Mid-Season Update for 24-25

As we reach the halfway point of the 24-25 season, the Black Sheep have completed seven matches and are gearing up for the second half of the season starting in January. This season, we have exceeded our own expectations and performed exceptionally well. Despite a slow start in the match against the Den Haag Bullets, we have managed to recover splendidly. With four consecutive wins and one rather unnecessary draw, we have maintained the third position in the South Division for several weeks in a row. The victory in the away match against the Smoke Eaters Geleen was particularly delightful for the team. Last season (23-24), the Smoke Eaters denied us promotion to the Third Division by winning the promotion/relegation match on their home turf. However, IJNL has since revised the competition format, replacing the promotion/relegation matches with direct promotions for the top two teams of each division and direct relegations for the bottom two.

Upon request from IJNL, the Black Sheep were added to the Third Division following the last-minute withdrawal of a team. Naturally, we had our doubts about whether this was the right move and whether we should spend another season in the Fourth Division. These doubts were influenced by the bitter taste of the last match and the feeling of potentially falling short in this division. Ultimately, we decided to join the Third Division, and as it turns out, not without success. This has been a significant morale booster for the team and everyone involved in achieving this result.

Of course, we are not there yet! We still have seven matches to go. What we have proven to ourselves is that we belong in this division. The next match is scheduled for January 12, a home game against the Saints from Nijmegen. Last season, they played in the Second Division. They also had a slow start this season but have recently picked up momentum with two wins and two draws in a row. The Black Sheep will need to step up to keep the points in Dordrecht. The match will start at 20:45 at the Sportboulevard in Dordrecht.

For now, we have two weeks to rest and enjoy the holidays and the New Year. A huge thank you to all the people who selflessly dedicate their time and effort to Black Sheep. We cannot emphasize enough how wonderful it is to have you with us!

We wish everyone wonderful festive days and a fantastic start to 2025. May it be a beautiful, healthy, and sporty year!