South West Counties League

WEYMOUTH 1 DORCHESTER TOWN 1

WEYMOUTH Under-18s have been crowned champions of South West Counties League Division Two after securing the point they needed in a 1-1 draw with rivals Dorchester Town.

The Terras went into the game knowing that a draw would be enough to seal the title and they looked on course for success when Ben Reiffer gave them the lead inside three minutes at the Wessex Stadium.

However, the Magpies fought back and levelled proceedings on the half-hour through Ryan Chance.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men late on after Jamie Symes collided with team-mate Jamie Hopkins and, with all three subs already made, had to be taken off.

Despite the disadvantage the county town side came within a whisker of handing Team Bath the league crown when substitute Lewis Trevett saw a last-gasp effort, from 20 yards, come back off the Weymouth crossbar.

The hosts though held on to secure top spot by virtue of their superior goal difference.

Dorchester manager Phil Basford said: “It was a cracking game and a great advert for South West Counties football. I was chuffed with the work-rate and the effort our lads put in and I couldn’t have asked for any more.

“We just needed a bit of luck at the end to ruin Weymouth’s party. However, it was a nice way for our captain Danny Critchel to go out on.

“In fact he was the only one who started on the pitch that won’t be able to play for us next season.”

* Dorchester Town Under-18s will be holding trials for prospective new players on Wednesday, April 29. Contact Phil Basford on 07966507149 or alternatively e-mail dtfcunder18team@aol.com for more information.