Grove aim to underline revival with cup triumph

Ben Casey

After reaching the latter stages of last season's competition, The Grove were thrown out for unknowingly playing an ineligible player. Twelve months on, they have made amends by reaching the final of the Norwich Sunday League Pink Un League Cup final where they take on Acle Rangers.

Steve Greening took the helm at the start of this season when the club was in danger of folding, and through sheer graft along with Tommy Green, has got the club buzzing again. The club, looking for a new sponsor since The Grove pub closed, have played many games this season with just a squad of eleven, but Greening is happy with the team's performance. "I'm really pleased we have finished in the top four and got to the final" he said "but it could have been even better if it was not for a touch of inconsistency". We are under no illusion that this will be a very tough task, but I think we have an even chance if we play to our full potential."

Acle Rangers, formed in 1973, joined the league in 1998 and are in the final for the first time. Manager Richard Westgate took over the side three years ago and loves the job.

"I'm really looking forward to Sunday. I know The Grove are a decent side, they proved that when they beat us at their place, but we won at ours, I am quietly confident that we can lift the trophy. The majority of our squad also play for the club on a Saturday so they know each other fairly well and that should help.” The game kicks off at 10.30am at Wroxham's Trafford Park, admission for adults is �3.

t Three games were played as the curtain came down on a disrupted season that has led to some divisions being decided on average points for the first time since 1976.

In the Premier division, Acle Rangers won 3-1 at Wymondham Rangers whilst in 1b, champions Costessey Sports were held to a 1-1 draw by Drayton. The final game of the season in 4B saw goals by Chris Crampton, Neil Woolner and Martin Woolner give Salhouse Res a 3-0 win at Spixworth Sunday Res.