WEYMOUTH SUNDAY LEAGUE SIX-A-SIDES

A LATE double from Ollie Stanton ensured the Rodwell deservedly lifted the Shaun Taylor Memorial Trophy at the Marsh with a 3-1 triumph over league champions the Belvedere in a gripping final.

The Rodwellers had qualified for the last eight stage by virtue of finishing runners-up in one of four groups of six at the annual end of season small-sided tournament – but the courage they displayed in overcoming highly-fancied Dorothy in the quarter-finals made them worthy winners at the end of a gruelling day’s play.

The Dot had looked a good bet for the final after topping group B with five straight wins – the only side on the day to achieve that – and, when they charged 2-0 ahead against the Rodwell through strikes from Carl Tewkes-bury and Ricky Lane, it looked as though they would cruise into the semis.

However, Phil Anderson fired his side back into contention just before half-time in the 12-minute contest and then, right on the stroke of full-time Roger Boyd smashed home a second in off the bar to set up six minutes of extra-time.

Buoyed by their comeback the Rodwell completed the turnaround one minute into the second extra period when they found a winner as Stanton nonchalantly flicked home at the back post.

This victory set-up a semi-final tie for Adam Laing’s charges with group C winners the Railway Tavern who had seen off the Market House (Sammy Tidswell) 2-1 in the quarter-finals with goals from Stuart Puckett and Kieron Phelon.

Meanwhile, there were other last eight victories for the Chapelhay, who sunk group D winners the Britannia 2-0 with a brace from Derek Puckett, and the Belve who had to work hard to overwhelm group A victors Tuatara (Nick Preece, Tom Grattidge) 4-2 thanks to a hat-trick from in-form Paul Cole and another from Phil Lee.

The Rodwell found a breakthrough against the Taverners just before the break when Stanton side-footed past stopper Dave Smith and then a mistake at the back was fully punished as Stanton poked home his sixth of the morning midway through the second half to complete a 2-0 win.

However, the Belve were forced to dig deeper against group C runners-up the Chapelhay who forged ahead on six minutes when Marc Dalley thrashed a shot into the roof of stand-in keeper Tony Wyatt’s net.

It took just 30 seconds of the restart for the tournament’s player of the day Cole to stroke home a beauty for one apiece but it took two late extra-time strikes from both Cole and Chris Wyatt to ensure a Boot Hill derby final.

There was precious little between the sides in an energy-sapping 20-minute contest but with the Belve down to their last six fit players during the semi, one suspected that the Rodwellers would seize the initiative late on and that’s exactly what happened.

Laing got the Rodwell off to a flying start when he headed Steve Coombes corner over Tony Wyatt and into the top corner on three minutes but in the dying seconds of the first period Cole brought up double figures for the day as he planted a firm shot from 20 yards beyond Anthony Mauger.

There was a feisty end to proceedings as two crucial decisions by referee Kelvin Day both went the way of the Rodwell who were able to capitalise on both the Belve’s frustrations and fatigue with two late goals from Stanton to grasp victory.

Chris Wyatt looked to have been fouled in the build-up as Stanton rounded Tony Wyatt for 2-1 in the 17th minute and then the livewire striker walked in his eighth of the morning with seconds left following good work from Gareth Heseltine and Adam Billings.

RESULTS: Quarter-finals: Chapelhay 2 Britannia 0, Dorothy 2 Rodwell 3, Railway Tavern 2 Market House 1, Tuatara 2 Belvedere 4.

Semi-finals: Belvedere 3 Chapelhay 1, Rodwell 2 Railway Tavern 0.

Final: Rodwell 3 Belvedere 1.