Brylka hits hat-trick as Harborough end season with a big win - but Bees miss out on title

Harborough Town Over-45s completed their season with a comfortable 6-0 home win over Highfield Rangers - but it wasn't enough to secure title glory.

The Bees needed to win their game and hope that rivals Magna 73 slipped up, but there was to be no such luck as Magna thumped FC Khalsa 6-1 to secure the crown by two points.

It means Borough finish the season as runners up to Magna, who after two opening defeats, went on a 12-match winning streak that sealed the silverware.

Harborough can take solace in the fact that they were the division's top scorers with 66 goals, and they also had the best defence, conceding just 14 goals throughout their 14-game campaign.

After a sluggish start against Highfield, Harborough took the lead as evergreen Gary Owen netted after 30 minutes to make it 1-0.

The lead was doubled just before half time by a wonder strike from Scott Munton, and the second half belonged to Harborough.

With Highfield starting to flag in the heat, Lee Pears added a third just after the break and Chris Brylka then scored a hat-trick in an unbelievable eight-minute period.

This has been the first full season for the 45s (eight-team division) following a trial season last year where only four teams took part.

There are rumours that due to interest, the division may increase to 10 teams, meaning the old boys get to play an 18-game season.

The league has been well administered and every game has been played in good spirits with mutual respect from the teams who are playing primarily for enjoyment.

Special thanks should be made to Pauline Winston, who has acted as secretary for all the Harborough veterans teams this season.