LRBC FC Fall short in SCFL Cup Final

Westcliff Baptist Church FC take the double in inaugural Southend Church Football League
By Greg Taylor

LRBC FC in Grey and WBC FC In Green & White
The Southend Church Football League’s first ever season came to a dramatic climax on Saturday as Westcliff Baptist FC completed the double with a convincing 6-1 victory over Leigh Road Baptist FC in the SCFL Cup Final, held at Cupid’s Country Club, Great Wakering.

Winning captain Russell King, 34 said: “The two trophies are fantastic, it’s the icing on the cake.”

With the SCFL Cup in its first year, Westcliff Baptist FC are the first team to have their name on the trophy.

LRBC took an early lead via a deflected shot by Antonio Lopez. The game for long periods was bogged down in midfield but Westcliff soon took control.

It was soon all square when Ian Noakes headed in the equaliser. Soon after Russell King, top scorer in the league this year with 15 goals, gave Westcliff the lead after poking in at the near post.

At half time it was 2 – 1 to Westcliff. LRBC were short of two players for the second half as David Elcock and Darren Bird both went off with injuries.

The next goal was crucial and it fell to Westcliff. Charlie Cooney made it 3 – 1 with a clever finish. LRBC looked tired and low on confidence as the game went on under the intense temperature.

A further 3 goals were added as Cooney and Noakes each got a brace and Sobantu Sibanda added to the rout.

Steve Dalley, player for Christ Church Plaza FC and League administrator said: “The season has been a big success; the standard of football has been high and has improved consistently throughout the season. It’s been great to see the game being played competitively but in a fair fashion.”

Steve Klein, Westcliff Baptist FC member said: “It’s been a great first season. The discipline and conduct of players has been terrific from all sides and it has been a pleasure to be able play football in such an atmosphere.”

During its first season the SCFL league had 4 teams in the league and 7 in the Cup. The league will increase in size next season, as another 2 teams have agreed to join, whilst any other church-based football teams are encouraged to get in touch with the league administrator if they would like to join for the 09/10 season.

Anyone interested should check out http://www.thesouthendchurchfootballleague.co.uk/ for more information.

The Cup Final was followed by the inaugural SCFL season's awards ceremony with players and fans from many of the teams represented. Players heard the importance that the Christian faith plays in some famous footballers lives via big screen interviews with players such as Gavin Peacock, Jermain Dafoe, Linvoy Primus and Marvin Andrews whilst enjoying a free buffet to celebrate the season.

The League also re-iterated its commitment to using high quality leather footballs which feature the FAIRTRADE Mark. This guarantees a fair price and standard of living to football producers in countries such as Pakistan. The league would also like to encourage other local clubs and leagues to consider using the same. This will also help in the Boroughs aim to become an official Fairtrade Town.

Gareth Roberts Smith & Russell King of WBCFC with Cups

The awards presented were:
SCFL League Champions - Westcliff Baptist FC
SCFL Cup Winners - Westcliff Baptist FC
SCFL Fair Play League Winners - Rayleigh Baptist FC

SCFL Player of the Season - Luke Vincett (Southend Vineyard FC)

SCFL Top Goalscorer - Russell King (Westcliff Baptist FC)

Russell King, player Manager of League and Cup victors WBCF said, “Our team managed to secure the league title on the last day of the season in a tightly contested match against Christchurch Plaza FC. And then on 23rd May, we also managed to beat our local rivals, Leigh Road Baptist Church FC to win the first ever SCFL Cup Trophy. So we ended the season as double winners. As the Manager (and a player) I was obviously more than well pleased with the result.”