LOCAL SOCCER: Crane Sports can hardly believe their luck. The newly-promoted Senior Division side has just signed one of the most prolific scorers in the 106 year history of the Metaltec SIL.

By Elvin King

LOCAL SOCCER

CRANE Sports can hardly believe their luck.

The newly-promoted Senior Division side has just signed one of the most prolific scorers in the 106 year history of the Metaltec SIL.

Julian Beaumont, who has scored a remarkable 277 league and cup goals in 275 appearances for Walton United and Grundisburgh, made his debut for Crane last weekend in their 4-3 defeat against Capel Plough.

And he admits he knows nothing about his new club. "I met up with the manager and team mates for the first time last Saturday," said 32-year-old Beaumont.

He decided to take a break after scoring 204 times in 209 Grundisburgh games since 1996, and during the summer his wife Mel gave birth to their first child Bradley.

"I needed to re-charge my batteries and spent every Saturday watching SIL matches with Bradley in his buggy," said Beaumont. "I liked what I saw of Crane. They reminded me of Walton when they first moved up to senior football.

"They appeared hungry and when they came on last week I decided to sign. I always intended playing Saturdays again, it was a case of when I got the bug again."

Beaumont has continued to play for Kesgrave Athletic in the First Division of the Select Technical Services Sunday League, scoring 19 times for a top-of-the-table side who boost a 100 per cent record.

"This is a different challenge, and I enjoyed it last week," continued Beaumont. "Both Walton and Grundisburgh were always pushing for titles and cups.

"I certainly needed a break and told Grundisburgh my intentions in April. I have nothing against Grundisburgh, they are a superb club, and I enjoyed every minute.

"My batteries have been re-charged and I also needed a change. I spoke to a number of clubs in the close season but told them all that I wanted a break."

Melton St Audry's, who Beaumont faces tomorrow, also sent in a seven-day approach to Grundisburgh, but it was Crane who have benefited – and it should not be long before their new capture regains senior fitness and rapidly improves their goal output.

Also in the SIL, leaders Walsham-le-Willows take on Grundisburgh, with main rivals travelling to Capel Plough.