Sports Update - W/E 20th & 21st of September

Wacky Races return to the streets of Hunstanton, busy weekend on the local football scene and Snettisham CC learn their promotion fate.

Soap Box Derby

60 teams travelled from far and wide to take part in Hunstanton's very own version of the wacky races, in the 2025 Soap Box Derby first raced in 1953, and excellently organised by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Events team.

The Pink Panthers

The rain held off much to the relief of the drivers, in fact there were near on perfect race conditions. However, that did not mean there weren't spills, thrills, breakdowns and crashes, much to the delight of the thousands of spectators who lined the course.

Hunstanton Fire Cadet team break down

The tentative early runs were counteracted by aggressive and risky second runs as teams tried to secure the coveted title. But it was Birkin’ Boys, led by Charles le Strange Meakin, who took the honours to emulate their 2023 success.

Look out for the full report tomorrow.

Football

King's Lynn Town FC returned from Merseyside with a point after drawing 1-1 with Marine in the Conference League North.

Ex AFC Wimbledon player, Morgan Williams, deservedly put the Linnets ahead before Tom Dickens unfortunately scored a late own goal. Manager, James Rowe, was once again furious with the 'diabolical officiating' after Town were denied a goal that was clearly over the line. They remain in the top half of the table in 9th place and travel to Royston Town in the 3rd round qualifying of the FA Cup next weekend.

Heacham FC secured their first win of the season on Saturday with a hard earned 2-1 home win against Gt. Yarmouth Town. Tom Beattie and Jake Poore notched, whilst captain, Callum Robinson, deservedly won the man of the match award for marshalling the magpies to a much needed victory.

In Division One of the Anglian Combination League, Dersingham Rovers are up to 3rd after a convincing dismantling of Blofield United. A brace from Joe Collison and a goal apiece for Scotty Gray, Kurty Callaby and Conor McQuaid easing them to a 5-1 victory to end a three game winless streak.

Despite a spirited performance, Heacham Reserves are out of the County Cup after conceding late in a 1-0 loss at SWFC Lingwood, whilst Ingoldisthorpe FC progress after a walkover win against East Runcton.
Over in the North West Norfolk League, ten man Dersingham Rovers ‘A’ secured local bragging rights after a lively 2-1 victory over Heacham Minors FC Development in Division One. William Irving and Nathan Mitchell with the goals after Lewis Jeavons saw red.

In another local derby, FC St. Edmunds Hunstanton were on the receiving end of a 5-0 thrashing to visitors Ingoldisthorpe Reserves in Division Two. A Kai Mayes hat-trick and a goal each for Kieran Brasted and Chesley Mayes enough for the ‘Thorpe to bag all three points. Meanwhile, Dersingham Rovers FC U23’s top the division despite being held to a 1-1 draw at West Winch Reserves. Reece Ward with the goal.

In the FA Youth Cup, Heacham FC U18’s are through after beating Bury Town U18’s on penalties. They went about it the hard way though having looked to be home and hosed after taking a 3-0 lead through an excellent Callum Wright hat-trick, before conceding three goals in ten minutes. Goalkeeper, Jack Nash, received the man of the match award for his penalty saving heroics. Heacham have been drawn at home again in the next round where they will face Sudbury Town U18’s on Thursday, 2nd October (TBC).

Local referee, James Durham

Local referee, Hunstanton based, James Durham, who is seeking promotion to Level 3 this season, has begun the campaign well. He was recently Assistant referee at the Premier League U18's match between Norwich City and Southampton, which ended 1-1. Experience in such high profile games will aid his progress.

Cricket

As previously mentioned in T&A, Snettisham CC were awaiting the results of matches further up the cricket pyramid to find out if they would be promoted after finishing 2nd in Division Four of the Norfolk Cricket Alliance League (NCA).

Complicated permutations seemed to be working in their favour, however, NCA Premier division side, North Runcton, lost their play-off match to reach the East Anglian Premier League, meaning 2nd placed sides throughout the NCA would, disappointingly, not be promoted.

Soap Box Derby pictures all Ian Burt