MAIDEN Newton Youth Football Club hosted their eighth annual football tournament in glorious sunshine as a total of 27 teams competed in the various age groups.

Spectators were gifted with some excellent football and the added excitement of evenly-matched teams providing nail-biting ties, with many of the knockout games being decided by a penalty shoot-out.

Event organiser, Steven May said: “The event was a huge success. It is always so pleasing to see our community playing fields full of children enjoying sport and with parents, grandparents and siblings supporting all competing teams, the day certainly had a great family atmosphere, which totally fits in with our club ethics.”

The home club also had lots to cheer about as teams from their under-9s and under-11s finished victorious in their respective age groups, whilst the under-13s had to settle for runners-up as they were unable to overcome Dorchester Panthers in the final.

Maiden Newton under-7s also impressed as they took part in a non-competitive festival with teams from Bere Regis, Bradford Abbas, Bridport, Martock and Portland.

May added: “I would like to thank everyone that helped us out along the way and on the day, from all the volunteers to the great local businesses that provided sponsorship for the event, a real team effort.”

Winners: Respect Award – Sponsored by Amber Hardware

Under-7s: Portland United Pirates

Under-9s: Winners – Maiden Newton Kestrels; Runners-up – Bridport Youth

Under-11s: Sponsored by M&D Gas Services Ltd. Winners – Maiden Newton Harriers; Runners-up – Beaminster Mashers

Under-13s: Sponsored by Maiden Newton Clearance. Winners – Dorchester Panthers; Runners-up – Maiden Newton Buzzards