A CRISP, clear afternoon at the Hardmoor Sports Fields, Southampton produced an entertaining Under 13 County Cup final.

The Mountbatten School emerged victorious from an eight goal thriller.

The first half was extremely tight with both defences in the ascendancy. There were no clear-cut chances until Tom Rafferty, the Mountbatten keeper, had to save with his outstretched leg after an incisive break by Wavell.

The first half appeared to be heading for a blank finish when, with just minutes to go, Wavell captain Jacob Peace broke through and beat Rafferty low to his left. Mountbatten drew level within seconds. Wavell dropped their defensive guard and Courtney Brooks' speculative shot flew into the net. In attempting to save it Coles, the Wavell goalkeeper, sustained a hand injury and did not return at the start of the second half.

Straight after the resumption the ever-dangerous Tim Brasseur unleashed an unstoppable 20 yard drive, and sub keeper Josh Taylor's first task was to pick the ball out of the back of the net.

The goal forced Wavell on to the back foot as Mountbatten enjoyed the lion's share of the play.

The next 15 minutes saw Mountbatten launch wave after wave of attacks. Brooks scored his second and the team's third with an absolute scorcher with his less favoured right foot.

More celebrations followed when Lloyd Clark tapped in from close range, and Luke Bennett added a fifth from a direct free kick 25 yards out from goal.

To their credit Wavell kept plugging away despite the 5-1 scoreline and scored two late goals through Rhys Phillips and Ross Herrick-O'Hara.

Chris Elvidge, the Mountbatten team manager celebrated his first ever Hampshire Cup Final triumph after 18 years of management.

"The final was played in an outstanding competitive attitude by both sides, without overstepping the mark," he said afterwards.

"Bradley Awusah-Peasah led the front line admirably without enjoying any luck in front of goal - the first time he has not scored all season!

"Jack Taylor deserves a special mention - he may have been the smallest player on the pitch, but his reading of the game and timely interceptions were like those of an old pro."

Mountbatten go forward to represent Hampshire in the first round of the National Coca-Cola Cup competition.