GRANTS ARE CHAMPIONS AS THE DEACON FLUFF THEIR LINES

| DSIL league report week ending 15 April 2012 | Permalink
Grants Gym are the winners of the Division 2 title without having to kick a ball as the only team who could catch them, The Deacon, went down 0-2 against Havelock Arms at Carmel. The result means even if the Deacon win their remaining fixture against RI they will only reach 40 points, 1 short of Grants. The loss will be a bitter pill for The Deacon after coming so close, but they can console themselves with a guaranteed top three finish, Technocopy Cup Semi Final appearance and not to mention the upcoming Division 2 Cup Final, all in their first season from a team less than a year old.
With their destiny in their own hands, The Deacon were masters of their own downfall against a spirited Havelock side. The home side knew a result of any kind was required, but that task was made even harder when after a nervy opening, Captain Steve Howden, rose unchallenged to power home a header from a corner within the first 10mins. Despite not being able to challenge for the title themselves, the Havvy were in no mood to do their hosts any favors and the game struggled to get a consistent flow as the two sides cancelled each out. Even when the Deacon got sight of the visitors’ goal, Sam Pybus was on hand to shut them out. However, at the other end Denham made sure he gave his side every chance by proving an equal antidote to the free scoring Weston and Best. As the game wore on, The Deacon tried to force there way back into contention, but couldn’t find the final piece in the jigsaw and with the clock ticking, Dale Johnson delivered the fatal blow after scrambling home from a corner. The home side did mount a late challenge, but it was not to be. Archie Brown said he was proud of his players, ‘Obviously I’m disappointed to miss out on the title, but the upside is that we have been promoted at the first attempt. I’m already looking forward to and making plans for the challenge of Division 1’.
Huntsmen Goodfellas waved goodbye to the DSIL and signed off with a 3-1 win over ACE Cars at Tommy Crooks. The popular Aycliffe side are off to pastures new for 2012-13 and will be a sad loss. Goals from Lee Gray, Shaun Mackintosh and Daniel Stones ensured they leave on a high and finish in 4th spot after leapfrogging Harrowgate Hill.
With league business wrapped up, the Cup competitions take centre stage from now on and RFC face Shuttle in the Division 1 Cup final this Sunday at the Rugby Club, Blackwell Meadows. It’s likely to be a close affair with two teams finishing second and third in the league so a good one for the neutrals to go along and watch. Kick-off is 10.30am and entrance is free. Meanwhile, Argos/DHL take on Allstars at the Education Village in the Technocopy Cup. The winner will face Haughton in the final. 
Darlington Sunday Invitation League
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