East Gwent League round-up (From Free Press Series)

East Gwent League round-up

Harry Fishwick Cup Final

It was suggested beforehand that this cup-final between the two best teams in Division Two and that they both were from Chepstow, was going to be a titanic encounter, and it was.

Both Chepstow Athletic and Thornwell Burnt Barn were a credit to watch. They entertained the 200 or so spectators from start to finish.

The first half belonged to Chepstow Athletic and deservedly led 2-1 at the break. The second half belonged to Thornwell Burnt Barn, their confidence returned and with it two goals to put them 3-2 ahead.

With time running out for Chepstow Athletic, they got back into the match with an equaliser, ten minutes from the end of normal time.

Extra-time commenced and still both teams felt sure of victory.

But Thornwell eventually broke Chepstow Athletic's hearts when they scored the winner midway through the second half of extra-time, and held on to secure their first cup-final victory in 12 attempts.

Scorers for Thornwell were Kenny Vidler (2), Darren Gilliver and Kevin Meddins. Athletic's scorers were Richard Ashill, Ricardo Chozas and Gavin Thomas.

Benevolent Cup semi-final

Underwood A and Sudbrook C/C A will contest the Benevolent Cup Final. Underwood defeated Monmouth Town 3-1, with goals from Dean Powell, Ashley Edinborough and Bowen Jones. Ricky Prosser replied for Monmouth.

Sudbrook C/C A eliminated Caldicot Castle A 4-2 with young strikers Rob Thorn (2) and Rory Aldritt (1) doing most damage and a wayward cross from Simon Howells adding the fourth.

Castle A scorers were Warren Jones and Ricky Winsor.

In Division One, Tintern Abbey jumped above Underwood at the top of the division, with a crushing 14-0 victory over bottom club Cross Hop.

Stuart Feabury and Wayne Duffield both scoring hat-tricks for the Abbey outfit. Asda and Tippling Philosopher shared the points in a scrappy game at Mathern. The game's two scorers were Rob Mananga for Asda and Andy Hunt for the Tippling.

Meanwhile, in Division Two, Underwood B might well have to settle for third spot after a 3-2 home defeat to neighbours Undy Athletic B.

Ryan Green and David Rees the Underwood scorers, while Richard Smith, the Undy keeper again, and a George Jones brace secured the away teams points.

Sudbrook C/C B beat Monmouth B 4-2 thanks to an own goal, Ian Bolas, Ken Murdin and local legend, goal king Carl Arthur.