Sports Update - W/E 25th & 26th April

Lynn secure status, West Norfolk Rugby Ladies fail to avoid wooden spoon, local cricket clubs kickstart their seasons and Sailing duo back in action

Football

King’s Lynn Town FC travelled to in-form play off hopefuls Chester FC on the final day of the season knowing they needed at least a point to stay in the Conference League North, although that was still dependant on results elsewhere. A win would have secured their safety.

There was no cometh the man cometh the moment, more a case of cometh the team. Lynn somehow managed to deliver as they fought as one to secure a point in a tense 0-0 draw at the Deva Stadium in front of over 3,500 spectators.

Jack Lambert gets stuck in, credit Charlie Stockton

Whilst the players were probably unawares of proceedings in the other games, Paul Caddis and his team were no doubt keeping a close eye in case Lynn suddenly needed a win to stay up.

A fast paced opening saw Chester take the game to Lynn, knowing three points would secure their play off berth, whilst a point would leave them relying on other results. Dominating possession, the home side did have the ball in the net only for the goal to be disallowed. 

Credit Charlie Stockton

They also hit the bar in the second half, but a stoical Lynn held firm in a game of few chances.  A point was enough for each team in the end as both sides celebrated for different reasons in front of their own supporters.

Hereford only managed a point at home to already doomed Peterborough Sports, whilst Curzon Ashton’s late comeback to draw 3-3 at Alfreton proved in vain as they were relegated. The Linnets survived by the skin of their teeth with a superior goal difference. Small margins and all that. AFC Fylde pipped South Shields to the title.

Morgan Williams in action, credit Rick Matthews Photography

Whilst thanking the back room staff, players and supporters, manager Paul Caddis said, “The blocks, the tackles, the running off the ball, everything that’s required was there. It was a monumental effort from everyone collectively. Right now, the main emotion is relief. We came in with a job to keep the club in the division and, thankfully, we’ve done that.”

At the end of the day, Caddis had one remit when he joined in March and that was to save Lynn from relegation and he has achieved it. He can now spend the summer building a squad that can maybe challenge at the other end of the table as is the expectation of the Lynn faithful.

Lynn players applaud away support, credit Rick Matthews Photography

In Division One of the Anglian Combination League, Dersingham Rovers signed off their season with a 6-2 drubbing of Brandon Town. A Shane Akers brace and a goal apiece for Joe Collison, Kurty Calaby, Isaac Bloodworth and Dane Schmuda doing the damage. They look to have secured 6th spot.

In Division Three, Heacham complete their season on Bank Holiday weekend with two home matches, one on Saturday versus AFC Lynn (2.15pm Kick off) and the other on Monday against UEA Reserves (12pm Kick off). They are now realistically looking at a top five finish.

In Division Four, Dersingham Reserves slipped to a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to Dereham Town Development meaning they can no longer win the title. Cammy Seal with the goal. However, one win out of their final two fixtures will secure 2nd spot and with it promotion. Ingoldisthorpe FC could not do their local rivals any favours as they were beaten at home by Terrington Tigers 1-0 who were confirmed champions with Derse’s loss.

In Division One of the North West Norfolk League, Heacham Minors Development FC secured their status at this level with a 13-0 hammering of AFC Lynn Reserves, whilst Dersingham Rovers ‘A’ are also safe despite not playing.

In Division Two, Ingoldisthorpe Reserves travel to West Winch tomorrow (Tuesday) evening in their final game of the season as they look to secure a top three finish. 

In Division Three of the Norfolk Women & Girls’ Football League, Dersingham Women did their title aspirations no harm at all with a 6-1 demolition of lowly Watton Utd Women on Sunday, to return to the top of the table. A hat-trick from Carolyn Flowerdew, a brace from Crystal Hart and a goal for Leanne Smith securing all three points. Results against the two teams immediately below them in the table, Dereham and Bungay, in the coming weeks will determine the outcome of the title. 

Rugby

West Norfolk Warriors Ladies rugby team welcomed Colchester on Sunday, knowing a point in their final game would avoid the wooden spoon in Division One East. However, they were torn apart by their high flying visitors, 53-5. Having secured promotion last season, the team struggled to find any rhythm until the latter part of this campaign at a higher level and are resigned to relegation back to the second tier.

The men, who also achieved promotion last year, started the season well challenging at the top. However, a difficult campaign saw their title aspirations dissipate mid season but they ended up a creditable 5th in Division One East.

Cricket

The local clubs of Sandringham, Bircham, Snettisham and Thornham have all been gearing up for an eagerly anticipated new season over the past few weeks with training and friendlies. 

All the 1st XI’s begin their campaigns in the Norfolk Cricket Alliance League this coming Saturday. T&A will be keeping you up to date with the results as the season unfolds.

On Sunday, Thornham Sunday XI were involved in an exciting 15 run loss at Dereham as they just fell short of chasing down the host’s whopping 285. Captain, Nath Linsell’s 92 runs proving in vain.

Bircham Sunday XI had a 47 run win at Grimston. Posting 153, they bowled their hosts out for 106, Bryan Head’s half century the pick of the stats.

Sailing 

Faith Turner

Local siblings, Toby (14) & Faith (15) Turner, were back in sailing action recently in Mar Menor in Spain having competed in the Europa Cup (240 boats), where Toby achieved a Gold Fleet finish and was top Great Britain male (39th overall) whilst Faith had a Silver Fleet finish in the Europa Cup. 

Toby Turner

Toby is ranked Number 1 for his age group in the UK, but the competition was a big step up and reality check, although clearly an inspiration as he said, “I am going to come back stronger next year.”

Then it was onto the European Championships (482 boats) which proved a tougher affair, where Toby finished in the Silver Fleet (2nd overall for the GBR U16’s) and Faith in the Bronze Fleet (3rd U18 GBR girl).

Next up for the talented duo is the UK Nationals in Weymouth followed by representing TEAM GBR at the ILCA4 World Championships in Aarhus, Denmark, both in August.