SOCCER: IN an SEH Sevens final that bought together two Division One Metaltec SIL sides, Coplestonians and Cranes, the standard of play was high and very competitive.

IN an SEH Sevens final that bought together two Division One Metaltec SIL sides, Coplestonians and Cranes, the standard of play was high and very competitive.

From the start Cranes always had the edge. After eight minutes a free-kick 20 yards out was sweetly driven home by Darrien Jones. Cops responded well but Neil Hamblin in the Cranes goal was not seriously tested.

On the stroke of half time a flowing move led to Troy Paul threading an inch-perfect ball through to the ever-dangerous Adam Nuttall who placed the ball wide of the prostrate Cops keeper.

From here on Crane, well drilled by managers Kevin Sharman and Paul Meers, held out to pick up the trophy for the second time in their history to revive memories of past glorious Cranes sides.

The Greene King Cup was a slightly different affair with hosts Ipswich Wanderers and Belstead Arms slugging it out for the full 30 minutes plus 10 minutes extra time and still not producing a goal.

Much of the action was concentrated in the midfield where no quarter was asked or given and only sympathetic refereeing allowed the full number of players to remain.

In the penalty shoot-out Belstead Arms kept their nerve better and conversions by Owen Simmonds, Andy Coote and Lee Osbourne secured the cup for the pub side.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable tournament that was blessed with fine weather and hopefully will set everybody up for a fine season.

The organisers thank SEH and Greene King for their sponsorship of the competition.