WEYMOUTH teams showed their strength with a trio of victories at the Weymouth Cougars Tournament.

The Cougars’ annual festival of football, a regular fixture on the sporting calendar since 1992, took place at the Marsh with the deputy mayor and mayoress, Graham Winter and his wife Mary, in attendance alongside 76 teams.

And three of the seven age groups were won by hometown clubs.

Weymouth Youth claimed both the under-10 and under-12 honours, beating Bristol-based Stoke Lane and Weymouth Cougars Sports in their respective finals.

The other local victory came in the under-9s where Wyke Victoria Vikings bagged the title ahead of Weymouth Youth.

There was a fourth successive victory for BSC Grange Athletic when they beat an excellent Corfe Mullen team in the under-11 showpiece.

The under-13 final saw Bridport Youth narrowly beat last year’s champions Weymouth Terras by the odd goal and it was a similar story in the under-14 competition where Wimborne Town defeated the Terras by the same score.

The next age group – the under-15s – was hugely competitive with Bournemouth Sports eventually overcoming a gallant Poole Town Wessex after extra-time.

Elsewhere, hosts Weymouth Cougars received the under-8 achievement award.

A spokesperson said: “This year’s tournament was of the highest standard with some excellent football played in the best possible spirit.

“Every team and every player who took part deserves great credit.

“Once again we would like to take this opportunity to thank all those without whose help and support this competition would not be possible.

“To Al Phillips of Sounds Out Roadshow for the loan of his PA, our many helpers who help set up and run the barbecues and refreshment areas, as well as those parents and friends who worked so hard to keep us all fed and watered.

“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, and to the first-aiders from St John Ambulance for their attendance on both days.

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

“Finally, to all the players, coaches, mums, dads and all who attended and had any input we thank you all.”