NEWENT Town have been crowned Hellenic League Division Two West champions – and the club’s reserves are on the brink of an unexpected league title.

Newent won 11-1 against Cheltenham Saracens Reserves at Wildsmith Meadow last Thursday to secure the championship in their maiden season in the Hellenic League.

Newent knew that a win would bring home the title and a big crowd of 172 saw a nervy first 15 minutes with chances at both ends.

But when Pat Gibbs opened the scoring for Newent and John Thomas, the league’s top scorer, converted a penalty, it was plain sailing.

Newent were 5-0 at half time and Gibbs completed his hat-trick while Thomas added another five.

Harrison Jones and Shaun Stanley chipped in with the other goals to spark champagne celebrations as captain Hayden Rust lifted the trophy.

“Although this result was easy in then end, the season has been a massive effort,” said Newent secretary Phil Clarke.

“Fighting off the likes of Moreton Rangers, Carterton and Bourton Rovers was tough, making Newent Town the first team from North Gloucestershire roots to ever lift this trophy.”

Having had a team kicked out of the Northern Senior League early in the season, Newent entered what has become a Reserve side in the Hereford League system.

Newent Reserves are currently second in Division Two of the Herefordshire League and won their top of the table clash at Bartestree Reserves 4-3 on Saturday.

Goals from Sanchez Grange, Dorian Colling and two from Daryl Baylis put Newent Res a point behind with a game left and with a better goal difference.

Bartestree have finished their games, so Town’s second string therefore need just a draw away at Kingston next Saturday to bring home more silverware.