A RAIN-SOAKED Saunders Honda Stadium played host to hundreds of soccer starlets on Sunday.
Cheered on by friends and family at the home of Chester City Football Club, the youngsters battled it out in the Chester and District Junior League's Duke of Westminster Cup finals.
There were 10 finals played throughout the day.
In the Under 9s Olympic Trophies Challenge Cup final, the aptly-named Rakim Newton scored twice to give Newton Athletic a 2-0 win over JFC Boughton. Marley Jones was Newton's man-of-the-match and Tommy Speed won Boughton's award.
There was only one goal in the U9s Olympic Trophies Challenge Shield final and Hoole Hornets got it as they defeated Blacon Youth 1-0 thanks to a late strike.
In the U10s Olympic Trophies Challenge Cup final, Kieron Crosier and MoM Danny Butler were on target to give Newton a 2-0 success over JFC Boughton. MoM for Boughton was midfielder Jordan Davies.
Although were plenty of chances at either end in the U10s Olympic Trophies Challenge Shield final, one goal was enough to settle the match. Tom Cox netted from close range to give Castrol Rangers a 1-0 verdict against AFC Waverton.
Matthew Gilmour, Sam Molyneux and Callum Woods scored in the U11s final to hand Boughton a 3-0 victory over Waverton, while extra-time was required at U12s level as Bretton Super Saints overcame Waverton 2-1.
Bretton took an early lead through Charlie Bradford, only for Waverton to equalise with a superb long-distance strike from Dan Roberts. The game was settled in the first period of extra time with an excellent finish from Bretton MoM Sam Moody.
Waverton were on the losing side in the U13s final. A goal from sub Edward Peel was not enough for them to overcome Halton Soccer Skills, who won 2-1. Waverton's MoM was Joe Subert.
Saughall Colts defeated Newton 2-1 in the U14s final, while Upton saw off Bretton Super Saints by the same score at U15s level.
The curtain was brought down in this year's finals day with the U16s meeting between Chester Nomads and Upton - and it turned out to be a thriller.
A last-gasp strike for Nomads made it 1-1 and forced extra time, but there were no further goals so penalty kicks were required to settle the contest. Upton held their nerve to win 5-4.
League press officer Graham Frost said: 'Although the rain poured down for most of the afternoon, the wet weather failed to dampen the spirits of the players.
'The League would like to thank the many family members and friends who came along to support the various teams. Grateful thanks also to Chester City FC for generously allowing the finals to be held in such a fantastic venue.'
