FOLLOWING THE SALTMEN

Hellenic League Division 1

3.00pm – Saturday, 23 November 2024

It’s back on the road this weekend as the Saltmen travel down the M5 to the Hardwicke Playing Fields, home of the splendidly named Tytherington Rocks FC. I have added the FC because you might be forgiven for thinking Tytherington Rocks relates to one of the myriad of music festivals which have sprung up in recent years, cashing in on the popularity of such events at Reading and Glastonbury. You know, standing in a field all day, waiting for the Thompson Twins or Fiction Factory to give a nostalgia drenched rundown of their greatest hits in order to fund their latest hip replacement or session in rehab!

Well, it’s not one of those. In fact the Rocks are something of an historic football team founded in 1896 being constant member of the local league system. This year marks the Rocks’ twentieth season in the Hellenic League. Last season they finished in 11th position. This term, the Rocks currently sit in 10th position having won 6, drawn 2 and lost 6 games. During the first couple of months, Tytherington were well placed to challenge for honours; however, one win from their last 5 outings has seen them drop back to the middle of the pack.

The village of Tytherington is located 2 miles from Thornbury and sits next to the M5 between Gloucester and Bristol on the edge of the Cotswolds. In the 2011 census, the parish of Tytherington and Itchington had a combined population of 666. Tytherington Quarry is located to the west of the village and, presumably, is responsible for the club’s unique name. The village has a pub, The Swan which appropriately is on Duck Street. I’m sure they will be looking forward to welcoming the travelling hordes of “Rossoneri.” There is also a shop and post office, which be handy for sending postcards home. Should any of us feel the need to say thanks to the big fella upstairs, Tytherington also boasts a chapel.

Spa’s travelling support has been nothing less than spectacular this season and it would be great if we could keep that going and continue to provide the boys with our support. After all, it has to be better than Christmas shopping!

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Cheers

Steve