Basingstoke ObserverOVERTON have taken the Rotten Hill Cup back after the closest contest to date.
Overton and Whitchurch both enjoyed a share of the spoils as a bumper crowd at Longmeadow in Whitchurch witnessed a special Jubilee bank holiday feast of football which culminated with the lighting of the platinum jubilee beacon in the centre circle of the pitch.
A crowd of around 200 were treated to an epic tussle in the first match of the day, and inaugural 6 a side contest between over 50 year olds from Whitchurch and Overton.
It may have only been 15 minutes each way with smaller goals and pitch, but the two teams charged up and down the grass like spring chickens, defying their senior years. The only thing lacking in the first half was the finishing touch with too many shooting for glory and blazing high or wide while others saw shots cannon back off the goal frame.
Whitchurch finally broke the deadlock in the second half which saw local legends, Darren Young and David ‘Stan’ Pyle causing most of the damage.
As Overton pushed for the equaliser it was Darren Young and “Stan” who carved up the visitors defence for a second.
Overton captained by Mike Bushell who controversially transferred from Whitchurch to Overton 2 years ago after he was taken over the hill by his new wife Emily, pressed and pressed and finally got one back through their man of the match, the evergreen Terry Blackburn. But it was just too late and the Overton side ran out of time meaning the home crowd could celebrate their Whitchurch side lifting the first trophy of the afternoon.
Attention then turned to the more established full pitch 11 a side over 35 game with Whitchurch hoping to retain the trophy they won last year.
Again this was a pulsating end to end affair, full of attacking intent.
Whitchurch were on the front foot towards the end of the first half and their man of the match Tom Grimshaw helped them edge ahead when they were awarded a penalty for handball.
The spot kick was impressively saved by the Overton keeper Stuart Webster on his debut but the rebound was hammered home by the Whitchurch forward.
In response Overton stepped it up, inspired by their man of the match Gavin Jones and their equaliser came on the stroke of half time thanks to a fine strike from Captain Matt Aslett.
The second half ebbed and flowed and while Overton dominated for spells, Whitchurch had a goal disallowed, but it finished 1-1 and so went to extra time.
