FOOTBALL: Griffin are Division 2 champions!

Rugby & District Sunday Football League - Sponsored by Melbros

The Griffin were crowned Division 2 champions after a comfortable victory against CRC Reserves. They took the lead in the sixth minute when Steve Hunt converted from the penalty-spot.

Nine minutes later Pete Murray tapped in a corner to make it 2-0. There were ten minutes to go before the break when Mikey Hall beat the off-side trap to slot past the keeper for 3-0, then Jack Curtis found the net for 4-0 and on the stroke of half time he got a second to make it 5-0 at the break.

An under-strength CRC just couldn’t match the Griffin in any department and went 6-0 down in the 51st minute when Curtis lobbed the keeper to complete a hat-trick. He then got his fourth of the day when he rounded the keeper to slot home. Richard Simkin then came close for CRC Reserves but his 25-yard strike produced a super save from the Griffin keeper.

Five minutes later CRC won a penalty and it was Simkins who got his revenge for the earlier save by hammering the spot-kick home to make it 7-1. It was only a consolation goal as two minutes later Kane Maunder got number eight and then a 30-yard free-kick from Mikey Hall found the net courtesy of a slight deflection. With the last kick off the game Pete Murray fired home for a 10 -1 victory.

Clifton Bulls had to settle for the runners-up spot despite beating Braunston 6-0. Ollie Hartnack hit four and Ian Lockley and Matt Lewis added singles. The Royal Oak Reserves ended their season with a 2-1 win against the Red Lion.

The League Champions Lawford finished their league campaign off with a 6-6 draw against the Prince of Wales.

Sunday (May 1) is Cup Finals day with Athletico Belbao and the Prince of Wales contesting the Advertiser Cup, kicking off at 11am followed at 2pm by Royal Oak against Lawford in the Hospital Cup final.

The league will be running a referees’ course from July 11. The dates are as follows: Monday 11th 6.30pm to 9.30pm, Wednesday 13th 6.30pm to 9.30pm, Saturday 16th 9.30am to 4.30pm and Sun 17th 9.30am to 4.30pm. Anyone interested should contact Mr. J.Betts on 07788973839 for more information.

It is the league’s intention to run an Over 35s League during the 2016/17 season. We need at least six teams to get this underway and no one under 34 1/2 years would be allowed to play. Any clubs interested should contact Stuart for more details on 07805 127399.