Everyone connected with the North East Norfolk League was saddened to learn of the death of Eric Couzens, the league chairman and chairman of Happisburgh FC.

Eric had a long and distinguished history with the league going back over 55 years.

Those who have been associated with the league will probably remember him best for the direct manner in which he chaired the annual meetings.

It could easily have been taken as being aggressive but Eric was not like that at all. He will be greatly missed by all associated with the league as a committed and stalwart supporter of grassroots football, never afraid to take on the establishment for what he felt was right for the NEN League. He always wanted to ensure that the league got its share that he genuinely thought it deserved.

Though advanced in years his brain never wandered right up to the end and he was constantly worrying about the lack of attention being given to grassroots football, in particular the eleven-a-side game, and he feared so much for the game he loved so much.

Meanwhile in the Nicholson's Benevolent Cup, North Walsham 'A secured a semi-final place as a result of their 3-0 away win at Plumstead Rangers to set up a home tie against third division outfit Felmingham who saw off higher opponents Aldborough by a 3-1 margin. In the other semi Gimingham will host the winners of Worstead or Runton after they won 8-0 at Corpusty.

In the REW Subsidiary Cup, Southrepps of the third division, lost out to first division visitors Aylsham A by the odd goal of eleven and the A's will now play the winners of the East Ruston/Horning game.

The other semi-final is between Haisboro Ath and Erpingham.

Due to weather and the loss of so many games, time has caught up with the fixtures and regrettably it's now not possible to play the Benevolent Cup Final on Easter Monday. A new date will be announced later.

In the Slater and Frith Division One, Mundesley were 2-0 winners at home over Ludham, while Cromer Youth Old Boys increased their lead at the top of the Wayford Nurseries Division Two following their 6-0 home win over Cawston. Erpingham won 10-0 at Hickling whilst Holt A were 6-0 home winners over Gimingham Res.

There were seven goals at Aldborough Res when Holt Colts visited in the Knights Trophies Division 3 League and it was they who went home victors by the odd goal. In the Walcott Lighthouse League Cup there were wins for Trunch, 3-0 at home to Erpingham Res and East Ruston Res, 1-0 away at Mundesley Res.