New Norfolk Christian Football League champions
The Norfolk Christian Football League (NCFL) adult league has new champions as Eaton Eagles won their first-ever title by a single point and by scoring over 80 goals.
League secretary, Paul Nice, said: “Congratulations to Eagles who are linked to Christ Church Eaton. They have played consistently well throughout the season scoring over 80 goals - quite a number.
“The league was able to present the Championship shield after last Saturday’s final game, a hard won victory over South Walsham First who competed against Eaton Eagles to the end. After all the games were accounted for, Eaton were the league winners by only one point! They have had a season-long tussle with Heigham Park Rangers (linked to St Thomas's, Norwich) who pushed them all the way.”
Henry Aspin, the manager of Eaton Eagles, said: “'We've had a few years of being so close to the title, finishing second in both an unbeaten season in 2021 and again in 2023. Therefore, there was a sweeping sense of relief across the group this year when we got over the line and also a great deal of pride. Eaton Eagles are a team built on friendship, a positive culture and relentless togetherness regardless of the scoreline.”
Henry also paid a special mention to Tom Grayling who runs Eaton Eagles alongside Henry. Tom is a “real unsung hero whose selfless, willing nature is vital to the running of the club,” said Henry.
Paul said: “The close end of the season reflects what was an interesting and competitive season due to the adult league containing ten teams - the most for several years. Although Eaton Eagles and Heigham Park Rangers were the two teams vying for the title, they certainly didn't have it all their own way facing many tough matches against the other teams.
“All teams including the latest addition to the league, South Walsham B, won or drew matches making for many interesting games. Special mention must be made of St John’s (linked to the Catholic Cathedral) who finished a strong third and Soul Church who, with a young team, competed well in the league as did the City Gates team (formerly Silver Road) who became much more competitive wining or drawing half of their games. Well done to all teams and managers who give so much of their time.”
The NCFL adult section now moves to the annual Bishop Maurice Wood Cup which kicks off on Saturday April 13 with two first round games between Norwich Central Baptist Church and Heigham Park Ranger and secondly, South Walsham First and Gateway Vineyard. The winners of these ties will go to complete the quarter-final line-up which will be played on April 20. All details are on the league site and on FA Full-Time, if readers are interested in attending the games and watching etc.
www.norfolkcfl.co.uk
Pictured above and below are the new NCFL champions, Eaton Eagles.
