○Bemerton Heath Harlequins3–1Andover Town

The final game of the season was a game of real significance for three teams in the top 6 of Wessex Division 1. Andover Town needed to win to have any chance at all of finishing in the 5th play off place although if Laverstock were to win today that chance would fall by the wayside. Anything less than a win for Bemerton would have them finish in a play off position and were Town to draw or win it would make our new neighbours Andover New Street champions if they were to win at East Cowes. So lots indeed to play for the three teams..

The game kicked off in almost tropical conditions with short sleeves and shorts the order of the day for many in the crowd and there was warm sunshine bathing the ground which must be one the most picturesque in the Wessex League set as it is in a natural amphitheatre with mature trees lining three sides of the pitch. The first 15 minutes of the half were fairly sedate but burst into life un the 18th minute when the Andover back three were caught square and the ball was rolled across the 6 yard box to Harlequins Young who had an easy tap in from almost on the goal line. This goal spurred Bemerton on and two more goals followed in quick succession. First leading scorer Justin Bennett was on hand to slide the ball home after an under hit back pass had hit the post and Harlequins scored again in the 39th minute following a driving run from midfield by Ronan Clancy who unselfishly squared the ball to Bennett to score his second. So half time arrived with Andover 3-0 down, a score which accurately reflected the first half play and which saw Bemerton seemingly cruising to an easy victory.

Andover needed to pick up the tempo in the second half and after a period of sustained pressure a goal looked certain when a fine header by Jake Watson was acrobatically saved by keeper Paddy Creese. Town continued to push forward and their efforts were rewarded in the 57th minute when, following a goalmouth melee, Ben Emans scored with a fierce cross shot. So with more than half an hour to play there was a hope that Town could score again and make the last quarter somewhat tense for Bemerton. However the second goal did not materialise and in truth Bemerton comfortably held on to secure a 3-1 victory, a fair result which reflected their first half dominance.

The players hurried left the pitch to check the results. The Harlequins victory ensured that they finished as worthy champions and victories by New Street and Laverstock resulted in them finishing second and fifth respectively to ensure their play off places. Congratulations go to Bemerton who led the division for most of the season and who thoroughly deserved to be champions. Town finished in 6th place which reflected a very positive season following last year and they can look forward to next season with a fair degree of optimism.