Fareham & Crofton captain Tom Kent [Chris de Cani]
Delighted by his side’s fourth place finish in the Hampshire League, skipper Tom Kent has stressed the importance of his young Fareham & Crofton side staying together and launching a County Division One title challenge, possibly as early as next season.
Fourth is Fareham’s highest placing since they physically won County 1 in 2007 and earned promotion to the Southern Premier League Division 3 for a four-year stay until 2011.
“Our aim at the outset was to improve on last season when we were seventh, so to climb to fourth place was very pleasing indeed,” reckoned Fareham captain Tom Kent.
“We achieved fourth spot with a side with an average age of 22 years, probably the youngest in County 1.”
Fareham lost their opening two matches, but then won ten of their next 13 games, promoted runners-up Lymington II and Longparish being the only sides to beat them during the second half of the season.
“Now, if we want to progress, its essential we all stay together – and continue to move onwards and upwards,” Kent continued.
“Some of the younger lads are bound to get other offers this winter. We will always support the careers of any young prospects, but hope they stay put and establish themselves in County Division 1 first.
“Virtually all the side has come up through the colts section and it would be fantastic if they were to remain at Bath Lane and see the club move up into a higher league next year.”
Kent, at 22 years old CD1’s youngest captain, points out that Fareham’s improvement on the playing field this season has coincided with extensive enhancements to their Bath Lane ground.
“We’ve a smashing pavilion and clubhouse, good net practice facilities and a great spirit in the club. It’s a superb venue now alongside the water,” he added.
“We want to move on from here and if we can add one or two new faces to the crop of players we’ve got the outlook is very promising.”
Fourth is Fareham’s highest placing since they physically won County 1 in 2007 and earned promotion to the Southern Premier League Division 3 for a four-year stay until 2011.
“Our aim at the outset was to improve on last season when we were seventh, so to climb to fourth place was very pleasing indeed,” reckoned Fareham captain Tom Kent.
“We achieved fourth spot with a side with an average age of 22 years, probably the youngest in County 1.”
Fareham lost their opening two matches, but then won ten of their next 13 games, promoted runners-up Lymington II and Longparish being the only sides to beat them during the second half of the season.
“Now, if we want to progress, its essential we all stay together – and continue to move onwards and upwards,” Kent continued.
“Some of the younger lads are bound to get other offers this winter. We will always support the careers of any young prospects, but hope they stay put and establish themselves in County Division 1 first.
“Virtually all the side has come up through the colts section and it would be fantastic if they were to remain at Bath Lane and see the club move up into a higher league next year.”
Kent, at 22 years old CD1’s youngest captain, points out that Fareham’s improvement on the playing field this season has coincided with extensive enhancements to their Bath Lane ground.
“We’ve a smashing pavilion and clubhouse, good net practice facilities and a great spirit in the club. It’s a superb venue now alongside the water,” he added.
“We want to move on from here and if we can add one or two new faces to the crop of players we’ve got the outlook is very promising.”
