Minor premierships decided with a round still to play

SLIDE : Barnstoneworth United winger Marty Felice avoids Denley defender John Barrie in Saturday’s over 35s clash with a slide for the ball.

The slimest of margins in the weekend clash with club mates Denley Moor has handed Barnstoneworth United the minor premiership in the Orange over 35s competition, with the final round still to play.

Both sides failed to make the most of first half chances and it took until well into the second term before a long-range speculator-cross from United winger Wes Hartley floated over the Denley keeper’s head.

A depth of subs on the United bench compared to a single reserve for Denley took its toll in the game’s final stages. Denley defenders hung-in to block a string of attacks and limit the winning margin to a 1-0 win.

Gladdyatahs kept up the pressure for two premierships in a row with a strong 3-0 win over Millthorpe Tigers, setting the scene for a tightly-balanced semis series.

Reigning premiers in A-grade, Barnstoneworth United kept their slim hopes alive of scoring a place in the semis with a convincing 6-1 over Waratah Wildcats at Brabham on Saturday.

Their chance of a top-four finish now rests not only on a win next weekend over Ex-Services, but also on a 4th-placed Saints victory over 3rd-placed Waratahs FC.

Undefeated all season in the B/C competition, Barnestoneworth United found themselves struggling and behind at half-time for the first time this year on Saturday.

Facing up to a skilled Kinross 1sts side, the competition leaders were down 2-1 at the break.

United had to dig deep to reclaim the lead, and they did with three second half goals, finishing 4-2 and bagging the minor premiership with a week left to play.