DEFENDING champions Bourne have certainly started the new campaign as they intend to go on.

Having taken the Junior Alliance Under 14 Division One title last term, Kevin Bellairs' side have every intention of coming out on top in the Peterborough Youth League this season too.

A 6-1 win against Netherton – secured with a hat-trick for Josh Medlock and goals for James Beck, Jack Wheatley and Declan Carr – has put the young Wakes right back in the mix at the top end of the table.

Bellairs said: "We are playing at the Abbey Lawns this season which is a lovely big pitch and it suits our passing game.

"Teams will struggle to live with us at home and I am sure we will pick up a few points on our travels too.

"It is going to be a really tough league this year but I am hopeful we can be right up there again."

And it is not just on the pitch where the junior Wakes will be learning as of next season.

Bellairs added: "Since we have merged with the full Bourne Town set-up we have got FA funding for a scholarship scheme. It will start next season and give 20 lads the chance to make a career out of sport in one way or another.

"They will do two days at college as well as getting expert help and advice about all aspects of sport while there is even talk of a league involving other centres offering the courses.

"All in all these are very exciting times here at Bourne and we're all pleased to be involved."



WISBECH St Mary boss Andy Graves will be keeping his fingers crossed this season in the hope that injuries don't wreck his promotion dream.

Graves' side came fourth in Divison Two last season and missed out on promotion to the top flight after injuries hampered their chances and the Saints boss is anxious it doesn't happen again.

Against Ryhall at the weekend, Graves was able to send out a full-strength side and they won 6-3 with Jordan Allen (2), Harley Hollis (2), Dale Palmer and Ryan Alexander on target.

Graves said: "It was a good win for us as it has sent us to the top of the league but I am not making any bold predictions and will be taking it all one game at a time."



UNDER 16

YAXLEY won every single game they played last season and there are few in the local junior football scene who would back against them doing it again.

After landing the Under 15 Division One title, the League Cup and the Hunts County Cup it will undoubtedly be a massive task for the young Cuckoos to repeat the fantastic feat.

But having strengthened his side over the summer and having led them to victory in their opening two league games, manager Glyn Brothwell sees no reason why they can't do it all over again.

Goals for Christian Gordon, Jack Travers, Nathan Glover, Andy Franklin, Kieran Turner and Curtis Adams meant Yaxley cruised past Powerleague 6-1 for their second win of the season.

Brothwell said: "Of course the teams in this league have improved and I was impressed by Powerleague. But we have added lads like Christian Jordan, Andrew Beech and Daniel Woodward over the summer and I know we have a great chance of landing the treble for the second time in two years which would be an amazing achievement for the boys."