IT HAS been a remarkable season for Basingstoke Royals, who have gone unbeaten on their way to winning the Basingstoke and District Saturday League Premier Division.

Their undefeated record was completed on Saturday, when Rising Sun DC were unable to raise a side for their final game of the season, writes PETER RAYNBIRD.

The champions played what turned out to be their last game on Wednesday, with Sherborne St John almost pulling off a shock result.

Jamie Grove put away a James Gilham cross to fire Royals in front after 20 minutes, but Sherborne replied through Alex Izzo.

Matt Dean had Royals 2-1 ahead at the break, but the hosts looked on course for a point when Dec Shuttleworth headed home Cobi Judd’s free-kick.

However, two goals in the final 10 minutes earned Royals another three points.

Sam Hilton handled on the line to give the visitors a penalty, which Stuart Urquhart converted. Hilton was sent off as a result and Steve Price added a fourth goal two minutes from time.

Sherborne were in action again on Saturday, beating Welly Old Boys 11-0.

Shuttleworth scored five of them, with two coming from the penalty spot, while Jarad Moore bagged a brace.

Izzo, Hilton, Tom Brickley and Steve De’ath were the other scorers.

Division Two champions Basingstoke Athletic completed an excellent season with a narrow victory over Winklebury Wizards.

Charlie Smith and Dean Scott both went close for the Wizards, while Scott Large rattled the crossbar from Josh Dickens’ cross.

Athletic got what proved to be the winning goal on 55 minutes, Luke Allison finding the net via the inside of the post.