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Rangers seal first Norfolk Christian League title

Heigham Park Rangers have claimed their first-ever Norfolk  Christian Football League title, going through the entire season unbeaten.

Rangers were presented with their winners medals and shield after their Bishop Maurice Wood cup game with Gateway Vineyard on Saturday April 2. They won the title by eight points from St John’s, last year’s league winners, going unbeaten throughout the league and dropping only four points.

League chairman, Jim Green, said: “The  strength of their achievement is shown by the fact that all teams this year were strong and there really were no easy games. In general, Rangers found a way to win, typified by a last-kick winner against Stalham Baptist. Rangers are thoroughly deserved winners. Under the passionate and knowledgeable  leadership of Tom Woods and Marcel Atkinson, they play football in the right way. They also have strong roots in the league, as have many members of their squad.”

The team, which is associated with St Thomas Church Norwich, also had a strong run in the National Christian Trophy, losing unluckily on penalties in the quarter final.

Before receiving their trophy, Rangers suffered a shock defeat in the Bishop’s Cup mini-league stage to Gateway Vineyard. This set up an exciting finale to the group stage with Gateway, Rangers and St John’s all in with a chance of making it to the final.

Rangers manager, Tom Woods, said: “Today was a testament to the quality of this league, any team on their day can turn up and beat any other team and that’s what makes it so exciting. It’s an absolute privilege to play in this league and we’re ecstatic to win it. But just in general we’re so thankful for all the hard work that goes in to making this league run, from managers and players to referees and league officials. Immensely grateful!”

In the other mini league group, it is between Eaton Eagles and Stalham, with Eaton needing to better Stalham’s 5-1 defeat of NCBC to go through to the final at The Nest in Norwich on April 23.

Pictures top are the NCFL winners Heigham Park Rangers and, below, Rangers’ manager Tom Woods, left, and Marcel Atkinson, with the winners’ shield.

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Keith Morris, 05/04/2022

Published: 05/04/2022
Keith Morris

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