District Saturday League has been hit by the withdrawal of Oakley Athletic Reserves from division one.

Hot on the heels of the loss of Bramley United Reserves, the news reduces the division for Saturday's start to just nine teams.

Oakley secretary Ann Thomas said in a letter to the league: "Although we have 25 players and could reach 28, a broken leg casualty in a pre-season friendly, plus three of our younger players being called up for the Basingstoke Town Youth Academy, would mean the Reserves struggling every week to field a team.

"At a meeting between the managers and committee, the solution was to withdraw and hopefully rebuild and return with two teams as soon as possible."

On the opening day, division one favourites Headley Athletic, with a large contingent of AFC Aldermaston players coming with new manager Terry Rooney, play unknown opponents Burghclere, who have moved from the Andover League.

Sherborne St John, another of the fancied clubs, are at home to Hook Reserves. This looks a comfortable first match for Saints judged on Hook Reserves' form last season. But Hook first team having no game may add to the difficulty.

Overton United A, fresh from promotion, have enough players under former AFC Oakridge boss Mark Bridger. A visit to Russell Howard Park to play Basingstoke Labour Club should hold no fears.

The dark horses could be Ludwig Leisure A, who are at Sherfield, who moved up from division two.