Sunnydale School's girl footballers have at last a reward to show for their outstanding efforts this season.

Twice teams from the Shildon school reached the Durham County Cup finals for their age group only to fall at the last hurdle.

The Under-16s just lost out to Framwellgate Moor of Durham by the odd goal in nine in their final, and the Under-14s went down 5-3 to Park View of Chester-le-Street in the final of their competition.

But in their last competition of the season, a mini-soccer festival held at Sedgefield Community College, the Under-14s finally got their hands on some silverware.

They took the spoils by beating their hosts in the seven-a-side tournament by 8-2, despite being a goal behind early on.

It means the school team will now represent the Sedgefield District in the Durham Youth Games, to be held at Maiden Castle Sports Centre in Durham City in September.

Sunnydale's scorers were Lauren McDonnell (4), Jen Jennings (2), Lauren Wickens and Calli Hoggarth.

Coach Malcolm Dover said: "After the season both teams have had it's nice to win a trophy after coming so close in the county competitions."

The next challenge is to try to find a sponsor to provide the girls with a new strip. All the success this season has been achieved in a borrowed strip which has to be returned.

Mr Dover said: "I'd like to think there will be someone out there who'd like to sponsor a strip for the girls' teams. It would be ideal if it could be available for our participation in the Durham Youth Games."

* Anyone able to help should contact Mr Dover at the school on (01388) 772526.