THOMAS HARDYE 2 QUEEN ELIZABETH’S 1

GOALS from Ben Sabine and Tom Wade saw Thomas Haryde overcome Queen Elizabeth’s School, in a thrilling under-19s Schools’ County Cup final at Okeford Fitzpane.

Queen Elizabeth’s had been tipped as strong favourites after thrashing their earlier opposition by large margins, but Hardye started brightly and their efforts were rewarded 20 minutes in when a cross saw Wade head the ball in at the far post.

Hardye then doubled their lead 10 minutes later when Sabine skipped away from three defenders and played neat one-two with Wade to find the net from inside the penalty area leaving the keeper with no chance.

But Queen Elizabeth’s started the second half much more positively and they got their reward when a corner was converted, after Hardye failed to clear following keeper George Watt’s fumble.

Hardye then thought they had increased their lead when Dor-chester Town’s Danny Way shot from 25-yards out, only to see his effort rebound off the bar.

However, his side held on to claim the cup for the first time in over five years.

PE teacher and Terras’ Reser-ves squad member Ashley Staines was keen to express his pride in the boys’ efforts this year, and wished the lads leaving all the very best for the future.