First off: "well done" to all the die-hards who attended last Saturday's end-of-season bash. As regards the actual awards, it's always a matter of conjecture as to who should be carrying off the various glittering trophies.

I think they were distributed quite fairly as it 'appens but in any team game you will always disappoint some when being selective with the honours.

One 'after shock', following a good night, was for me the news of Luke renewing his contract. When he received his Town.Net award he became one of the few to take the mike and say a few words, and very eloquently too. But during this speech I quickly made an assumption that it was probably his farewell-to-Town. Well, he did say how much he had enjoyed the season but more poignantly wishing all Townies good luck in the future.

You know I could just see shades of Bill Clinton bidding the Whitehouse farewell. Not that likeable Luke is anywhere near as devious as a politician of course but I did think we had heard his swan song on Saturday.

Thankfully I was very, very wrong with my suspicious mentality (perhaps?). Now the deal has been struck I wish Luke even more good luck. The Town pack is looking good.

Rumours are still in abundance with reference to further additions to next seasons squad. It is no doubt true that the directors have got other irons in the fire and we all can advise them as to which cold spots need consideration within the team.

The main theorists are looking for a new number seven, with a scientific centre also topping most pundits would-be shopping lists.

I suppose it would be very nice to capture a centre in the mould of a Paddy Tuimavave, but where do you find such a classy jewel? Not easy eh? But I believe they are probing every nook and cranny with the above mentioned hot irons.

I enjoy working in some behind the scenes roles at Derwent Park while shuddering to imagine how those they who are saddled with the task of hiring (and firing) players actually cope with the presh. Especially by recalling the true adage "you cannot please all of the people all of the time".

However, when the dust of a long hot Summer (pheweee!) finally settles I am ever more confident that Workington Town will be parading a squad fit to match most in our Division.

Is it still to be the NFP? I'm perhaps out of touch here, can anyone out there confirm it?

Looking quickly now at my favourite kids of our wonderful Town Martin's Marvels, of course, it was a magnificent Maryport turn out last Sunday. The league-leading Centurions seemed rather phased by the occasion, certainly early on when iggy and Co hit them hard. Leigh did manage to contain the Town youngsters in part two, but the win was well earned and puts the Academy Division One race back in the balance.

I believe Leigh are yet to face Featherstone away. They'll do well to gain anything from that encounter.

Town, though, have no picnics ahead either. This weekend's visit to in-form Dewsbury will be a hard struggle. The young Rams played quite well at Derwent Park in May and have gained some fine results since then - having taken away Leigh's unbeaten tag for example - so it would be to the kids advantage if they had some travelling support on Saturday, try your best to make the journey. Please!

If you cannot afford the time etc. for that trek what about the 18th August? The lads are to face Barrow away on that Saturday, a Cumbrian Derby, so get your pennies out for that one and, again, any support should lift them for this final run in.
K.S.