The script could not have been written any better for the under-10 Whites as they completed the double by clinching the League Cup with a 2-0 win over Marshfield Juniors at Hardenhuish Park.
After four fabulous years in mini-soccer that have seen hundreds of goals scored, so many clean sheets kept and endless fun had by all, this incredible team made sure their final chapter had a happy ending before tackling the demands of 9v9 football next season.
Fresh from the euphoria of winning the prestigious Mid-Wilts Blue Division title at FC Bath a week earlier, the Colts arrived for their big day at the home of Chippenham Town in confident mood.
Resplendent in their new gold and blue change kit – kindly provided by Jerry Pearce of Sharland Roofing after the final pitched the league’s only two black and white striped teams together – the champions looked sharp from the off and never looked like suffering stage-fright on their big day.
Marshfield had won the competition as an under-9 team and taken some notable scalps en route to a second successive final and were always resolute at the back and a real danger on the break.
Luke forced an early save from the keeper and George fired just over as Matthew and Bradley battled hard to win possession in midfield.
Max then came off his line brilliantly to thwart a one-on-one chance as Marshfield threatened at the other end.
With Toby and Tom taking over on the wings and Brandon M leading the line in powerful fashion as the half wore on, Colts began to look even more menacing and the opening goal arrived not long before the whistle.
Matthew fed Toby on the left and his cross was fired into the roof of the net by Tom at the far post, the latter following up his crucial goal at Bath with another priceless strike.
The goal brought delight to the massed ranks of Colts parents, family members, friends and players on the terraces and their vocal backing helped drive the team on as legs became tired on a wide and tricky pitch.
Josh gave another defensive masterclass, anticipating through balls and producing strong challenges whenever Marshfield entered the final third. Max dealt with a couple of shots from distance as the game wore on and deservedly achieved his pre-match aim of a clean sheet.
The Colts were able to breathe a little more easily when they doubled their advantage with just under ten minutes to go. Toby was again the supplier with another fine ball from the left, with goal-poacher extraordinaire George applying the final touch on this occasion.
Brandon H held the ball up well in attack and brought others into play intelligently as Colts finished the final in the ascendancy. Luke and Matthew both forced the keeper into action, while Bradley fired a low drive just wide from distance after a determined run.
The final whistle sparked more scenes of joy both on the pitch and on the sidelines. George was named as the man of the match by league officials before captain Bradley led his jubilant team-mates up to collect the Daniel Higgs Memorial Trophy – a prize captured by heavyweights like Trowbridge Town, Chippenham Town and Bath Arsenal in the last 20 years but never before by Castle Combe Colts.
The club have been put well and truly on the map by a group of players whose togetherness and ability has carried them to the ultimate achievement this season.
Big challenges lie ahead but, for now, everyone involved in this success story should savour that winning feeling. The smiles should last all summer, at least.