Pub on the Shrubs Great Yarmouth and District League

The final of the leagues prestigious Wiltshire Cup on Easter Monday will be between Caister Roma and the holders Catfield. Roma had booked there place two weeks ago and last Saturday it was the turn of two unbeaten strong teams in Norfolk Primary Cup finalists Haven Bridge United and Junior cup semi finalists Catfield. The game was played in heavy rain and it affected both sides ability to play neat attractive football that both sides are known for. The first half was spent with the majority of the play in Catfield’s half but without a real cutting edge while Catfield seem the more likely to find the net. After half an hour prolific striker Chad Pillar was upended in the box. Nicholls gave Catfield the lead and a minute later the ruthless Cats were two up after a great ball across the box found Lee Knell who tapped home. An excellent strike by Ricci Butler gave Guest no chance and Haven Bridge had given themselves a lifeline before half time. Both sides were still trying to play football as the conditions worsened. Haven Bridge were giving as good as they got but two goals in two minutes all but finished things as first Pillar tapped home a yard out then Jonas calmly finished under Molloy to put Catfield 4-1 up. Haven Bridge looked to be back into the game with Scott Butler score from 6 yards but again two quick goals put the visitors into the final as first Tavares scored before Nicholls with his second penalty ended the contest. As a result both sides can still achieve a treble and Haven Bridge will look to bounce back this week as they face Caister United A in the first semi final of the Burgess Cup on Mill Lane.

Caister United A meanwhile could not have had worse preparations for this weeks semi final as they went down 8-1 at home to South Yarmouth who continue to remain in the promotion hunt in Division Two. MK United Reserves meanwhile kept up the pressure with a fine 5-1 win at home to Feathers who have announced their intentions to fold at the end of the season unless a manager or secretary comes forward. Caister Roma meanwhile almost handed the title to Haven Bridge on a plate as they found themselves 3-0 down away to Filby and Runham at half time. They staged a dramatic comeback second half to win 4-3 and keep alive there outside chances of the title. In Division 1 Belton faced dropping crucial points as they were 1-1 at Caister CC but a late winner earned them the points and keep up the pressure on champions Catfield. Yarmouth Peelers after a couple wins on the bounce were brought back down to earth as they were soundly beaten 7-0 by Albion as they warmed up for their quarter final against Prostar Windows this week in the Percy Nockolds trophy. Bohemians and Yarmouth International shared the points in a sporting 1-1 draw while MK United’s season seems to be petering out as they failed to raise a side and as such Yarmouth United were handed a walk over win. All fixtures are now on the website until the end of the season and some clubs do have midweek games which is unavoidable and has been arranged as such due to venues with cricket pitches etc. Clubs will also receive these fixtures by e-mail. Secondly all clubs are reminded that in all semi final ties the match officials fees are split evenly between both teams and there is no exceptions.

The Great Yarmouth And District League sponsored by the Pub On The Shrubs is inviting applications to the league for the 2012-13 season. The league is open to any club new or present club within a 14 mile radius of Great Yarmouth. Clubs must be affiliated for next season to either the Norfolk FA or Suffolk FA. If you would like an application form or would like information on how to get started and prices etc please contact the league secretary Ryan Starkey on 01493 602345 or e-mail ryan.starkey@sky.com