THE underdogs had their day recently when the HSA Youth League staged its highly popular annual Jock McClorey Tournament at the Walworth Sports Field.

With 35 teams from the under-9, 10 and 11 age groups competing in a unique event where teams finishing at the bottom of league tables collect goal advantages when they play those at the top.

The day was blessed with exceptional weather enjoyed by over 400 young 'Beckams' and more than twice that number in parents and team supporters. And the stars of the day Worthies Sports from Kingworthy who were 'worthy' winners of both under-9 and 10's competitions.

In the under-9's tournament where all the matches were refereed by league officials Bill Trotter and Mark Reeson eight teams played seven matches in a hectic morning.

League table toppers Upper Clatford 'A' failed to make the final four, with only league runners-up Durrington overcoming their handicap against teams lower in the league to reach the final where Andy Court's young Worthies team were the victors.

It was much the same for the under-10's where league champions Porton failed to overcome their handicap, leaving runners-up Upper Clatford contesting the semi-finals along with South Wonston, Worthies and Test Valley.

In a well supported and noisy final between Worthies and Test Valley, the sides finished level 2-2 at the end of extra time and it was Jon Cox's Worthies who eventually triumphed in the resulting penalty shoot out.

In the first of the under-11 competitions league runners-up Vernham Dean after beating Test Valley 3-2 on penalties in the semi-final went all the way and faced Hatherden, winners over bottom club Shipton in the other semi-final. In a pulsating final that ended 2-2 played off scratch Richard Dodridge's side kept their nerve to win 3-1 on penalties yet again.

The other under-11's competition came closest to producing a 'David v. Goliath' situation with bottom club Amesbury using their goal handicaps right through to the semi-finals before going down to league runners-up Broughton.

In the other half of the draw second from bottom Upper Clatford also made the most of their handicap to reach the final where the single-goal advantage again proved enough for Mark Handford's side to come out on top against Broughton.

There were also some important end-of-season games but it looks likely that several under-14 teams may not be able to complete their programmes. Hatch Warren however proved worhty champions by winning 18 of their 20 games, finishing with a 3-1 win over Swan Hill.

The battle for runners-up spot goes on with third placed Clarendon making up for lost games with a 6-0 win at Vernham but the Swans' defeat seems to have ended their hope for honours.