Timber fall in final (From Warrington Guardian)

Timber fall in final

Courier Post Runcorn Sunday Football League

Bob Orme Challenge Cup Final

Bridge Timber 2

Sundowner 4

THE curtain came down on the season with Sundowner winning the season's showpiece final at Picow Farm Road.

Favourites Bridge Timber were looking to be the first team to lift the coveted Bob Orme Challenge Cup for the third year running, while Sundowner were looking for a fitting farewell in their final season in the league.

Bridge Timber made the breakthrough after 15 minutes when Karl Thomas beat the offside trap and saw his strong shot deflect in off Paul Carson.

Sundowner were determined not to let Timber out of their sights and on 25 minutes George Donnachie equalised with a close range downward header.

Bridge continued to press but Sundowner keeper Russ Keeble was in excellent form and clung to every cross and shot.

The second half brought more excitement as football and passing flowed freely, a credit to both sides in a game many expected to be a bruiser.

Ten minutes into the second half Sundowner took the lead with an Andy Gott own goal from captain Ste Savage's free kick.

Gott immediately made up for that by scoring at the other end within a minute to make it 2-2.

Bridge's mammoth season seemed to be taking its toll and Sundowner gained the advantage in the 70th minute.

Great work from Mark Radley in the area saw him beat two defenders before laying on a pass for George Donnachie to fire home spectacularly from the edge of the Bridge's penalty box.

Bridge Timber were not finished though and attacked with everything they had but when Richie Jones' powerful header skimmed the post it was felt the game might have gone beyond them.

Man of the match Savage broke clear for Sundowner and clinically finished to give his team an unassailable 4-2 lead.

Bridge continued to press but Sundowner had the tactics just right and were delighted to hear the final whistle.

The Bridge Timber boys were able to afford a smile despite the defeat as they picked up the league title trophy after the game.

Applications are now being taken for next season's league competition. Any clubs interested in joining the league should contact Eduard Jones on 0151 4234891.