PORLOCK won the Rowbarton Charity Cup with a hard fought 1-0 victory against Staplegrove at Taunton Town's ground last Tuesday.

On a lush surface, Porlock started much the better and Steve Plenty went close after two minutes when his shot from the edge of the box was tipped over the bar by the Staplegrove keeper.

Porlock then went on to dominate much of the first half, creating numerous other chances with Richard Rich, Luke Taylor and Paul Long all going close to breaking the dead lock. But the Staplegrove keeper was in good form and kept the scoreline to 0-0 at the interval.

The second half saw Staplegrove make a tactical switch by introducing another striker in an attempt to breakdown the solid Porlock defence, but it was Porlock who took the lead on 62 minutes when a flowing move on the left involving Dave Sowden and Taylor resulted in Long being fouled on the edge of the six yard box. Sowden took responsibility and scored from the penalty spot to send the travelling Porlock supporters, who had turned up in their hundreds, delirious with delight.

Staplegrove, now chasing the game, upset Porlock's rhythm for the next 15 minutes but couldn't find the equaliser.

With ten minutes remaining Rich was replaced by Steve Thompson and he immediately had the opportunity to put the game beyond Staplegrove's reach but his finish lacked direction.

The final whistle saw Porlock lift the cup for the first time in their history thanks to a good all-round team performance together with excellent support from the travelling crowd.

Porlock: M Lovell, S Arnold, I Cape, P Matravers, J Harris, M Gunn, D Sowden, S Plenty, P Long, R Rich, L Taylor, subs S Thompson (used), D Chaffey, R Southey, D Healey, A Shopland (not used).

RESULTS

Rosebowl Semi-final: Norton Fitzwarren 1 Highbridge 4.

Division One: Bishops Lydeard 1 Sydenham 4.

Division Two: Porlock 3 Bridgwater Sports 3, Nether Stowey 12 Haygrove 3.

Division Three: White Hart 0 West Somerset Sports 4.

Division Four: Haygrove Res 4 Dulverton Town Res 3, Highbridge Res 2 Hemyock 1, Wellworthy Saints v Vale abandoned in 1st half.

Division Five: Commercial 3 Nether Stowey Res 4.

REMAINING FIXTURES

Saturday

Rosebowl Final: Highbridge v Staplegrove.

Division Two: Porlock v Westonzoyland.

Tuesday

League Knockout Cup Final: Bishops Lydeard v Sydenham.

Division Two: Porlock v Staplegrove, Norton Fitzwarren v Nether Stowey.

Saturday May 13

Division Two: Nether Stowey v Westonzoyland, Bishops Lydeard Res v Porlock.