WEYMOUTH-BASED teams enjoyed a hugely successful Cougars' Sixes tournament, after winning five out of the seven age groups.

Weymouth Youth defeated Evo Bath Sharks in the under-14 final while the Cougars overcame a gallant AFC Chesil Pirates team in the under 12s.

Sturminster Marshall repeated the success of last year finishing top of the under-10 league with Guernsey Rangers finishing runners-up, in the soggy conditions.

Sunday’s weather was a lot kinder and Redlands FC Under-9s enjoyed the improved conditions to win their group with Cougars finishing runners-up.

AFC Chesil Comets beat Monmouth Town in the final of the under-11s with another Weymouth team Melcombe Regis taking the honours in the under-13s after overcoming Weymouth Youth in the final.

After playing nine group games, Melcombe qualified for the semi-finals, just edging a close game 3-2 against Chickerell United.

They then played Weymouth Youth in the final and the closely-fought contest was settled by a wonder goal from Devin Fry.

The under-15 final between Wincanton Town and Cougars was played in a thunderstorm but that didn’t stop the two finalists putting on a fantastic display.

Cougars romped through to the final, conceding only one goal en route.

They beat local rivals Weymouth Terras in the semis to meet a strong Wincanton team in the final.

The dramatic final saw Cougars go ahead in the early stages, only for Wincanton to equalise, taking the match to extra time.

After a sun-filled day, the six minutes of extra time saw a violent hail storm, followed by lighting.

The Cougars defending last year’s title, were unable to hold Wincanton who scored to win the match, so the Cougars has to settle for the runners-up trophy.

The Cougars' festival of football has been a regular part of Weymouth’s sporting calendar since 1992.

The Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Richard Kosior and his wife Caroline, attended this year’s event which saw 84 teams compete in age groups under-7s through to the under-15s with some travelling from as far afield as Bristol, Northampton, Monmouth, Guernsey and Towcester as well as the normal array of Dorset and Hampshire-based teams.

Club spokesman Jim Halls said: "Once again we would like to take this opportunity to thank all those without whose help and support this competition would not be possible especially to Claire and Matthew from the Dorset Cake Company, Gary for the loan of the PA and the URC Radipole for the loan of their equipment.

"As always we are particularly grateful to our referees who do an amazing job over two long hard days.

"Our many helpers who help set up and run the barbecue and refreshment areas, especially 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.

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

"This year’s tournament was of the highest standard with some excellent football and win or lose was played in the best possible spirit. Every team and every player who took part deserves great credit.

"I pay a special tribute to all those teams that battled through some horrendous Saturday weather.

"Our Minis age groups proved a huge success with the under-7s and 8s providing a feast of entertaining football.

"As the tournament for these age groups is non competitive all the players taking part received mementos.

"Finally to all the players, coaches, mums, dads and all who attended and had any input into the tournament we thank you all."