THE 18th annual Weymouth Cougars’ Summer Sixes and Mini Soccer Tournament was a massive hit with more than 90 teams taking part.

The event gave Weymouth youngsters the opportunity to pit their wits against those from other areas, including Oxford, Bristol, Salisbury and Hampshire.

This year’s showpiece, attended by Weymouth & Portland Mayor Tim Munro, was of the highest standard with some excellent football played in the best possible spirit.

The Under-9s’ contest saw a repeat of last year’s final with BSC Grange beating Mangotsfield United on penalties.

A shootout also decided the Under-10s’ event with Weymouth Terras edging out Weymouth Youth in the final while Ringwood Rangers won the Under-8s’ team of the tournament award for their outstanding performances.

Once again Oxford-based outfit Radley Boys showed their strength by winning both the Under-14 and 15 age groups, beating Chickerell United and Weymouth Victoria respectively.

The Under-11 final was one of the best games of the weekend and Weymouth Terras reversed last year’s result by overcoming Kings Park Dynamos on penalties.

Sturminster Marshall proved too strong for Wimborne Town in the Under-12s’ competition while the Under-13s’ event threw up an all Weymouth FC final with the B team running out 3-1 winners over the A team.

The only girls’ age group was the Under-13s where Boscombe Albion beat Dorchester Town in a penalty shootout to take the trophy.

Cougars’ spokesperson Jim Halls said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who helped and supported this competition.

“To Jake of AAA Transport and Gary of Drummond Driveways for the use of their lorries and vans. To Chris Palmer of Premier Entertaiments for the loan of his PA system.

“Our many helpers who help set up and run the barbecues and refreshment areas, especially Julie, Maggie, Chris, Suzanne, Dale, Alison and Georgia.

“All the parents of Mark’s Under-10s’ team who struggled manfully in driving rain to set up the mini pitches and Sarah and all who baked and sold a whole truck load of cakes.

“There were many others, too numerous to mention, without whose input the weekend could not have reached such a successful conclusion.

“Our thanks also go to W&PBC grounds staff for looking after the pitches and surrounding areas so well for us.

“A special word of thanks must go to our referees who year after year give up their weekend and without who there would be no competition.

“We would also like to thank all those individuals and companies for their pitch sponsorship.”