IN AN evenly contested game, North Warnborough snatched the Mike Davis All Champions Cup on May 6, after a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Basingstoke Hammers at Barlows Park, Tadley, writes Tony Spencer. 

The Hammers took the lead, with Haynes lobbing a goal during the first half's injury time. This came about after the Warnborough team were penalised, and Rodger's low free kick resulted in a save by Warnborough's goalkeeper Belcher but sent right into the waiting feet of Haynes.

The Warnborough team hit back immediately after halftime when Burnett successfully scored an equaliser, bringing the score to 1-1. The Hammers brought immense pressure, with three corners forcing a late save from Belcher.

However, the talented Burt broke free and managed to bypass the keeper, sliding Warnborough into the lead 2-1.

The Hammers remained dogged, and Rodger, with an exceptional bullet shot, equalised the score at 2-2 in an adrenaline-fuelled moment. The thrilling deadlock forced a decisive penalty shoot-out after seven long minutes of added time.

Warnborough led the shoot-out when Burgess scored, but the Hammers hit the crossbar, keeping the tally at 1-0. Warnborough missed their second chance, giving Jones the opportunity to equalise at 1-1.

After some successful conversions from Warnborough’s Donelly and O’Driscoll and Hammers being denied by the woodwork, the scoreboard read 3-1.

With Hammers needing to convert their 4th and 5th shots, Belcher made a saving goal and the trophy went to Warnborough, following a tense 3-1 victory in penalty kicks.

A highly thrilling close to a well-contested match between two fantastic teams.