THEY’LL be success in every 12month period, no matter how good or bad the calendar year has been.
And in sport we’ve had our fair share of joy across the region.
From promotion glory to national championships, sport in the midlands is thriving – and it’s something that’s worth celebrating and appreciating.
It’s nice to look back and recognise what this fantastic patch sporting action has achieved in just 365days, and what can be achieved in the future to ensure sport remains a vital part of keeping active, the community and friendships.
In Leamington, we’ve watched Paul Holleran guide the Brakes to a dramatic playoff final win against Hitchin Town in May to gain promotion back into the Vanarama National League North.
Warwick Racecourse has smashed annual attendance figures and a handful of the town’s amateur teams have gained promotion from their respective divisions.
Knowle and Dorridge Cricket Club landed the Birmingham Premier League crown, Solihull Moors battled until the final few weeks of the season to keep their status as a National League club while champion powerlifter Leon Newman won the British Championships.
Talking of British titles, Coventry’s Myke Grimes stormed to a sensational 20-point maximum at Wednesfield in August to land the British Cycle Speedway Championships.
The city also travelled to Wembley in April to witness the Sky Blues lift a trophy at HQ for the first time in 30 years when beating Oxford City 2-1 in the Checkatrade Trophy Final at Wembley.
Meanwhile Coventry United won promotion to the Midland Football League Premier Division, and Coventry Alvis made the leap to step six in the non-league table.
Rugby cricket club landed the prestigious Warwickshire Cricket League Premier Division title on a dramatic season finale in September.
Darran Tank has guided Rugby Borough to just one loss in their first season as a senior team.
And there’s so much more.
On a personal note, if I could hope for any Christmas wish to be granted, it would be that my beloved Coventry Bees speedway team will return to racing in the city in the coming years.
My fingers will remain crossed until it happens.
Have a festive – and sporty – Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Shaun Reynolds, sports editor.
