Well ladies, here we go again; up, up and away on the Winter League roller-coaster!

We got an unexpectedly good day for the start of League last Sunday – all most of us had to deal with was being completely blinded and learning to guess where the high ball might be, to varying degrees of success.

The ladies have a challenging set up for this winter league – due to relegations coupled with forced promotions from last year, we have two Class 6 teams and no Class 5. This is disappointing for all our Class 5-standard players – who have accepted their fate with very good grace! – and also the Class 6s who find themselves playing at Class 7. The same goes for our Class 4 teams, who are both charged with vying for promotion to Class 3.

However, we are all club stalwarts and will happily rise to the challenge of knocking the crap out of our opposition to attain promotion, whatever the level.

Our Class 7 team, most capably captained by Jane Boyle, got off to a good start, with Katie Cunningham and Aisling Shiels going the full distance over three sets to secure a point against Carrickmines, always very tough opposition.

Joanne Morrissey’s Class 6 team made the long haul trip to Aer Lingus and dealt admirably with planes flying over every two minutes to secure two points, a brilliant start to what is sure to be a great campaign. Many thanks to sub Kate Sheehan for making the trip and getting a point! Mairead Walsh’s Class 6ers were very unlucky not to get three points, with Natalie “Nails” Flanagan and Amy “Wozzy” Murray being just-pipped in a marathon three setter which nearly went into Monday morning.

Our second Class 4 team had a tough time against a young Newtownpark side, but we have absolutely no doubt that they will go from strength to strength over the campaign. Our other Class 4 team is a strong side captained by Karen Johnson who spent most of her ski holiday organising subs. We are very grateful to the excellent Catherine Murtagh who played an absolute blinder by helping the team to three points in Clane, drinks are on us, Catherine!

Our Class 3 team had a tough start against Shankill Firsts. Your captains – Scooby Doo and her partner Scrappy – should have won but did not, while our teammates battled valiantly against very strong opposition. Onwards this week!

And our Class 2 team, captained by Beccy Breach, had a great start securing two points at home against Riverview. Our firsts will be a true squad effort this season, as will many of our teams, and we appreciate all the ladies working together to gain promotions, whatever our level. Bring on Sunday!

Your captains, Aileen and Fleur