WEYMOUTH Cougars' annual festival of football took place at the Marsh and was once more an outstanding success.

Cougars Sixes have been a regular part of Weymouth’s sporting calendar since 1992.

The Mayor Councillor Gill Taylor and her consort, Trefor Morgan, attended this year’s event which saw 84 teams compete in age groups from under-7s through to the under-15s with some travelling from as far afield as Bristol, Bath and Wales as well as the normal array of Dorset and Hampshire-based teams.

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.

Wales-based Rhymney FC overcame a gallant Melcombe Regis team to take the under-10s title whilst Cougars defeated Eastleigh FC in the under-11s final.

Corfe Mullen Juniors had a very successful day, winning both the under-9s and under-12s age groups, overcoming Melcombe Regis and Chickerell United respectively.

Portland United Sports took the honours in the under-13s beating Hampshire based side New Milton Robins in a closely-fought final.

Weymouth Youth took the spoils in the under-14s and under-15s defeating AFC Cougars and Greenfields FC in the finals.

The 'Minis' age groups proved a huge success with the under-7s and under-8s providing a feast of entertaining football. As the tournament for these age groups is non-competitive all the players taking part received mementos.

Sponsorship is the life blood of any amateur organisation and Cougars would like to thank their main sponsor Melcombe Regis Rotary whose chairman, Roger Willis, was on hand to present their trophies.

Also to our many pitch sponsors we thank you all.

Cougars also took the 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 all those who loaned the club equipment.

As always, Cougars are particularly grateful to the referees who did amazing job over two long hard days.

Cougars' many helpers, who helped set up and run the BBQs and refreshment areas, especially those parents and friends who worked so hard, were also thanked.

There were many others, too numerous to mention, without whose input the weekend could not have reached such a successful conclusion.

Finally, Cougars thanked the players, coaches, mums, dads and all who attended and had any input into the tournament.