Groundsman Paul gets pat on back

GLYN SMITH is confident that his Bels side has what it takes to come home from Springfield next month with their fifth Upton Park Trophy in tow.

The blue-and-whites secured their seventh Priaulx League title and their fourth in eight years on Wednesday, as nearest rivals Vale Rec could only draw with St Martin's.

It is Smith's second full season in charge down at the Track and he is ecstatic with how this weather-affected season has played out for his side, whose oldest player is 28-year-old Simon Marley.

'I am absolutely delighted. It is an incredible feeling and this is the first title I have ever been involved in, either as a player or coach,' he said.

'Getting games played during the wet weather, which is of enormous credit to our groundsman Paul Franklin, also helped us get points on the board and put pressure on other clubs.'