The semi-finals of the Ben Smith Memorial Cup, the League’s premier Cup competition were played on Saturday.

The Division One leaders, Castle Acre Swifts entertained Mulbarton Wanderers Reserves from Division Two and proved too strong for them, winning 5-2. However, the other Division Two team, Scarning United, came from behind to knock out the holders, Morley Village, 3-1 in an entertaining game well refereed by Stephen Flack.

The surprising result in Division One was at Thetford Rovers Reserves where the home team beat third-placed North Elmham 5-3 to move out of the relegation places. Dereham Town A are fourth after winning by the only goal of the game at home to their counterparts from Swaffham Town. Tacolneston beat bottom team Narborough 2-0 to move up to fifth. Shipdham and Northwold S&SC shared the spoils from a 2-2 draw and Gressenhall have slipped into the relegation zone as a result of a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Yaxham.

Division Two leaders West End beat Sporle by the odd goal of five to go clear four points clear at the top of the table and Cockers beat Hethersett Athletic 4-3.

Division Three leaders Litcham won 5-2 at home to Marham Wanderers and are now six points clear at the top of the table. Hingham Athletic Reserves won 2-0 at Splitz United and are now up to fourth and Great Cressingham are up to sixth after their 4-3 win at Rockland United Reserves. Wendling ran out 2-1 winners at Colkirk and bottom team, Narborough Reserves, picked up a welcome three points from their 2-0 win at North Elmham Reserves.

The top four in Division Four all won. The leaders Mulbarton Wanderers A beat Castle Acre Swifts Reserves 3-1 while second-placed Feltwell United Reserves won 5-0 at bottom team Methwold United Reserves. Yaxham Reserves in third place won 5-3 at Tacolneston Reserves and Walsingham United stay fourth after beating Dereham Cockers United by the odd goal of seven. Gressenhall Reserves lost 7-0 at home to Beetley United and it is now certain that both Gressenhall Reserves and Methwold United Reserves will have to apply for re-election.

Weeting booked their place in the final of the Mervyn Lambert Plant Hire Pease League Cup with an only goal win over Attleborough Athletic. The other semi-final between Weasenham Wanderers and Stoke Ferry was abandoned.

Cockers have won Group A of the Fen Regis Invitation Shield after Nostro lost 3-1 to Bridgham United. In Group B, Rampant Horse beat Necton 2-1 which means that they will now have to beat North Elmham in the final match in the Group to progress to the semi-finals. In Group C, Bawdeswell beat Methwold United 4-3 and will now need to avoid defeat in the return match next week to make sure of a last four place.