BASTON were crowned champions on Saturday in their first season in the Peterborough Junior Alliance Red Zone league.

But they were made to fight hard for the win by a spirited Rippingale in atrocious conditions.

Baston started brightly but Alfie Hick and Dan Rayner failed to threaten a resilient Rippingale defence.

This changed when man-of-the-match Sam Malton broke the deadlock with an unstoppable 25-yard thunderbolt shot.

Just before the break Jacob Turp's pinpoint cross found Dan Rayner unmarked in the middle to coolly slot the ball past the keeper for 2-0.

Rippingale forced Baston back in the second half, but found Josh Lewis at the heart of the defence in no mood to surrender the lead.

Millie Bristow came on in the second half and balanced up the left hand side with some telling runs.

With five minutes to go Rippingale hit the post and Baston were made to sweat when Louie Roberts pulled one back.

Credit goes to Baaston and the coaching staff as they have worked hard to maintain their commitment and entertaining style.

Baston: Adam Castle, Jacob Turp, Alfie Hick, George Brown, Josh Lewis, Sam Malton, Dan Rayner, Millie Bristow.