AFC LIONS were crowned Redditch & South Warwickshire Combination Division One champions after a 9-1 victory over SCC Redolence in Sunday’s final matches.
Richard Tyler scored a hat-trick for Lions and Ian Wroe (2), Tom Whitehead, Josh Watts, Liam Dawson and Craig Wood were also on target for the victors, who finished on 19 points. Lewis Gillingham netted for Redolence.
Lodge Park finished runners-up with 17 points and SCC Redolence third with 13.
In the Premier Division, New Woodland Cottage earned their first three points by beating second placed CBH Fasteners 4-2 thanks to Adam Crombie’s brace and goals from Ryan Butler and Stuart Price. Jack Turner scored twice for CBH.
Champions Austin Ex-Apprentices beat Golden Cross 18-4 as seven players got on the scoresheet for the victors.
Andy Nicol (8), Liam Spink (4), Lewis Cosgrove (2), Jak Walton, Paul Longthorn, Richard Deeming and Chris Tranter all struck for Austin, whose stalwart player Jamie Partridge has hung up his boots after 16 years of service.
Mark Wilkes, Matt Wilkes, Adam Swan and Luke James were the scorers for Cross, who were beaten 3-1 by CBH Fasteners last Thursday.
Jack Turner (2) and Nathan Davies netted for CBH and Mark Wilkes registered for Cross.
Meanwhile, league officials and players are mourning the loss of president and past vice-chairman and fixture secretary John Freeman, who has passed away after a long period of ill health.
A league spokesman said thoughts are with his wife Sheila and the rest of his family at this sad time.
The new season begins on Sunday, August 13. More details will be shared after the AGM on Monday, June 5.
