BASINGSTOKE Royals sit atop the Basingstoke and District Saturday League Premier Division at Christmas after an 18-0 victory over struggling Welly Old Boys on Saturday.

Ama Bhuller opened the scoring in the first minute and he went on to complete a quick-fire hat-trick as Royals raced into a seven-goal lead with just 28 minutes on the clock.

Welly began the game with just 10 players and another four goals were added before half-time, with seven more following after the break.

James Gilham found the net five times, with Ashley Taylor, Tom Smith, Steve Price and Ryan Tubb all claiming braces. Scott Harvey got his name on the scoresheet, while Richard Munday, who began the game in goal, also notched.

Hook claimed a 3-1 victory over Bramley United to keep the pressure on at the top of the table. James Westwood gave Hook an early lead and while Adam Bartlett levelled for Bramley, late goals from Andy Parker and Jack McKee gave the high-flyers all three points.

Sherborne St John beat Tadley Calleva A 5-2, helped in no small part by Tadley having a man sent off after just five minutes.

Dec Shuttleworth put Sherborne ahead, but Kye Theodore soon levelled. Tadley then hit the crossbar with a penalty, but they were awarded another spot-kick almost immediately, and Theodore made no mistake.

However, Shuttleworth’s second made it 2-2 just before the break and Sam Hylton and Asher Pirie had Sherborne 4-2 up before Shuttleworth completed his hat-trick.

Hampshire Irons are just two points behind leaders Overton United A in Basingstoke and District Saturday League Division One after a 5-0 victory away at struggling North Warnborough.

Craig Hopper opened the scoring after a one-two with Jay Greene after 20 minutes and Greene got the second himself on the half-hour mark.

Robert Mead scored twice to make the game safe, with Gavin Curry setting up both goals, while Ollie Owen completed the scoring from the penalty spot, having been brought down in the area.