SCHOOLS from around the area took their places in the Nash Cup six-a-side competition at Redlands in conjunction with the the South Dorset Sports Association.

There were nine large schools and eight small schools who took part in the boys’ competition on the day, using balls provided by Fairtrade, each contesting in two leagues.

The Weymouth and Portland Fairtrade group volunteers were delighted once again to purchase Fairtrade footballs to be used in the competition matches this year, with all the teams being encouraged to ‘play to win, and play fair’.

The winners and runners-up in each section were given a match ball as a prize, and encouraged to use it at school and in future matches.

Radipole Primary School beat Dorchester Middle School 3-0 in the final of the large schools boys’ competition.

Radipole had beaten Conifers 3-1 in their semi-final to progress to the last two.

Dorchester Middle beat Wyke Regis 1-0 in their semi-final encounter.

In the small schools competition, the final was a repeat of last year’s clash between Chickerell and IPACA who shared the cup in 2014.

This year Chickerell beat IPACA 2-0 in the final to claim the trophy.

In the semi-finals IPACA overcame Beechcroft St Paul’s 2-1 and Chickerell beat Southill 2-0.

The girls’ competition had a total of 12 schools competing and the winners were Dorchester Middle, who beat St George’s Primary school 1-0 in a close final.

Dorchester Middle had beaten holders for the last two years Radipole 1-0 in their semi-final and in the other semi-final St George’s beat Chickerell 3-0 on penalties, after going through extra-time goalless.

Commenting on the competition, chairman of the Association Don Whistance said: “The South Dorset Sports Association has been running such sporting competitions for many years on a voluntary basis.

“These championships were superbly organised by Wey Valley Sports teacher Stuart Heath, and his team of sport leaders.”