IVY Hotel have written their name in to the Blackburn Combination record books by completing the treble and winning every single game.

The all-conquering team clinched the league title with a 100 per cent record then lifted the Sports Council Cup and Birtwistle Cup – beating Feilden Arms on each occasion – to complete their astonishing clean sweep.

Ivy are the third team in the league’s history to complete the treble but the first to do so three times and without dropping a single point.

The club, who have previously played under the names of Manxman and Clifton, have won the title five times and can rightly take their place alongside the best teams in the league.

And Ivy are set to leave the league at the very top as they are hoping to join the East Lancashire League.

The club’s feats over the past decade have only been matched by Ewood Amateurs, who were seven times league champions, won four doubles and two trebles, while Mill Hill – who also played under Griffin Celtic and Kings Inn – also won the title seven times, winning four doubles and the treble once.

“You can’t compare the teams because we are all different eras,” said Carl Scott who has served the club as player/manager and secretary since they were formed 10 years ago.

“But I think we would have given them a game!”

Scott, Pete Hart, Kevin Rigby and captain Paul Kelly have been with the club since they were founded by Gary Parker while Paul Egan has been a stalwart of the side for the past nine years.

Scott added: “Players come and go but there is a core of us who have been with the club since day one and we’ve been lucky enough to have won a lot of trophies over the years.”

Since gaining promotion to the top flight, Ivy have won the title five out of the last seven years, won the Sports Council Cup for five successive seasons and have played in 11 out of the last 13 finals.

Their latest, and possible last, piece of silverware in the Combination was the Birtwistle Cup where they beat Feildens 4-0 at the Anchor Ground.

Two goals from Gary Smith and further efforts from Carl Mercer and Paul Egan sealed victory in a game that was Scott’s last after he hung up his boots to become a referee.

And he nearly got the perfect send off only to have his last minute penalty saved by Tom Holding – he also kept out a Mercer spot kick.

“I did what I have told my players never to do when taking a penalty – change my mind,” added Scott.

“I was going to dink it but thought I would look a bit silly if I miss so changed my mind and he saved it anyway!”

Manager Chris France now wants his team to test themselves at a higher level.

“It’s been a fantastic season for us but now is the time to test ourselves at a higher level.”

Ivy Hotel are looking for a new shirt sponsor.

Anyone who can help should contact Chris France on 07771 393337.