The topsy turvy world at the top of the Blue League took more dramatic turns this week leaving the title still undecided as Wyvern Saints and Hedge End Rhinos set up an exciting finale with just one remaining game each.

First up were the Saints who faced tough back-to-back matches with Tadburn Cougars who only last week had dented the Rhinos challenge for the title. It looked as if they were going to do similar damage to the Saints as they held them to a 2-2 draw in the first match and took an early lead in the second. Tom Bowden however had other ideas, having scored two goals in the first encounter he then went two better, running in a further four goals for the Saints as they fought back to win 5-2.

With an inferior goal difference of thirteen, things looked decidely ominous for the Rhinos as they then went into their only match of the day with such a massive deficit. Manager Paul Gibbs must have given the best prematch talk ever as his little Rhinos ripped into the unfortunate Bitterne Terriers Reds to secure an incredible 12-0 victory and bring them level with the Saints on points and only one behind on goal difference. Dylan Kirkwood with four and Anthony Freebody with three doing most damage in this win.

The results also meant the top two could not be caught by the following pack of three, who all finished on thirty seven points. Totton Rangers White claimed third spot thanks to a 1-0 win over Sportstars Red who finished fifth. Sandwiched between them were the gallant Tadburn Cougars who recent exploits had opened up the title race. The Sportstars finished their season with a 4-0 victory over Townhill Tornadoes, Matthew Turl signing off with a hat-trick.

The Tornadoes did not go home empty handed however as they shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Hythe Harriers.

Elsewhere St Denys had their best day of the season, picking up maximum points thanks to a 4-0 victory over Granley Rovers and a 4-1 win over Hedge End Cougars, Brendan Beazley scoring two in both games. Bitterne Terriers Red had four goal James Feeley to thank for their 5-1 victory over Granley.

3:50pm Sunday 2nd March 2008

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