An intriguing battle in Division One

Carr Hill, reigning champions and second from bottom before Christmas, have fought their way back to the top with victories over their Parry Cup conquerors Sir Edmund Hillary, Redlands and a tense 4-3 defeat of Prospect Hill that earned them a place in the Champion of Champions Tournament after Easter.

Shocked to find themselves 3-0 down at half-time through goals by Kieron Houghton, Kiam Smith and Jack Turner, Carr Hill fought back vigorously after the interval as they saw another of their titles slipping away from them.

With only 15 minutes remaining Alex Wonham started the comeback and Joshua Gregory made it 3-2. Alex Wonham got the equaliser in normal time and a Joshua Gregory corner confused the Prospect defence that to produced a winner and completed an amazing comeback in the third minute of added time.

The league title is still not settled however as St John’s, bottom team at Christmas and unbeaten since then, still have to play Redlands and Carr Hill this week and could claim the title with two wins.

Meanwhile the semi-final draw for the Worksop Guardian Champion of Champions Shield, to be played after Easter, is St Anne’s versus Carr Hill and Priory versus Ryton Park.

St Anne’s earned their place when a goalless draw kept their nearest challengers, Langold, at bay.

Gamston, 2-1 winners over Beckingham, have both been highly successful for the last two seasons, but this year were playing for their first win of this campaign.

The semi-final draw for their successors to play for the Small Schools Champion of Champions title and the Retford Times Shield is Sturton-le- Steeple versus Everton and Leverton Academy versus Ranskill.

Haggonfields Girls duly won their last match against Sturton-le-Steeple with the help of four goals from Saskia Macefield to share the Girls Division One title and will now play a preliminary match against joint winners Leverton to decide who will contest the Gitls Champion of Champions Tournament against Ryton Park, Prospect Hill and Norbridge.

Bassetlaw Boys visit to Scarborough Boys fell victim to the weather and they now have to wait for their next match against the City of Gloucester Boys at Harworth on Easter Tuesday.