COLUMN: Another great year as sports stars make Boston proud

Goodbye 2019, you’ve been memorable.

Yep, another 365 days have passed and yet again the sporting patch of Boston and its surrounding areas has conjured up so many wonderful moments.

In the world of football Boston United’s FA Cup run may be over, but with more than 4,000 fans packed into York Street to witness their narrow defeat to League One Rochdale, the stadium was given a fitting send off in its final season.

Boston Town also enjoyed a financially-rewarding run in the competition which leaves both the Pilgrims and Poachers with games in hand and realistic ambitions of climbing their respective league tables.

The two clubs also have realistic ambitions of county cup glory, as do Lincs League outfit Wyberton.

On the amateur side, the Boston Saturday Football League continues to thrive, providing match action for young and old in the town and beyond.

January also begins with Boston Rugby Club - also boasting a strong Development side, a new ladies’ team and strong junior and mini ranks - top of the Midlands 4 East (North).

It has also been a great year for the individuals, with Boston golfer Dave Coupland earning his European Tour card and debuting in Australia.

It was also a superb year for boxing and the town’s two clubs.

Angelica Finch made the step up to the senior ranks and swiftly won her third national title, while Thomas Pogson made his England debut late in the year.

The town’s pro fighter Callum Johnson only saw action once, returning from New York with victory over Seanie Monaghan.

But as he returns from injury he has additional focus after being ordered to fight for the vacant European title.

Martial arts have also provided plenty to cheer.

Kickboxer Nesta Baxter announced herself to the senior circuit with WAKO World Championships bronze, while members of Traditional Karate Academy Boston returned from Moscow with European medals.

There were golds at national competitions for Boston Taekwondo Club and the town’s Kuk Sool Won club continues to excel.

It’s been a magnificent year for Boston Amateur Swimming Club while Wrangle's Mel Marshall has collected a series of coaching accolades for her work with British Swimming.

Events like the Boston Rowing Marathon and GB Trials, hosted by Boston Rowing Club, and the Boston Open, a jewel in the crown for Boston Squash Club bring a lot of talent to the town.

Boston Cricket Club continues to run four adult teams over a weekend, the Firsts competing in the county’s top flight, while the area is fantastically represented by a number of motorsport enthusiasts, both on two and four wheels.

And what about the excellent tennis, bowls, gymnastics, golf, athletics, running, triathlon and archery clubs in the area?

Our patch boasts fantastic netball, snooker, darts, table tennis, dominoes leagues and many, many more that, to my embarrassment, I may have omitted from this piece.

Let’s not forget the coaches and officials too, plus the volunteers, parents and sponsors who keep all this ticking over.

So the next time someone tells you they’re bored or that there’s nothing to do in Boston, point them in the direction of our many sports clubs.

You never know, by the arrival of the next decade we may be boasting a few more champions.