The HSA Youth League's last interest in the county cup ended in the slippery mud of Whitchurch United's Longmeadow Ground on Sunday when Roger Smith's Under-14 representative side were beaten 3-1 by their near neighbours from the Peter Houseman League in the semi-finals of the Hampshire Youth Inter-League Cup.

Smith lost three key players on the morning of the match due to 'flu and colds, and in spite taking an early lead with a booming shot from the player-of-the-match Andy Witts, the opposition recovered to beat the heroic Simon Evans in goal twice before the interval.

In the second half, as the pitch became a quagmire and in spite of valiant work from the HSA defence, a late shot squeezed under goalie Evans for the final result.

"The pitch was a great leveller," said Smith, "and I am proud of the boys for the way they fought in every area of the pitch. But I would really like to see how a full strength side would perform against them. We are a new league and the result shows how we are growing. But they are a very good side and I wish them well in the final."

Due to the representative game all the previous day's under-14 matches were postponed while at under-13 level third placed league 'dark horses' Hatch Warren confirmed their intent with a 3-0 home win over leaders Test Valley.

The 'Warren still have three games in hand over the Lions, who remain two points clear of nearest rivals Castledown, who without a game.

South Wonston held on to fourth place with a convincing 7-1 win against Whitchurch while fifth placed Upper Clatford beat pointless Vernham Dean 4-0 at home.

Disappointment in the under-12's league where the clash for second place between Porton and Hatherden was another game that fell victim to the weather.

However, leaders Durrington added another three points to their tally with a decisive 6-0 home victory over Worthies 'A' to open up a five-point gap at the top over a Hatherden side that has played one more game.