TROJANS have been formally crowned Hampshire League, Division 1 champions after finishing the season a massive nine points ahead of Wimborne Wayfarers, their nearest rivals.

South Premier League chairman Mike Ward presented the trophy to skipper Campbell Williams before the 3-1 win over fourth-placed Petersfield.

It was Trojans' 17th win in 22 matches - only three of which they lost - and puts the Stoneham club in good heart before next season's return to the Hampshire/Surrey Regional League.

How fitting it was that Wayne Shepherd - one of the stars from Trojans' National League side of yesteryear - should end the season with a hat-trick.

It meant that Shepherd finished the term as Trojans top scorer with 19 goals - two more than the absent Colin French.

Trojans' ploy of putting their captain Williams and evergreen Mark Ellis in attack completely foxed the Petersfield defence.

The Stoneham front play was slick and speedy - Shepherd's hat-trick owing much to the off-the-ball running and insightful play of Williams and Ellis.

Southampton finished a disappointing eighth (out of 12), with the University clawing themselves away from the relegation zone after a poor start.

Salisbury thrashed Chichester Health 5-0 to clinch runners-up spot in Division 2, a solitary point behind Portsmouth & Southsea.

The Lower Bemerton club inflicted one of Southsea's two defeats of the season.

Fordingbridge, who had spent most of the season in the top two, missed their promotion ticket.