Hartlepool Cricket Club’s Over 40s football team finished off their season in style with a 4-2 victory against Hebburn Town in the Alan Spedding Cup Final at North Shields recently.

Cricket Club took the lead early on through Craig Lines which was the only goal of the first half.

Hebburn Town equalised soon after the break, but Chris Birkbeck soon restored the advantage for the Cricket Club. Hebburn equalised again to make it 2-2 with ten minutes to go.

Cricket Club soon hit back when Birbeck went on a brilliant run down the down the right flank and crossed for Lines to score with a powerful header.
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With three minutes to go Lines completed his hat trick to ensure a fine victory.

Captain Mark Taylor and Vice-captain Trevor Gibson received the trophy to great applause and hat trick hero Craig Lines received the Man of the Match award.

It is the first cup silverware for the side since it became affiliated to Hartlepool Cricket Club three years ago.

Managed by Nic Smith with John Baldwin and Paul Hutchinson secretary and treasurer respectively, the side plays in Division One of the Over 40s league.

The team is sponsored by local Financial Planner Harrison Smith and the celebrations were loud and long once the squad arrived back at Park Drive.

Manger Nic Smith said: “The team has slightly underachieved this year in the league finishing 6th, but I was delighted with the performance and the win in the cup final.

“The welcome and support we have received from officials, the committee and members at Park Drive since we arrived has been first class, and we hope the partnership can continue for many years to come

“All of the lads love being connected with the Cricket Club and we spend many hours at the club in and out of the football season and support the cricket teams too.”