Batelians’ Jagger and Bryant bag eight each as record is smashed

The result broke the league record for the highest aggregate score, beating an 11-11 draw in a game involving Cockburnians in the 1950s.

Batelians’ strikers Phil Bryant and Joe Jagger led the way with eight goals apiece as they continue to battle it out for the leading goalscorer.

Both players scored more than 50 goals last season as Batelians Thirds won promotion from Division Five and this impressive result leaves them sixth in the fourth division, five points off second-placed Norristhorpe.

Alex Davison bagged a brace, while Carl Jackson and an own goal made up Batelians’ 20-goal tally, which left many onlookers stunned.

Third team manager Andrew Strachan said: “We gave up counting at seven and we had to ask the referee the score at the end of the game as we had no idea how many it had got to.

“Phil and Joe are best of mates but they compete against each other on the field as to who will be the leading scorer and sometimes won’t pass to each other.”

Batelians also hit 10 the previous week, so this took their tally to 30 in two games and they have scored 38 goals in four games since Christmas,

Batelians full-back Tony Shaw, 48, has played open age football for more than 30 years but admitted after he had never been involved in a game with as many goals.

Batelians secretary Ian Kirby added: “I congratulate the team on this magnificent achievement.

“The third team have certainly had the more settled side this season and it would be nice if some of the players would progress to playing at a higher level within the club.”

n Mark Heseldin fired a hat-trick as Batelians’ first team drew 3-3

at St Bedes in Senior B Division.

The hosts had a man sent off after just 15 minutes but were level 1-1 at the break and fought back three times to earn a point.

Batelians remain third with 16 points from 11 games while Bedes have 14 points from their 13 matches.

Batelians Reserves stand fourth-bottom in Division Three after their 7-0 defeat at Grangefield Reserves.