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

Heacham Manor GC win Ryder Cup, Ingoldisthorpe FC steal the local football headlines and Pétanque Open winners.

Golf 

Forty hardy golf players turned out on Saturday as Heacham Manor Golf Club retained the local Ryder Cup over Searles GC with a 12.5/7.5 victory on home soil. 

In blustery conditions, the hosts came flying out of the traps to go four up, before Searles threatened a comeback. But the home side held on to run out comfortable winners in the end. Proud Heacham Manor captain, Tim Hoare, said, “An enjoyable event and thank you to our close neighbours for a great challenge. We look forward to visiting Searles to defend our title next year.”

Ryder Cup Players

Football

King’s Lynn Town FC were beaten 3-1 at home by in-form Radcliffe Borough on Saturday.  Despite dominating large parts of the game, King’s Lynn found themselves two down, before Gold Omotayo deservedly scored late to give the home hopeful faith, but a third from the visitors as the Linnets pressed for an equaliser killed the game off. Lynn are now down to 19th in the Conference League North, just two places above the drop zone. Next week they travel to 2nd from bottom Southport.

In the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division, Heacham FC continue to toil, languishing in the bottom two after a 1-0 reverse at Stowmarket Town. They are by no means being rolled over by teams with some tight tussles in recent weeks and beaten only by the odd goal and, yesterday, by an own goal. Yet points make prizes and the magpies are in urgent need of working out a way to get something out of games. They have the perfect opportunity next weekend when they welcome bottom side, Lakenheath.

In Division One of the Anglian Combination League, a rare blank sheet for Dersingham Rovers meant they slipped to a 2-0 defeat at an unbeaten and well-drilled Holt United. Derse slip to 6th in what is turning out to be a very competitive division indeed.

In Division Three, newly promoted Heacham Reserves are finding life tough as they failed to score in a league game for the first time this season, losing 1-0 at home to high flying Briston in an entertaining affair that actually defied the scoreline. They are down to 11th.

In Division Four, Ingoldisthorpe FC are riding high as they overcame Wells Town Reserves 2-0. Connor Leys and Jake Cook with the all important goals. In the same division, Dersingham Reserves slipped to a 2-1 defeat against 2nd placed Wroxham Development. Joshua Seal with the goal.

In Division One of the North West Norfolk League, Dersingham Rovers ‘A’ were involved in game of the weekend as they shared the spoils in a 4-4 draw at Terrington Tigers Reserves. A brace from Joe Collison and a goal apiece for Jack Marsden and Liam Kerr securing a point. Heacham Minors Development were on the wrong end of a 6-2 scoreline against leaders Wanderers FC.

In Division Two, Ingoldisthorpe Reserves recorded result of the weekend as they beat leaders Gaywood FC away, leapfrogging their opponents into pole position in the process. Hat-tricks from Chelsey and Kai Mayes and a brace from Ryan Young bagging all three points in the convincing and impressive 8-2 win. It capped a fine weekend for the local club, as the first and second teams were the only local teams to prevail with wins. In the same division, Dersingham U23’s were beaten by visitors West Winch Reserves 6-2. Alex Mendes and Jack Jordan notching.

In Division Three of the Norfolk Women & Girls’ League, Dersingham Women had a superb 2-0 home win against Red Rose Women, to move up to joint 2nd in what is their debut season. Emma Leech and Crystal Hart with the goals. Manager, Georgie Archer, said, “A fantastic team performance, we took our chances and defended excellently”.

In the Thurlow Nunn Youth League, Heacham FC U18’s are back in action on Thursday evening as they travel to Spalding.

Sad to report that Hunstanton has regained an unenviable accolade as one of the largest towns in England without a senior men’s football team, as FC St. Edmunds Hunstanton FC folded recently. Although, on a positive note, there are rumours the club may be re-forming next season. Let’s hope so.

Pétanque

Heacham Social Club hosted a Pétanque Open tournament last week which launched the Winter Pétanque Season.

Nicola Bateman (Ladies Runner Up), Val Wright (Ladies Winner), David Allen (League Secretary), John Stares (League Chairman), Ade Hubbard (Men’s Winner), Chris Taylor (Men’s Runner Up)

Over 24 people turned out on a misty Sunday morning vying for the coveted men’s and ladies titles. In the end, only two players went unbeaten, Ade Hubbard and Chris Taylor, the former prevailing with a bigger points difference. In the Ladies event, Val Wright came 1st and Nicola Bateman 2nd. Chairman, John Stares, said, “A great turn out and pleased with the number of ladies participating this year. Looking forward to the new season.”

The Winter Pétanque League is now under way, where over 50 players in two divisions of five teams play every Sunday morning.  For more information about taking up the sport or joining a club, please email David Allen at David.allen2@btinternet.com .