Champions end season in style

Jun 3 2009 by Jean Pedder, Stirling Observer Wednesday

GLASGOW HARP 0

BANNOCKBURN 4

BANNOCKBURN retained the Caledonian Premier League in midweek when other results went their way, but they ended the season in blistering form when they comprehensively took their opponents apart with a great performance, with Hamilton getting all four goals.

Regardless of other results, if Bannockburn had won their last three games they would win the league and they did just that, scoring 10 goals with the loss of only three.

With only five minutes on the clock, a good ball by McGregor found Hamilton who sent a rocket into the top corner from 18 yards. On 20 minutes it was 2-0 when again Hamilton fired an unstoppable shot past the keeper from all of 20 yards. On the stroke of half-time they were awarded a penalty when Maitland was fouled in the box and Hamilton made no mistake from the spot to make it 3-0.

Bannockburn came close to increasing their lead in the second half when Ross and Donaldson both came close and Ross again rattled the bar with a header. With 10 minutes remaining, Clark went on a mazy run beating three defenders, then laid the ball off to Hamilton who sent a screamer into the net from the edge of the box to make it 4-0.

A fantastic end to the season for Bannockburn as they completed a well deserved double with the league title and the West of Scotland Cup. Great credit to all who played their part in this memorable achievement.

Congratulations as well to Colin (strider) McLeod, who has been drafted into the Scottish Amateur select centenary game v Queens Park today, Wednesday at Hampden Park, nice recognition for a quality player.

SYMINGTON 2

CAMBUSBARRON ROVERS 7

FOLLOWING the 4-2 midweek win at Gartcosh which secured promotion, the Rovers travelled to Symington knowing a win would guarantee the First Division Championship and the 'Barron set out from the first minute to deliver a League Championship to Cambusbarron for the first time since 1980.

Iain Stewart opened the scoring in the third minute following a great run down the left by Andy Conroy and then Andy hit the second in the 20th minute which was the Rovers 100th league goal this season. It was all one way traffic and Andy Conroy scored the third before the break with a fine shot low into the left hand corner of the goal.

There was no letting up in the second half and Michael Grant hit a fine shot from the edge of the box to increase the visitors lead and then a good run and cross down the left by John Hamilton gave top goalscorer Andy Carsewell a simple tap in.

Symington reduced the leeway in one of their few shots at goal but David Grant scored a fine goal at the back post and minutes later Andy Carswell set up Steven Grahamslaw to complete the Rovers goal tally.

Symington scored a consolation but the points and the championship were well settled by then.

Immediately after the match the Rovers inspirational skipper Chris McBrier was presented with the First Division championship trophy by Graham Bell from the Caledonian League and the players were each given their league medals which was an excellent starter to a night of celebration.

On their return from Symington the Player of the Year presentation took place in the Cambusbarron Social Club. With the East of Scotland Cup and the League Championship trophies on show and a well attended evening made for a great atmosphere with everyone enjoying a great night.

Andy Carswell was presented with an award to mark him being the top goalscorer. The 100th league goal was marked with a presentation to scorer Andy Conroy. The Rovers captain Chris McBrier who has had a fantastic season, was presented with the Tommy Paterson trophy as the Players Player of the Year and Adriano Zerbanati received the Robert Gair Trophy as the Player of the Year which was also a very popular choice.

While all the prizes are decided the season still has a couple of games to go. Tonight (Wednesday) the Rovers are at home to Westerlands in the final home match of the season 7pm.

On Sunday, June 14 the 'Barron will complete their marathon season with the 50th game away to Rothesay.

RESULTS May 26: William Turner Challenge Cup, quarter-final: Newton Mearns 1, Stirling University 0.

Division One: Gartcosh United 2, Cambusbarron Rovers 4.

Saturday, May 30: Premier: Glasgow Harp 0, Bannockburn 4. Division One: Symington Tinto 2, Cambusbarron Rovers 7.