Round Up 16 April 2011

WEST CHESHIRE AFL REPORT – WEEK ENDING 16 APRIL 2011

Ashville 0 Chester Nomads 0 may not appear to be the most interesting of score lines, but this midweek result took the home side into what is probably the most notable week in the club’s history. The point ensured that Ashville won the Second Division tile and with it a return to the first division. Then on Friday Ashville travelled the short distance to Runcorn Linnet’s Millbank Stadium to take on Old Altrinchamians in the Cheshire Amateur Cup final. Thanks to Craig Griffiths and Tim Bigland, Ashville took the trophy by two goals to one. A truly amazing achievement for the Second tier side and still the promise of more silverware to come.

Another historic midweek event saw Division One’s bottom placed side, Blacon YC, claim their first league win of the season at near neighbours, Upton AA. Liam Gough and Matty Pierce goals ensured all three points for the already relegated Chester side. Helsby put a massive dent into Maghull’s hopes of securing the First Division title when they ran out 2-1 winners on Saturday. Steve Horrocks and Mike Whitehead were the heroes for Helsby. Maghull must now hope to beat West Kirby at the end of the month to have any chance of claiming top spot.

Chester Nomads did their hopes of promotion to the First Division no harm at all by winning at Maghull Reserves, 1-3. Goals from Dale Harris, Kieron Smith and Lee Owen mean that Nomads now only need one more point from their three remaining games to guarantee joining Ashville in the top flight. Any remaining dreams of promotion for New Brighton were lost when they played out an excellent game at home to Capenhurst Villa, drawing four goals apiece.

In Division Three debutants, Runcorn Linnets Reserves claimed the title with a 2-0 home win over second placed Manor Athletic. Jack Straw and Danny Cummins capped a splendid first West Cheshire season for the Linnets. Manor can take the significant consolation of a promotion place, knowing that they can gain revenge in the Complete Focus Shield final early next month.

The Bill Graham Plate semi-finals saw Belfry Youth (Ryan Fossard, Sam Ennis 2) beat Maghull Youth (Nathan Fitzpatrick) 3-1. They will meet Halewood Town Youth in the final later this month. Halewood Connor O’Shea 3, Tom Stewart, Andy Bird) swept aside a much fancied Hale Youth side (Spencer Douglas) by five goals to one.