By Tivy-Side reporter

A VILLAGE football club devastated by the death of two players has ended a difficult season in monumental style and given rise to hope for the future.

St Dogmaels of the Costcutter League was hit by a double tragedy when 32-year-old Steff Thomas and 17-year-old Mikey Nicholas died in the space of a few weeks leaving the community in a state of shock.

The Teifi Estuary villagers produced a magnificent end of season, culminating in runners-up spot in Division One, capturing the Bay Cup and lifting the Division Three championship.

Huge celebrations came to a head on Sunday when sportsmen and women were joined by many hundreds of people from the area to mark a day of events in memory of the two players.

As a number of games and various other events were held at the School Field ground highly-respected first team manager Steve Jerry Williams said: "It has been a tremendous season and although today is tinged with sadness everyone has come together to remember Steff and Mikey. On behalf of the players and everyone connected with St Dogmaels FC I would like to thank people for their wonderful support."

The Reserves needed maximum points from the visit of counterparts Cardigan-based Maesglas and Jonny James and team-mates were up to the task as they sprang a 6-1 win.

For the high-flyers Stan Bellis bagged a brace of goals, Rhys Jones, Peter Almond and Marcus Castle were also on target and player/manager James netted his 32nd goal of the campaign.

After disposing of Newcastle Emlyn at the semi-final stage Dewi Stars fans had high hopes of their favourites doubling up by lifting the Bay Cup at the expense of Saints.

But the Llanddewi Brefi men, who have been relegated at the bottom of the league, received a bit of a runaround as Jason Williams and Co gave their ample skills a thorough airing.

It was game, set and match before the interval as the Greens roared into a 5-1 lead and from then on it was a matter of how many they would score.

For the winners there were goals for leading marksman Louis Harding who netted twice, Peter Almond, Adam Williams, Chris Morgan, Jason Williams, Justin Smith and Billy Myers.