Blazing sunshine sees Foyle Cup finals crowds flock to many venues throughout Friday

U11: A Closely Fought Contest at a Sun-Kissed Bishop’s Field Needed Sudden Death Penalties to Decide The Winner

Limavady 0 ... St Oliver Plunkett 0

A hard-fought end-to-end battle between Limavady and Belfast’s St. Oliver Plunkett which served up a 0-0 draw. Indeed, there could have been a number of goals but for the fine shot stoppers in both goals.

Referee Dee Power praised both teams at the final whistle for the ‘hard work’ they put in despite the boiling temperatures on the pitch and said they were a credit to their clubs, managers and parents.

Once again it was penalties to decide the outcome and it went to sudden death with Plunkett taking the trophy back over the Glenshane to Belfast.

U9: Rosebowl Final sees Ballinamallard beat Castlecaulfield Youths 5-3 in Penalties After Score Draw at Templemore

Castlecaulfield 1 ... Ballinamallard 1 (Ballinamallard won 5-3 on penalties)

Summer returned to Templemore on Friday morning for the anticipated U-9 Foyle Cup Rosebowl Final between two evenly matched sides in Castlecaulfield and Ballinamallard and they didn’t disappoint with a hard-fought encounter that saw both teams share the spoils at the final whistle.

It was Castlecaulfield who took the lead. Forward Charlie Cinamon chased a long ball through the centre, outpacing his marker and tapping home from close range.

Both sides had many chances in the closing stages of the half but the score remained the same.

Some great team work by Ballinamallard with six players involved in the exchange saw the referee award a penalty. Up stepped Blaise O’Hagan to slam home the equaliser.

It was penalties to decide the fate of this year’s u-9 Rosebowl and it was some good saves by Ballinamallard keeper that give his side victory 5-3.

“It's hard to believe we're already talking about Finals Day because the week has just flown by. It only feels like yesterday we were standing in Guildhall Square welcoming more than 1,000 teams to the North West and now we're getting ready to bring another fantastic tournament to a close.

"Every year the tournament writes its own story and this year has been no different. We've seen brilliant football, dramatic games, fantastic goals and some unforgettable moments, but what stands out most is seeing thousands of young people enjoying themselves and making memories that will stay with them for years to come.

On behalf of the committee, I'd like to thank every player, coach, volunteer, referee, parent, sponsor, partner and supporter who has played their part this week. The O'Neills Foyle Cup has always been a community effort and once again the whole North West has come together to put on something really special. We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved together and we were delighted to see our Derry Credit Union sponsored mini soccer tournaments finish in style today.”