AFTER a two-year period hit by Covid, the Hillsprint Hambleton Football Combination completed a difficult season at the weekend.
In division one, second placed Sportsman’s played Catterick Village at Northallerton Leisure Centre last week and won 4-1. Sportsman's took the lead after eight minutes when Colin Anderson converted a Jack Stapley pass. On 30 minutes, Sporty’s scored a great team goal. Great one touch inter-passing resulted in Stapley passing to Aaron Ramsbottom who tucked the ball away first time at the near post from close range.
In the second half Ramsbottom scored his second on 55 minutes. Scott McNichol scored Sporty’s fourth with a low strike from the edge of the penalty area which hit the left-hand post then the right-hand post and nestled in the back of the net to make it 4-0 Sporty’s. Catterick hit back and scored a great goal when Josh Wooff hit a 30-yard screamer into the Sporty’s net. Final score 4-1 Sporty’s. The win moved Sporty’s to the top of the table, and on Sunday, they hosted third-placed Durham Ox knowing that a win would give them the division one title.
Sportsman's took the lead after six minutes when Colin Anderson scored. Aaron Ramsbottom made it 2-0 after 25 minutes when Jack Stapley’s shot was palmed away by Ox 'keeper Tom Gill straight to Ramsbottom who headed the loose ball home. Ramsbottom scored his second on 35 minutes when he headed Dan Caisley’s left wing free kick into the Ox net with a fine glancing header.
In the second half Scott McNichol made it 4-0 Sporty’s with a great shot from 25 yards. On 78 minutes Anderson was put through to score Sporty’s fifth. With five minutes to go Anderson was fouled in the Ox penalty area, and McNichol scored the penalty. Two minutes later, Saul Bamber Lister was put through to score Sporty’s seventh, complete the scoring and win the division one title to go with the Hillsprint League Cup they won last month.
After the game league vice chair Mike Stone presented the division one cup to Sportsman’s captain Alex Caisley.
In division two, second-placed Shorthorn, South Otterington hosted White Bear, Bedale knowing that a win would give them the division two title. They won the game very convincingly 17-1. Shorthorn captain James Coatsworth lead the scorers with five goals followed by hat tricks from Brad King and Tyrone Crow, a brace from Jacob Stayman Collin and further goals from Sam Rowley, Joe Martin, James Rutherford and David Clarkson. Jack Chappelow scored White Bear’s goal. Shorthorn are now division two champions to go with the Bob Seymour Trophy they won last month. After the game league councillor Eddie Baker presented the division two cup to the Shorthorn captain James Coatsworth.
Combination League Councillor Eddie Baker presenting the D.2 Trophy to Shorthorn's captain James Coatsworth
The results completed a difficult season back after two years of the coronavirus pandemic. During the season the league had four clubs resign, however, 18 clubs competed in two divisions. Two clubs have already applied to join the league next season. If anyone is interested in putting a team in the combination next season, contact league secretary Brian Garthwaite on 07724 935 296 or email brian_garthwaite@yahoo.co.uk for further details.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here