WHEN the irresistible force meets the immovable object something always has to give.

In one corner were Yaxley, who came into this final looking to complete the treble as unbeaten Division One champions and holders of the Hunts County.

In the other stood Rippingale B, last season's cup winners under the guise of Bourne and winners of Division Three this time round with an incredible 153 league goals to their name.

And after a thoroughly entertaining and open game of football at Chestnut Avenue last night it was Yaxley who emerged victorious from the fast-desecending gloom thanks to a couple of extra-time goals from supersub Andy Franklin.

So while it was heartbreak for the Lincolnshire lads who came so very, very close to upsetting the formbook, it was party time for Yaxley as they completed their treble.

But successful manager Glyn Brothwell was quick to praise the efforts of the beaten finalists.

He said: "What a game of football that was and fair play to Rippingale. They are the best team we have played all season and pushed us all the way.

"But we kept at it and have now won the treble which is about as good as it gets, especially as we have now won every single game we have played this season."

The young Cuckoos' bid for immortality was sorely tested throughout this end-to-end, flair-filled showcase of attacking football.

After Rippingale's slick passing provided the chance for Dan Schiavi to open the scoring, Brothwell's battlers needed to be right on it to even things up through Nathan Glover before taking the initiative themselves when Glover and the impressive Ciaran Turner combined for Kurtis Adams to put his side ahead.

But Rippingale were soon right back in the game when 70-goal top scorer Tom Bremner picked his spot after being set up by James Jane, who was enjoying a splendid match roving across the middle from a starting position out on the right.

Suprisingly, after four goals in the first period, a chance-filled second half remained goalless forcing extra-time - or should it be Andrew Franklin time.

After being put through by Turner, Franklin fired home with a wonderful low drive before taking advantage of a rare mistake from Rippingale skipper Joe Wade to lash in his second.

And while Bremner did fire home from 20 yards to set up something of a grandstand finish, a fourth goal just wouldn't materialise for Rippingale as their double dream came up just short.

Rippingale manager Mark Schiavi said: "I am proud of the way the boys performed in this final and all season.