Season 2002 - 2003

Despite finishing fifth the previous season, Rhyno were promoted alongside the four sides that finished above them the previous year. However the acquisition of some players who had played at a higher level, meant the gap was now a lot closer. Unfortunately, for the second season running, difficult Cup draws dictated that Rhyno’s season was going to be mainly concentrated in their League campaign, although when reaching the last eight of the League Plate, the teams left suggested Rhyno were favourites on paper to lift silverware in only their second season. Galaxy from the division below were their opponents and despite a lot of huffing and puffing and certainly no lack of effort, Rhyno stumbled to a 2-0 defeat and it was their opponents who went on to the Sportcentre, only to be beaten by Eastwick Lions, a side Rhyno comfortably defeated 4-2 and drew 1-1 with 10 men in the league. It was a shame that at the end of the season the thought of what might have been overshadowed what was a pretty impressive season. Victory at Staple Tye over GPCA Youth 5-3 and a 5-1 victory at Bush Fair over a Copper Reserves side that boasted no less than nine senior players from their Premier Division based Senior team were the real highlights from results of Rhyno’s league campaign. However it was a 2-2 draw with Harlow Town (Now known as Harlow Stort) which people will remember from this season. Rhyno were just minutes away from victory against a side that had thoroughly thrashed them on both league meetings the season before and although Stort’s equaliser was a blow, it was proof how much progress had been made in such a short time. Their final league position was fourth.

Players’ Player of the Year - Paul Freeman

Manager’s Player of the Year - Gary Nash

Top Scorer - Gary Nash 18 goals.

Clubman - Darren Gowers