Two local footballing rivals battled it out for a good cause for the weekend, in this season's only Beccles-Bungay Derby.

Eastern Daily Press: Former Norwich City player Rob Newman and Matthew Humby present the cup to Beccles Town captain Danny Cable. Picture: Nick ButcherFormer Norwich City player Rob Newman and Matthew Humby present the cup to Beccles Town captain Danny Cable. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

In an annual tradition, Beccles Town and Bungay Town met in the John Humby Hospital Cup, raising money for Beccles Hospital.

Eastern Daily Press: Beccles celebrate a goal. Picture: Nick ButcherBeccles celebrate a goal. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

This year's contest, however, had extra significance for the two local rivals, following the Wherrymen's promotion to the Anglian Combination Premier Division.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick ButcherAction from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

This meant that provided their fates are not brought together in cup competition, it would be the only time the two sides meet this season.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick ButcherAction from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

For this reason, both sides appeared to be thoroughly motivated for the occasion, resulting in a tightly-fought, competitive contest.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick ButcherAction from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

In the end, first half goals from Keiron Bale and Billy Shaw were enough to give the home side a 2-1 victory, with Aiden Lowe pulling one back for the Black Dogs after the break.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick ButcherAction from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Mark Allen, webmaster for Beccles Town, said: 'It was another fantastic day at the club and what better way to celebrate the amazing transformation of College Meadow and raise money for the hospital than with a derby win.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick ButcherAction from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

'There was an amazing atmosphere on the day with more than 200 people coming along and the weather was kind to us as well.'

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. A large crowd watching the local derby. Picture: Nick ButcherAction from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. A large crowd watching the local derby. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

The contest was also the first time many Beccles supporters were able to see the newly renovated College Meadow, which has seen such improvements as rebuilt dugouts, new drainage, and spectator rails.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick ButcherAction from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

The charity match was also held in memory of former manager and secretary John Humby, who died in December 2014 and was nicknamed 'Mr Beccles Town FC'.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Winners Beccles Town Picture: Nick ButcherAction from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Winners Beccles Town Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Peggy Humby, his wife, said: 'John would have been so very proud to see what has been achieved down here, he really would, it's just an incredible transformation and in just a few months too.'

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick ButcherAction from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Proceeds from the gate were donated to Beccles Hospital - as is the tradition with the contest - along with money from collection buckets on the day.

Eastern Daily Press: A good sized crowd watching the local derby. Picture: Nick ButcherA good sized crowd watching the local derby. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

After the match, former Norwich City defender Rob Newman presented the trophy to Beccles captain Danny Cable.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick ButcherAction from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

A grand total of £661 was raised on the day.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. A large crowd watching the local derby. Picture: Nick ButcherAction from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. A large crowd watching the local derby. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. A large crowd watching the local derby. Picture: Nick ButcherAction from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. A large crowd watching the local derby. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. A large crowd watching the local derby. Picture: Nick ButcherAction from the John Humby Cup between Beccles Town and Bungay Town. A large crowd watching the local derby. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)