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

East Gwent League round-up

Thornwell Burnt Barn have been crowned Division Two champions after beating Chepstow Athletic 3-2.

Kevin Meddins in the 25th and Kenny Vidler in the 45th minutes capitalised on defensive mistakes to guide Thornwell into a 2-0 half time lead.

Chepstow Athletic looked a different side after the break and quickly got even with goals from Carl Bailey in the 50th minute and a Gavin Thomas deflected free kick in the 54th minute.

The last half hour was end to end action with neither team taking advantage of clear cut chances.

In the 90th minute Chris Rees showed his wealth of experience when it mattered most and following a scramble in the Athletic penalty area he calmly side-footed the ball past the keeper to seal the title for Thornwell.

Portskewett B ended their season with a 1-0 away win at Caldicot Castle B.

Benevolent Cup Final: There was always going to be goals with both Sudbrook and Underwoods for forwards blistering pace, neither disappointed the partisan crowd.

James McManus showed the way after ten minutes for Underwood with a carbon copy lob of his previous weeks goal, it gave his side a slender half time lead.

Sudbrook Cricket Club woke up after the break and deserved the lead from Rory Aldritt's quick fire brace on 56th and 67th minutes to put his team 2-1 up. James McManus not to be out done on the day completed his brace after 73 minutes to tie the game at 2-2.

The game moved into extra time and with penalties looming Underwood destroyed Sudbrook's dreams with strikes from seventeen year old Tony Ryall on the 119 minute and Tim Waters in the 120th minute to take the cup back to Underwood for the second year running.

Argus Shield Final: Caldicot Castle A retained the Shield for the second year running with a 2-1 victory over Undy Athletic B.

Richard Smith gave Undy the lead with a 20th minute penalty following a deliberate hand ball. With Castle down to ten men and after some quick restructuring with their formation Warren Jones got Castle back into the game with a goal after 25 minutes.

In the second half Castle continued to press forward and after 67 minutes they were awarded a penalty. Warren Jones stepped forward and made sure the Shield was going nowhere except back to the Castle. Final score 2-1.