Premier Comb'n Bourne braced for big clash in bid for County League return

INTERBOURNE United will enter their winner-take-all play-off fixture against Bishop's Cleeve Development at Oaklands Park on Wednesday, May 14 (7.30pm) with momentum behind them after amply demonstrating why they are newly-crowned Premier Division champions.

- Simon PARKINSON

Bourne, eager to reclaim a place in the Gloucestershire County League, wrapped up their 24-match Combination programme, one containing 20 wins, two draws and only two defeats, with a 4-2 Parkside Avenue victory over second-placed DRG Frenchay, thanks to goals by Craig Doyle, Craig Harding, Barry Phillips and Jordan Yeo.

Charlie Jones struck twice for a DRG team tied on 52 points with third-spot Hallen Reserves and set now on cementing a laudable runner-up berth at home against Iron Acton this Saturday (2pm).

Hallen Reserves saw their hopes of finishing second behind Winterbourne dealt a setback in their final appearance as Brandon Oputeri's two goals, and Pele Kouisseoue's effort, saw Shaftesbury Crusade to a 3-1 win at Lockleaze Sports Centre HQ.

After a cracking start to their campaign, Iron Acton found it increasingly hard to rediscover that early promising form.

The 1-1 stalemate with Olveston United at Lodge Road - Tristan Plummer scored with their only goal on his debut - in their penultimate outing was Iron Acton's third draw in their last four winless games heading into Saturday's DRG conclusion.