Ilmington and St James book their spots in final (From Cotswold Journal)

Ilmington and St James book their spots in final

9:40pm Thursday 7th February 2013 in Sport

THE Cotswold League’s ‘A’ team competition reached crunch time with Ilmington and St James booking their final places.

Ilmington made a dream start, defeating Swell 7-0 through Harry Cronshaw’s hat-trick alongside strikes from Sam Pitts-Eckersall (2), Fred Barnard and Joshi Gibb.

St James did not look as impressive as in qualifying but beat Dormer House 2-0 with Josh Andreson and William Palmer on target.

St Davids also failed to reproduce their fine form and improving Willersey beat them 1-0 through Oliver Hedges. Willersey were placed in the top group and, to reach the final, had to beat rampant Ilmington who struck through a Pitts-Eckersall tap-in.

Despite valiant attempts at a fightback, Charlie Dews secured a 2-0 victory in the last minute.

Ilmington then met St James but goalkeeper Gibb impressed for the former team and then started the move which ended in Cronshaw’s winner.

However, the two teams will meet again in the final on Tuesday, March 12, at Chipping Campden School.

The night’s first-round losers had gone into the repechage system along with Willersey and St James.

Dormer House’s Rupert Wiseman scored the only goal against St Davids who then defeated Swell 2-0 through Anna Wookey’s deflected cross and Chloe Whitworth.

To top the group, Dormer House beat Swell 4-2 with Luke Goddard (2), Wiseman and Nick Emsley scoring.

Thomas Fowler and Freddie Roberts replied.

But Saints had already registered enough wins to make the final without having to play. Dormer House drew 0-0 with Willersey who sealed third place courtesy of gaining more points.

Meanwhile, the ‘B’ team table took shape as Ilmington’s three wins shot them to the top.

Shipston are a point behind with three matches in hand, while Dormer House and holders St James are not far off.

Ollie Gibb netted twice in Ilmington’s first win over St Davids and Tom Lewis scored the only goal against Mickleton.

Dormer House had a good evening, defeating Tredington 2-1 with Tomos Davies netting twice and Alistair McCallum replying.

But Ilmington gained bragging rights with a thrilling 4-3 win over Dormer House.

Lewis’ hat-trick and Ollie Gibb ensured victory, while Davies replied with a treble.

St Davids scored their first goal in the competition against Tredington through Megan Jones but McCallum levelled.

McCallum then bagged a quick hat-trick in a haul of four after Mickleton scored early on via Alfie Organ.

Tonight, Shipston, St Davids, Mickleton, Tredington, Blockley and Willersey bid to make the girls’ final.