A TROPHY has been wrested from a school for the first time - but sportsmanship was the winner at the finals of the event.

The final of the Andover Advertiser Town Schools Football League was held on Thursday last week at Portway Junior School with the hosts battling against Balksbury Junior School, St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School and Whitchurch Primary School in the Knock Out cup.

Balksbury had won the cup for the previous three years - its entire existence - but Whitchurch walked away with the trophy this year, beating the holders 2-1 on penalties after the final was drawn 1-1 in extra time.

At the end of the match, both teams shook hands while the winners commiserated with their opponents.

Dave Coombs, from Balksbury Junior School who organises the event, said: "The whole event has been played in a really good spirit which is fantastic to see."

Meanwhile, St John's took the third place play-off game against Portway.

Mr Coombs added: "We had four really tight games today with three matches going to extra time and two to penalties.

"This is all about giving pupils the chance to get out and play football. You have to have that competition to it as the kids want to win but the most important thing is as long as they have gone out there and done themselves proud."

Earlier in the year, Balksbury had won the Premier Division of the league while Anton Junior School's B team won the Combination Division.