The Onion Bag Awards 2012-13

The Onion Bag Awards 2010

 The categories are:


Best Ground Visited -  WINNER

Ipswich Wanderers
Humber Doucy Lane
Eastern Counties Division One
What a cracking ground, one of the best i have visited for a long time. Beautifully ramshackle, quirky, nothing was straight. according to the locals, midweek someone goes around the ground with a spanner to tighten the bolts. Well maintained, very friendly welcome, all set in a lovely rural part of Suffolk just a few miles from Ipswich Center. A very pleasant and modern lounge bar only added to the homely feel this little jewel of a ground presented to the visitor.The standard of football was very good and entertaining and the pitch was in superb condition, especially as they had just endured 24 hours of rain. I would very highly recommend a wander down Humber Doucy Lane to see the Wanderers, as it is simply outstanding
2nd Place
Bury Town
Ram Meadow
Ryman Premier League
It is always a delight  to find a ground at this level of the Non League Pyramid that provides covered accommodation on all four sides. The most immediate feature of Ram Meadow is the unusual main stand, with its rather deep wooden steps-cum-seats, and sharply angled roof supported by numerous pieces of timber. From research i had imagined the main stand much bigger than how i found it.But its charm is its own, and it presents wonderful views all over Ram Meadow and beyond. Namely the vast sugar processing plant looming behind one goal and over the other, the more attractive cathedral tower and the towns roof tops.
The welcome was friendly and helpful. It also has an impressive club shop as well as an impressive lounge/bar area. Ram Meadow is a  most enjoyable, spacious,well maintained venue, it will be a shame when they move for it is a smashing place to enjoy the beautiful game.
Special Mentions:
Brimscombe &Thrupp
Canvey Island
Stocksbridge Park Steels

Worst Ground Visited
Margate 
Ryman Premier League
Very bland, unwelcoming, attitude problems, draconian in nature, poor views, all in the land of Planet Thanet.









Most Friendly Club- WINNER

Brimscombe & Thrupp FC
Hellenic League Div 1 West  
Even before i stepped foot inside the ground i realised what a little gem of a place it was, as i descended the steep hills from the adjoining villages. When i did arrive it did not disappoint, in fact it only got better , much better. Upon arrival i was greeted by the Committee and helpers and offered a coffee and biscuits with the offer also of home made sandwiches. They also thanked me for coming and for taking an interest in their Club. How wonderful was that ? i had never experienced that before. Then they hit me with the trump card by 'insisting' i stayed after the game for a hot meal.The Chairman personally made a point of also welcoming my visit and could not do enough for me. I was most humbled when they even made a public welcome over the tannoy as the teams came out. The Meadow Ground is situated in a beautiful location, almost of roman amphitheatre appearance. Surrounded by very steep grass banking as it meets the the descending rolling Gloucestershire countryside it is simply beautiful and very serene.The added bonus of the warm spring sunshine only added to the glorious setting.
As the club prepares for higher leagues it may well lose the quirky wooden stand which sits precariously on the steep grass banking yet offers superb views for the field of play and the steep rolling hills beyond. Recently the addition of floodlights will only add to appeal of this fantastic ground. The Clubhouse is an impressive set up with all the added extras one could wish for, including a skittles alley. The food was homemade and delicious all served with a genuine and homely smile. At the moment they are doing everything right both on and off the pitch ...The whole place is simply superb !

Special Mentions:  
Too many clubs to mention as would not want to miss anyone out.


Least Friendly Club
Margate
Arrogant attitudes, think they are a big club, unhelpful, puerile, and hostile tendencies. 
No other club i visited came close to consideration. Margate were in the Top 1 all season.


Worst Match attended

Bognor Regis Town 0 v Kingstonian 1
Ryman Premier League
On a bitterly cold day the game did little to warm you up. Very few chances of note until the end when Kingstonian's smashed and grabbed and Bognor were lucky to get nil.
A very close second ..... Bedworth 0 Kettering 1 , again was very poor. It was so poor i nearly paid to be allowed to leave at half time. The bitterly cold wind and swirling rain did little to help.



Best Food- WINNERS

Stamford:
 
 Pre Match meal was in town, recommended by a local ,The Golden Fleece Pub. The Full English was superb, best of the season by far. Fresh local provenance was evident and the Lincolnshire Sausages were outstanding. Tasty, meaty, simply delicious. Very fairly priced, including tea and toast for a fiver. I was certainly not fleeced at the Golden Fleece.

North Ferriby:
Luncheon was served at the Yorkshire Larder and family run deli cafe, hidden from those who are unaware of it, fortunately i bumped into it by sheer luck, and how pleased i was.  I ordered the Hot Pork, Stuffing and apple sauce sandwich and salad and it was superb. Succulent in every way.

Lewes:
A very tasty Steak and Harveys (local brewery) Pie. Homemade pastry, deep filled with juicy succulent chunks of tender beef in a rich ale gravy - delicious, if only all pies were made this way.








Worst Food
Bognor Regis In town at Macaris. Portions very small, the portion of Bubble was the size of a fifty pence piece, with high prices,with little taste. I actually left still hungry, worst of the season so far.If i had of known how good the Club food was i would have eaten there.
Marsden The Chinese take away just across the road from the ground. The food was just awful, sickly, obviously re-heated and not fresh. My advice is to avoid !
Tunbridge Wells:
National Company Pizza Express are named and shamed !!! after waiting two hours , only to be served the thinnest thickest pizza of all time. "yes sir" said the manager with his beguiling smile .... "That is a deep pan, thick pizza"  ...... "No it is not" i replied ..... it was the thickness of a five pound note. The taste was bland with little toppings, the waitress was a surly filly and they insisted i payed the full amount. It was basically theft and was very hard to stomach !.


Best Views from a ground
JOINT WINNERS
Stamford
The town is best known for its medieval core of 17th–18th century stone buildings, older timber framed buildings and five medieval parish churches. The views from the ground over the town are superb. The town has a touch of class about it.
 

Brimscombe &Thrupp 
 
The Meadow Ground is situated in a beautiful location, almost of roman amphitheatre appearance. Surrounded by very steep grass banking as it meets the the descending rolling Gloucestershire countryside it is simply beautiful and very serene.

Spennithorne & Harmby, 
On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales the views of patchwork fields and drystone walls and meandering sheep and newly born spring lamb is simply majestic.
Special Mentions:
Stocksbridge Park Steels
Marsden


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