GAS Recreation have retained their Essex and Suffolk Border League premier division title in some style after beating nearest rivals Tiptree Heath at Bromley Road, writes JOHN CAMPANY.

They won 4-0 win to secure an eight-point lead at the summit, with three games remaining.

The result was never in doubt as Gas held a three-goal interval lead and they have now won the Championship for the 13th time, a record unsurpassed at level seven anywhere in the country.

Perhaps this suggests that the top division lacks high class opposition but this cannot detract from their continued success.

The ability to produce competitive teams with such regularity says much for the club’s origins, stability and the ability to attract the best overall players that maintain a level of consistency.

This is reinforced by the fact that they have also been runners-up on four occasions and won the League Knock-Out Cup seven times, looking to make it eight in a few weeks time.

Gas's scorers against Tiptree Heath were Ryan Dale, Aston Firkins, Harry Hewes and Gary Machin.

Tiptree Heath have also had a great season and are likely to finish in second place, with two remaining matches.

A double promotion last season, having won the second division so handsomely, has been well and truly vindicated and deserves much credit.

Arlesford Colne Rangers for so long in contention disappointed at Ford Lane losing to White Notley 2-0 whose scorers were Josh Goodey and Ryan Scofield.

With one game remaining a win in their last match could see the Oak Farm side complete their season in a very respectable fourth place.

Down at The Drift, Dedham Old Boys ran riot over visiting Wormingford Wanderers crushing them 6-0.

John Vitelli was in great form with a fine hat-trick while Mathew Halsey, Tristan Moseley and Darren Tarling completed the scoring.

Great Bentley defeated Lawford Lads on the Green 3-2 but goalscoring machine Oliver Mann added two more for the visitors increasing his tally to an impressive 40 goals.

Elsewhere in the premier division, there were wins for Little Oakley Reserves and Kelvedon Social.

Oakley won at 2-1 at Hedinghams whilst Kelvedon beat West Bergholt by the same score.

In division one, Arlesford Colne Rangers Reserves beat Boxted Lodgers 5-1 at Cage Lane to complete their programme, finishing third in the table.

Ashley Sauka hit three whilst Kye Learoyd-Tuckwell and substitute Todd Ayling were also on target.

In division two, AFC Sudbury A secured a crushing 17-0 victory over Boxted Lodgers Reserves that virtually sealed them a second-place finish behind champions Stanway Pegasus.

Wormingford Wanderers Reserves were surprise winners over Tollesbury 3-1. There marksmen were a brace from Sam Moss and a third from Brett Angel.

In division three, Elmden Rovers completed their season with a 5-0 win over luckless Bradfield Rovers with Benjamin Hartley's brace and a hat-trick from Ben Justice.

The League Knock-Out Cup semi-finals take place,this weekend.

Second division AFC Sudbury A entertain Lawford Lads of the premier division while in the all-Senior tie, Gas Recreation meet Brantham Athletic Reserves.

Essex and Suffolk Border League premier division, results: Alresford Colne Rangers 0 White Notley 2, Dedham Old Boys 6 Wormingford Wanderers 0, Gas Recreation 4 Tiptree Heath 0, Great Bentley 3 Lawford Lads 2, Hedinghams United 1 Little Oakley Reserves 2, West Bergholt 1 Kelvedon Social 2.

Division one: Boxted Lodgers 1 Arlesford Colne Rangers Reserves 5.

Division two: AFC Sudbury A 17 Boxted Lodger Reserves 0, Wormingford Wanderers Reserves 3 Tollesbury 1.

Division three: Elmden Rovers 5 Bradfield Rovers 0.