by Joe Johnson

ALL three Crostyx men’s teams gained promotion from their respective leagues this season, and with the junior section also thriving, the future is bright for the purple and white Woodford-based side.

The first team followed up their successful campaign last year by securing back-to-back promotions, finishing runners-up in Prem B.

A delighted Wayne Bishop, captain of the first team, said: “For Crostyx first team to gain promotion in two consecutive years is a great achievement. For the twos and threes to do the same shows the strength, loyalty and ambition of the club.”

He continued: “The first team will be competing in East Prem next year, which is only one league off national status.

“We understand this will bring its own challenges but the squad are thoroughly looking forward to the next step and putting Crostyx HC firmly on the map as one of the best sides in the east of England.”

Crostyx second team captain Michael Fisher also praised the club’s strength in depth.

He said: “After the first half of the season, which saw the side change most weeks, the strength throughout the club showed during the second half of the season. It meant a very settled side was put out, which included a couple of the new youngsters.

“The results were very impressive, with the side only dropping five points out of a possible 33 which was the cornerstone of the team’s promotion.

“The club can now look forward to some challenging games next year but should be pushing for a third promotion in successive years.”