Sports Update - W/E 28th & 29th March

Mulbarton Wanderers secure title at Heacham, Lynn move closer to safety despite loss, heartbreak for Hunstanton's Men's Indoor Bowls team and Pétanque season reaches exciting finale

Football

King's Lynn Town have almost secured their status in the National Conference League North with an excellent 5-2 victory at Leamington last week, which included a Ross Crane brace, in tough weather conditions.

However, they slipped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Spennymoor Town on Saturday, meaning they are not mathematically safe just yet. It was a first defeat for Lynn under new manager Paul Caddis. Despite playing for nearly an hour against ten man Moors, Lynn failed to capitalise, missing a penalty in the process. Caddis said, “I felt as if we just lacked a little bit in just that final bit. I thought set-pieces were poor. But we've got to try and stay positive."

Lynn are presently 11 points clear of the relegation places, although Hereford - who occupy the last relegation spot - do have four games in hand. The Linnets travel to strugglers Peterborough Sports on Easter Friday in a local derby.

HFC goalscorer Harry Pightling, credit Phill Gwilliam

Thurlow Nunn Premier Division leaders were in Heacham on Saturday knowing a win could secure the title if results went their way elsewhere. That is exactly what happened as they ran out easy 5-1 winners whilst Haverhill slipped up, cuing mass celebrations amongst the visiting players and supporters at the end of the game.

Mulburton showed exactly why they are runaway champions, with a dominant display in front of 180 spectators, and some clinical finishing. Mulbarton were five up before Harvey Pightling scored a goal of the match consolation for the Magpies. Mulbarton will play in the Isthmian League next season.

Further bad news for Heacham as two of their fellow relegation rivals both won, meaning Heacham are now just three points above the drop zone with four games left.

Thurlow Nunn League Table

In Division One of the Anglian Combination League, Dersingham Rovers returned to winning ways with a 4-0 home victory over North Walsham Town. A brace from Lewis Curson and a goal apiece for Sam Peck and Joe Collison securing the three points.

In Division Three, Heacham Reserves responded to a midweek 6-2 defeat against leaders Swaffham Town Reserves by dispatching Aylsham Reserves 4-0. Heacham remain in 6th.

In Division Four, Ingoldisthorpe FC’s erratic form continued with a 2-0 loss at lowly Wells Town Reserves. Dersingham Reserves were without a game but can still go 2nd with their games in hand.

In Division Two of the North West Norfolk League, 8th placed Dersingham U23’s welcomed 3rd placed Ingoldisthorpe Reserves in an eagerly anticipated local derby. Despite Derse taking a two nil lead, Thorpe rallied to secure a point in an exciting 3-3 draw. Brandon King, Alexander Mendes and Thomas Waldron with the goals for the hosts, whilst Thomas Hosty, Kai Mayes and Chesley Mayes all notched for the visitors.

In Division Three of the Norfolk Women and Girls’ League, Dersingham are back up to 2nd after a 5-0 demolition of bottom side Long Stratton Women. Carolyn Flowerdew, Loretta Burrell, Emma Corbyn and Eliza McDonald all adding to an own goal. It is building towards an exciting title decider at leaders Dereham at the end of April.

Bowls

It was heartbreak for Hunstanton’s Men’s Indoor bowls team as they fell agonisingly short on the final game of the season to miss out on promotion from Division Four of the County League again. 

Hunstanton knew a win at leaders Lynnsport B would secure the title and with it promotion. However, in a tense match, which Hunstanton did lead at one point, Lynnsport B prevailed winning 5-2. 

Graham Keeley in action 

Disappointed captain, David Ilsley said, “After a great team effort we just fell short on the last few ends to lose the overall score lead. This will be the third year since our return to the County League, and we have now finished second three times!”

Hunstanton Men’s team

Hunstanton captain David Ilsley (left) with Lynnsport B captain David Bailey

The Ladies finished the season in a respectable 4th place in their respective division. 

The Hunstanton Indoor Bowls League presentation evening is at Searles Golf Club on Thursday, 16th April from 6pm.

All bowls images Ian Burt

Pétanque

The local Winter Petanque league held their end of season Pairs Tournament at Heacham Social Club at the weekend. For a somewhat cold Sunday morning an impressive 32 players paired up to participate.

Pétanque Open Pairs Winners - Darren & Bob Wright

The winners were father and son pairing, Darren and Bob Wright, from Roydon. Town & Around’s representation came a respectable 3rd from the 16 teams.

League winners, Stingrays, from Narborough were also presented with their trophies and medals.

Pétanque League Winners - from left Richard Taylor, David Cornwall & Matt Hemsley

There is no rest bite for the players as the Summer Season starts in earnest next month. Anyone looking to take up pétanque can contact League organiser, David Allen, at David.allen2@btinternet.com