Last weekend saw the closure of the 2021/2022 SDFL season with the finals of the Up A Ladder Cup and Don Rogers Plate being played.

Up A Ladder Winners – Chisledon FC

Photo courtesy of James Booth Photography

Having already won the division one title, Chiseldon were hoping for a cup win to make it a double winning season. In the final they faced Premier Division side Hatherop, who had shocked the undefeated, Premier division winners Blunsdon, in the semi-final thanks to a 3-1 victory.

Chiseldon started at pace with a high tempo which had Hatherop on the back foot early on, and the fast start was rewarded with a goal 5 minutes in to the game. They doubled their lead midway through the half and maintained that 2 goal difference as they went into halftime.

The second half continued in similar fashion with Chiseldon having the better of the game. Hatherop weren’t without their threats and did have a few opportunities to strike back, however some lacklustre finishing, and a few good saves kept them from closing the gap.

Chiseldon got the all-important 3rd goal to give them a bit of breathing space 10 minutes in to the second half. Some may have considered the game over at this point, but Hatherop had other ideas and struck back with a goal of their own to keep the game alive.

Hope for Hatherop was short lived, as Chiseldon reclaimed their three goal advantage with 20 minutes left on the clock. Chiseldon were now in control of the game and rarely looked threatened as they went on to win the game and lift the Up A Ladder trophy.

Photos from the game can be found at James Booth Photography

Don Rogers Shield Winners – Shield & Dagger

Photo courtesy of James Booth Photography

Shield & Dagger finished their first season in Division 2 as runners up and would face Bassett Bulldogs from Division 1 in the final of the Don Rogers plate competition.

It was Bassett that got the scoring underway as they netted within the first 5 minutes to give themselves the early lead. Minutes after the re-start, the game was back on level terms as Dagger equalised to get the game off to an entertaining start.

Dagger were playing some great attacking football but Bassett were just as threatening with their counter attacking style of play. It was dagger that would strike the next blow after sustained pressure in the attacking third resulted in them netting a second time to take the lead.

This lead was increased further thanks to another well taken goal just before the half time whistle. Whilst Bassett had been in the game and created chances, a two goal lead was going to be a big challenge for them to overcome in the second half.

The second half picked up where the first half left off with Bassett looking to counter-attack whenever they could. Bassett should have netted on a few occasions after creating a series of good opportunities, but sadly the final ball into the box, or shot on target failed to materialise leaving Dagger with a 2 goal lead.

Dagger eventually put the game out of reach of Basset, scoring midway through the second half to kill any hope of a dramatic come back. The game finished 4-1 and it was Dagger who were crowned the Don Rogers Plate winners.

Photos from the game can be found at James Booth Photography