Riverside Rovers clinched their fourth title on the bounce after an emphatic seven-goal win at Bungay Town.
Double strikes from Jordan Rocastle and Charlton Halliday added to a Connor Delaney effort and a first ever Riverside goal for Tyler Riley ensured the league trophy will remain at the Rackheath-based side for another season.
The final of the League Cup on Friday, May 11 at the FDC will be between Acle Rangers and Hewett OBs.
Acle reached the final courtesy of a thumping 9-1 win at Drayton Dazzlers. Aaron Saunders did most of the damage, hitting an incredible double hat-trick, whilst Peter Nobbs, Mason Roe and Tom Cullumbine all got their names on the scoresheet.
Hewett OBs overcame Premier side Farmhouse in a closely-fought encounter. I saw this game and it was the home side who made the brighter start, scoring twice in two minutes through Ashley Baxter and Darrell Delaney. But Farmhouse grew into the game and created a few chances before the break.
The visitors dominated the start of the second period and deservedly pulled a goal back, but this seemed to shake Hewett out of a period of lethargy and chances were then created, but not taken, at either end. With five minutes left Farmhouse had a glorious chance to take the game into extra-time but the onrushing forward saw his effort hit the post and go wide when he really should have scored.
Back to league matters and in Division one, Brooke's hopes of lifting the title were dealt a severe blow when they were held to a 3-3 draw at home to Aslacton for whom Jutty Womack (2) and Dan Rout were on target. That allowed leaders Phoenix FC to open up a three-point gap with two games left after they won 6-2 at Longdale Rovers.
In Division Two, the top two met as Woolpack faced second-placed Mischief and it was the home side who took the three points, winning 2-1 (Chris Holmes, Matt Waters) to open up an eight-point gap at the top. Marlborough came back from south Norfolk with a crushing 10-goal win at Mettingham that included a seven-goal spree from Michael Adcock, whilst Briston scored eight times as they won at Sprowston Ath Wildcats.
In Division Three, Norman Wanderers A have one hand on the trophy after their 4-1 (Reece May 2, Jason Fuller, Ben Atkins) win at Hempnall coupled with a surprise 1-0 home defeat for nearest challengers DCS Rapid at home to Newsman Celtic. It means a win in their final game will guarantee them the title. Brooke Res gave themselves some hope of a medal position by scoring eight at East Tuddenham, whilst Harrison Tooley hit a hat-trick as Acle Rangers Res made it a good day for the club by beating Bungay Town Res 5-1.
Hethersett Ath Reserves' seven-goal (Scott Grimes 3, Stephen White 2, Daniel Payne, Dion Hill) win over Rose Ath in Division Four means a win in their final game will see them pip FC Viking to the runners-up spot.
Easton made sure that if Aylsham want to lift the Division Five title, they will have to work for it. Their final game of the season brought about a single goal victory over Firside and that, coupled with Aylsham's 3-0 (Owen Collier 2, Jake Bonner) win at Watton Utd, means Aylsham will need to win one of their two remaining games to pip Easton to the title. The other game played in the division saw Qube beat AG Athletic 4-1.
Under 19 Division leaders Scole Utd still march on after scoring nine (Bradley Hunt 4, Kieran Manning 3, Harry Brookes, Lawrence Brown) without reply at home to Acle Rangers and with two games to play are six points clear of St Andrews, 8-1 winners over Hellesdon. The only team that can catch Scole are Long Stratton, who won 5-2 at Cringleford. James Bemrose celebrated his involvement with the Norfolk U18 FA County Cup winning squad by scoring twice. Toby Gower also scored twice and there was a goal for Adam Race for a Stratton side who are 10 points behind Scole with three games in hand. The pair meet next week. Hethersett Ath and Mulbarton Wanderers took a point apiece after a 3-3 draw.
Clubs are reminded that Renewal Forms for next season are available to complete online from the website. It is important to note that any club not intending to renew, must inform the league under rule 14A or face a charge. All Renewal forms must be received by April 30.
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