Monday, 1 November 2010

Aberystwyth Digs League 2010/11 preview

As all Aberystwyth Digs League sides await the outcome of the league draw to take place on Friday, we at We Hate Ben have decided to look at what us and the other twenty-three can look forward to in the upcoming season.

The article has been split into four sections in order to group together sides of similar ability or due to their infancy. These sections include 'The Big Four', 'The Challenging Five', 'The Middle Five' and 'The New Ten'.

The Big Four

Sex Panthers (2006)

Last seasons record-breaking Sex Panthers had an incredible year, not only winning their division with an 100% record but also managing to win the second Aberystwyth Town Cup at Park Avenue. The club finished the season by winning the ADL Championship to complete an historic treble. Although they will most definitely be at the top of their division, whether they can manage to win everything again is unclear.

Last three results against WHB: W 3-0 (09/10), W 3-1 (08/09), D 1-1 (08/09 ATC)
Previous Seasons: 1st L2, Aberystwyth Town Cup Winners, Championship Winners (09/10), 2nd L2 (08/09), 3rd L2 (07/08)


Sexual Harassment Pandas (2007)


Since their formation three years ago, Pandas have been a formidable force in the league, winning two out of three league titles. However in cup competitions and play-offs the side have struggled to find the same form and have so far failed to win one of these competitions despite their high league placings. They will be challenging at the top again this season.

Last three results against WHB: W 6-1 (08/09)
Previous Seasons: 1st L1 (09/10), 3rd L2 (08/09), 1st L1 (07/08)

Y Geltaidd (pre-2006)

The usually excellent Geltaidd had a poor season last year, losing more games in total that campaign then they had done in all of their previous three seasons. Geltaidd should be a force to be reckoned with again this season.

Last three results against WHB: W 5-2 (08/09), W 6-2 (07/08), W 22-0 (06/07)
Previous Seasons: 4th L1 (09/10), 1st L2, Aberystwyth Town Cup Winners (08/09), 1st L2, Championship Winners (07/08).

Phoenix (pre-2006)

Phoenix had a disgraceful season by their own usual high standards last year, finishing sixth after some poor results against clubs they would have demolished in previous seasons. The club will have to improve if they are to challenge the other big sides, but they should still be close to the top, and have started brightly with a 7-0 win over Genital Giants in the cup.

Last three results against WHB: L 2-3 (09/10)
Previous Seasons: 6th L2 (09/10), 1st L1 (08/09), 3rd L1 (07/08).


The Challenging Five

Premiership Pornstars (2007)

Formerly in the shadow of their great rivals Geltaidd, Pornstars had a great season last year and continued their rise to the top with a second-placed finish. Pornstars will be hoping to improve again once more as they look to finally cast their great rival into the shade. Started with a convincing 6-1 cup win over new side AFC Gwatch.

Last three results against WHB: W 3-0 (09/10), W 3-1 Trophy SF (08/09), W 4-2 (07/08)
Previous Seasons: 2nd L2 (09/10), 3rd L1, Shield Winners (08/09), 5th L2, Plate Winners (07/08).


Bayer Diamonds (2007)

Similar in stature to WHB, Diamonds took one step farther last season in managing to finish an incredible second after steady progress in previous seasons. Whether those heights can be achieved again remain to be seen, but they should be pushing the top sides again after breaking into the top four.

Last three results against WHB: No competitive fixtures played
Previous Seasons: 2nd L1 (09/10), 5th L1, Plate Winners (08/09), 5th L1 (07/08)

On The Pier (2008)

Such has been the rapid progress of the side since it began playing in the ADL two years ago it seems a title challenge may not be beyond them this season. This season could prove to be its best ever. A competitive rival of We Hate Ben, they have started strongly with a huge 17-1 victory over new side NWAUC in the cup.

Last three results against WHB: W 2-1 (09/10 Shield Final), W 1-0 09/10)
Previous Seasons: 3rd L2, Shield Winners (09/10), 6th L1 (08/09)

We Hate Ben (2006)

Now the joint-fourth oldest club remaining in the ADL, WHB will be looking to finally make the elusive step-up and win one of the major trophies after coming so close in recent years. A play-off place should be secure.

Last three results against WHB: N/A
Previous Seasons: 4th L2 (09/10), 4th L2, Consolation Cup Winners (08/09), 7th L2 (07/08)


Obi Wan Kenobi Nil (2007)

Up and down seasons so far for Obi Wan Kenobi Nil, with the last seasons 6th place a middle ground after a troublesome start and impressive second campaign. It is currenlty unclear as to how the upcoming season will go, but they should be within the play-off picture.

Last three results against WHB: No competitive fixtures played
Previous Seasons: 6th L1 (09/10), 4th L2 (08/09), 10th L1 (07/08)


The Middle Five

FC Beaver (2004)

Beaver are one of the longest running ADL sides, but until last season they had not tasted success in their six years. The Plate win will hopefuly be a catalyst this year, and they should be a good example to new sides. Beaver have started the season with a 3-0 Cup win over Abertina.

