The Royal Oak – Hartshill

Hartshill FC were finally crowned Coventry Alliance Division Three champions tonight  thanks to a comfortable 4-0 win over Mount Nod at The Rec.

After a ding-dong battle with Brinklow over the closing weeks Wayne Hadley’s men took the title and it was fitting that Wayne Boon should notch a superb hat-trick to take his tally to 29  for the season.

With an astonishing return of 80 goals in 80 games spanning three seasons, `Booma’  has epitomised the work ethic of the club which will surely stand it in good stead for the future.

The victory was all the sweeter for the home side, as the management team of  Brinklow had made the journey to support the visitors, but they could do nothing other than stand and watch the championship crown slip away from them before their eyes.

The home side’s task was to avoid defeat to win the league and things were made all the more possible when Mount Nod were reduced to ten men for foul and abusive language inside the first quarter of an hour.

Booma opened the scoring after 20 minutes and the nerves were eased before the break as he doubled his tally to make it 2-0.

The simple plan now was not to concede in the second half and increase the lead if the chances came – and they did.

The tireless work-rate of Rocky Pratt was rewarded midway through the half as he put the game out of reach after player-manager Hadley had hit the post with a close range header.

Booma then completed the scoring to round off a wonderful season for the club which has seen more silverware on the table and a third pr0motion on the trot.

All players are reminded to settle any outstanding monies on or before presentation night May 23 at The Green Bear (7.30 start).

Hartshill FC is calling on the village to support them as they face the biggest game in their three year history on Thursday night (May 14) at The Rec.

After Brinklow’s incredible 11-0 win over Coventry University Reserves on Saturday, Hartshill go into their re-arranged final game of the season against Mount Nod Reserves knowing avoiding defeat will bring the Division Three title to North Warwickshire.

The table now sees Brinklow top on goal difference, but Wayne Hadley’s side still have one more vital fixture to complete the season.

The success of the club to date has seen successive promotions in their first three season, but a result of any kind on Thursday will see the club tagged as champions again, after winning Division Five two years ago.

Promotion was always of paramount importance to the growth of the club, but the championship has  been in the sights of the Royal Oak based side, and they now know it’s all on one game.

Challengers Brinklow are sure to send along a contingent of support for Mount Nod, who incidently do not have a first team game on that night.

Everyone who has any connection with the club, the pub or indeed the village is urged to turn out and shout the lads on as they bid for the title…………

 The Reserves have now ended their 2008-09 campain and did so in entertaining fashion with victory in a ten goal thriller at The Rec against Bourton and Frankton at the weekend.

There was more than usual riding on the game as the league agreed for the two sides to play for six points as they were due to face one-another again just a few days later.

The away game is now not necessary though as the opposition agreed to double the points on Saturday, and Hartshill took full advantage with a 6-4 win.

The visitors opened the scoring and then doubled their lead with a penalty midway through the first half as they threatened to put the game out of sight before the interval.

The home side fought back though as goals from Jonathan Wilkes and James Thomason brought them level.

Bourton had the last laugh though as they regained the lead on the stroke of half time after a mix up in communication at the back by Hartshill.

After the break it was one-way traffic though as Wilkes quickly added to his tally and then stole in for his hat-trick to make it 4-3.

Subsitiute Steve Dixon then extended the lead to 5-3 before a goal at the other end kept the game alive.

Scott Dunnachie completed the scoring though and the Reserves completed their season in a more than satisfactory fifth position in the table.

After suffering a torrid opening to the season, to end in such a lofty spot is something everyone can be pleased with and things bode very well for next season.

Players are reminded that all due subs and fines need to be settled on or before presentation night on May 23.

One of Hartshill’s finest is to be remembered once again as The Sam Turpie Memorial match takes place at Stockingford’s Pavillion and here at the Royal Oak we are immensely proud to be part of the day.

Always remembered - the late Sam Turpie

Sam was a hugely popular figure in the village and continues to be sorely missed by his family and friends following is sudden and premature death almost two years ago.

The match between Hartshill XI and Stockingford XI is scheduled for a Friday May 22 (6.30) and then it’s back here for food and entertainment and share stories of the great man and the day.

The entertainment is provided by highly rated female vocalist Hannah Lee who is sure to get everyone dancing and singing along.

An impressive looking list of  players has been assembled for the game in Sam’s honour on both sides, many of who he would have played with at some time during his footballing career.

Since Sam’s passing the Sam Turpie Tribute Find committee have worked hard to support his family, and released this statement:

`The Sam Turpie Tribute Committee would like to thank everyone who has supported the fund over the last two years.

It was a remarkable honour to have known Sam and that has been reflected in the amount of support we have received so far.

We plan to continue with events over the coming years and look forward to you ongoing support.

The game features a Hartshill XI and a Stockingford XI, both of which Sam had strong connections with, we hope you all enjoy the evening and we look forward to having a drink with you after the match.’

Meet the teams:  HARTSHILL XI: Ryan Glover, Neil Hopkins, Matthew Cook, Ross Inness, Lee Gore, Ricci Douglas, Jason Farndon, Danny Taylor, Wayne Boon, Danny Worthington, Danny Oldacres, Dave Worthington, Josh Worthington, Wayne Hadley< Dave Simmonds, Danny Martin, Glenn Wilson, Neil Armson, Phillip Armson,m Andrew Bartram, Scott Day, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, John Curtis.

STOCKINGFORD XI: Mark Roper, Mick Beale, Darren Wright, Kevin Middleton, Ivor Green, Dave Ward, Mark Lewis, Paul Wilson, Dave Aston, Dean Aston, Brian Smith, James Williams, Willie Naughton, Ian Brain, Ian Mallabone, Craig Whitmore, Phil Warren, Ian Stringer.

Entrance into the match is £3, please spread the word and help to get the biggest crowd possible.