FOOTBALL: Cup round-up

Hospital Open Cup semi-finals - Sponsored by Melbros

The semi-finals featured all Division 1 clubs. The Royal Oak, who are bidding for the Championship title, faced off against mid-table Barley Mow. It was the Barley who started off the better and took an early lead through Sean Drake’s close-range effort after the Oak defence failed to clear a long ball into the penalty area.

Just five minutes later they doubled their lead when Paul Evans fired home. Within minutes the Oak pulled a goal back when Lee Thomas found the back of the Barley net.

Five minutes before the break Sean Drake struck again for the Barley to give them a 3-1 lead at half-time. The Oak came out for the second half with much more determination and belief and it wasn’t long before they made it 3-2 when Josh Goodwin found the net. In the 56th minute the Oak won a free-kick 30 yards out and Lee Thomas fired it into the top left hand corner to make it all square. He then put the Oak ahead as he completed his hat-trick five minutes later. The Oak then won a penalty which Nick Matthews calmly converted.

With just minutes remaining Matthews found the net again to make it 6-3 and they had a place in the final after a great comeback. In that final they will face fellow championship chasers Long Lawford who beat CRC by a single goal. The final is on May 1 at 2pm.

Rugby Advertiser Cup quarter-finals

The Prince of Wales had a comfortable 7-1 victory against second division opponents Braunston. Another team bagging seven was Athletico Belbao who beat Griffin 7-2. Luke Pritchard 2, Liam Sherriff, Craig Burrin, Alex Linnell, Dan Bevans and John McCauley scored for Prince. Pete Murray and Kane Maunder replied.

The Royal Oak Reserves kept their hopes of a trophy alive by beating Quigley’s 3-0. Andy Gilroy, Anthony Foster and Mark Brazier got the goals.

On the Rocks Quigley’s hammered the Red Lion 10-0. Patrick Walle hit a hat-trick, there was a brace each for Patrick O’Brien, James Ward and Andre James while Lloyd Sena added a single.

The semi-draw is Athletico v On the Rocks and Royal Oak Res v Prince of Wales. To be played on Sunday (April 3).

League fixtures for Sunday: Webb v Lawford (shared) and Red Lion v Quigleys (Alwyn).

It is the league’s intention to run an Over 35s League during the 2016/17 season. Any clubs interested should contact Stuart on 07805127399 or T. Young.