Bridgwater IV 5, Bridgwater V 1

DAN Batten scored a hat-trick for Bridgwater IV as they rounded off a highly successful season with a victory over inter-club rivals Bridgwater V.

The fourth team, who had already sealed the league title, cruised to victory at Chilton Trinity on Saturday, with Mike Davidge also getting on the score sheet.

The inter-club clash was a great way to finish the season – and club communications officer Alan Baldwin paid tribute to the efforts of both sides.

He said: “The fours’ victory gave them a tally of 55 points and the league title but they were pushed all the way by the fives, who ended the game with a lot of credit and a ninth place finish in the league.

“Both teams have performed admirably throughout the season and both can look forward to the challenges of next season.”

Bridgwater IV dominated the early stages as Rawles and Batten combined to create a number of openings.

The fives struggled with the quicker pace of their opponents but Kev Hicks’ experience at the back helped Simon Brewer, Steve Morrish and James Kettlewell repel the early attacks.

The pressure told, and despite good tackling from Mike Date and saves from Brandon Durkin, the fours scored two quick goals through Batten to head into the half-time break with a 2-0 lead.

The second half saw the fives take control from the re-start as Date and Liam Durkin dominated the midfield, leaving the fours’ defensive unit exposed.

Date and Liam Durkin got the fives off the mark, as Jack Dillon and Sam Sweatman opened up the defence for Alex Ward to pounce and score in the empty net.

Davidge re-established the fours’ lead with his 20th goal of the season shortly after – and a goal-line scramble gave them a second penalty flick, which fours man-of-the-match Batten scored to claim his hat-trick and the team’s 100th goal of the season.