King’s Ely’s 1st XI football team have been crowned Mercian League Champions for the second year running.

The squad sealed the Mercian Under 18 Football League title on March 17 with a 4-2 win against Wellingborough School, who were also in with a chance of winning the league.

King’s Ely’s goal scorers were Arthur Plews, who scored a hat-trick and Daniel Harradine, who scored the fourth goal.

King’s remained unbeaten in the league, winning five of their matches against Oundle, Wellingborough, Stowe, Oakham and Bedford.

The sixth match was a 2-2 draw against Loughborough. In total, King’s players scored 16 goals and conceded four goals from the six matches.

Kevin Daniel, head of physical education, said: “Everyone is thrilled for the 1st XI team as their league win is thoroughly deserved.

“Success was due to our well organised defensive play with a quick press, which stifled the opposition.

“Captain Harry Webster was an inspirational leader and quick-fire striker Arthur Plews scoring nine of the sixteen league goals.”