Last three results against WHB: L 1-6 (09/10)
Previous Seasons: 5th L2, Plate Winners (09/10), 10th L1 (08/09), 11th L1 (07/08)

Leave-My-Arcelona (2009)

Arcelona surprised everyone last year with their incredible win over ADL powerhouse Geltaidd, but despite this victory they still finished outside the play-offs. Arcelona should be looking to rectify this in the upcoming season. Have beaten Commodore 3-1 in the Cup Preliminary Round which should be a sign of continuing progress.

Last three results against WHB: No competitive fixtures played
Previous Seasons: 7th L1(09/10)

F.D.R. Commodore (2009)

Not finishing bottom is usually a good season for a new side and Commodore managed just that. Last year the side were one of the more competitive new sides and their experience should help them overcome this years new sides, which may see them challenge for the play-offs. Lost to Arcelona 3-1 in the first round of the cup.

Last three results against WHB: No competitive fixtures played
Previous Seasons: 8th L1 (09/10)

ATFC Lions (2008)

The only ADL club linked to a Welsh Premier League side in Aberystwyth Town, ATFC Lions still mystify many in why they cannot attract the best players and challenge for titles with their resources. Last seasons Consolation Cup triumph was a start but it will be interesting to see how they fare this season. Should finally make a play-off and seem to have slowly developed a rivalry with WHB.

Last three results against WHB: L 2-5 (09/10), L 0-4 (09/10 ATC), L 0-4 (08/09 CC)
Previous Seasons: 8th L2, Consolation Cup Winners (09/10), 8th L2 (08/09)

Abertina (2009)

Finished second-bottom of League 1 last season. A year's experience will help them, but could struggle again. Lost 0-3 to Beaver in the Cup so far this season.

Last three results against WHB: No competitive fixtures played
Previous Seasons: 9th L1 (09/10)

The New Ten

Genital Giants (2010)

Little is known about this new side and that doesn't bode well for them the upcoming season. The were formed by members of the Aberystwyth University Tennis Club. Made a disappointing start with a 7-0 reverse against FC Phoenix in the the cup first round.

Last three results against WHB: No competitive fixtures played
Previous Seasons: N/A

Pathetic Athletic (2010)

Another new team with little information about them so far. Have so far managed to beat Unbelievable Tekkers 5-2 in the cup.

Last three results against WHB:: No competitive fixtures played
Previous Seasons: N/A

Unbelievable Tekkers (2010)

Unbelievable Tekkers are new to the ADL and started their season with a setback when losing 2-5 to Pathetic Athletic.

Last three results against WHB: No competitive fixtures played
Previous Seasons: N/A

AFC Gwatch (2010)

Formed by members of the Aberystwyth University Cricket Club, the could face a season of struggle after losing 1-6 to Premiership Pornstars in the cup.

Last three results against WHB: No competitive fixtures played
Previous Seasons: N/A

AFC Barstuds (2010)

Another new team who have a splattering of experience which may help them in the the upcoming season.

Last three results against WHB: No competitive fixtures played
Previous Seasons: N/A

Average Anne (2010)

Average Anne are meant to be by a considerable distance the best new team to play in the ADL this year, with a title challenge supposed to be forthcoming. They do have some talented and experienced players and may well achieve their goal. Stuttered with an unconvincing opening day 3-1 cup victory over fellow new side Inter Yournan.

Last three results against WHB: No competitive fixtures played
Previous Seasons: N/A

Inter Yournan (2010)

Believed to be a side that are solid but lacking in quality. They did manage a honourable 1-3 defeat to Average Anne in the cup. Could still struggle though.

Last three results against WHB: No competitive fixtures played
Previous Seasons: N/A

FC Hammer (2010)

Replacing former ADL side Unathletico Madrid, but not in continuation of, FC Hammer will have experience and that will put them in good stead against other new sides. Should be better than the previous teams.

Last three results against WHB: No competitive fixtures played
Previous Seasons: N/A

AFC Glengower (2010)

No information available.

Last three results against WHB: No competitive fixtures played
Previous Seasons: N/A

Naked Wednesday Afallon Unathletic Club (2010)

Formed by the Aberystwyth University Swimming and Water Polo sides, the team may have expected to have got off to a better start then a 17-1 thrashing from On The Pier. Will need to improve otherwise they may be playing in the wooden spoon.

Last three results against WHB: No competitive fixtures played
Previous Seasons: N/A

Missing

In other news Sons Of Pitches (1998) will be bidding farewell to the Aberystwyth Digs League after twelve seasons. Other teams that will also be folding are former WHB rivals Unathletico Madrid (2006), two ADL stalwarts in Abergeldie (2006) and Shake N Bake (2007), while last years whipping boys AC Matalan  (2009) fail to return after one season. We Hate Ben have now become the joint-fourth oldest club in the competition.

Predictions

Predictions will be made next week after the three leagues have been drawn. Good luck to all teams in the draw.

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