Ipswich Vets crowned champions

East Veterans League

Ipswich 7 City of Peterborough 2

IPSWICH secured the league title with three games to play by defeating second placed Peterborough at Tuddenham Road.

Peterborough were determined but were not quite the side that Ipswich played in the away fixture, and when Driver drifted through the visitors' defence and then finished with a reverse stick shot in the opening exchanges Ipswich sensed they were on the way to the title.

However Peterborough had other ideas and soon pulled level with an excellent goal before taking the lead when Tew inadvertently turned in a shot past a stranded Steward in goal.

Ipswich quickly pulled themselves together and for the rest of the game Steward had little to do. Driver and Wake began to boss the midfield and release the speedy Foster down the right, and with Gaffer and Ringrose dealing with the Peterborough attacks it was only a matter of time before Ipswich equalised. Curzon converted past the visitors' goalkeeper before Glading restored the lead.

As the second half started Steed made way for Girling as he continued on the comeback trail and Ipswich saw victory in their sight when within a minute of the restart they increased their lead, Pittaway picking off a poor clearance to release Curzon to slot home.

Ipswich continued to dominate but were thwarted by some sterling defence. Midway through the half Glading tapped home after a good advantage from umpire Wrinch before Ipswich sealed victory as Tew stepped up to convert two hard hit penalty corners.

Next week Ipswich visit Shefford and Sandy for what should prove to be an extremely competitive match.