A Hythe and Dibden Football Club under-18 team conquered Europe when they entered the Holland Easter Open football tournament.

Boasting a 100 per cent record in the qualifying competition, they moved through the top-six play-offs to a final which saw them beat Danish side Lyngby 1-0.

More than 400 teams contested the tournament, including representatives from the USA and Russia. In their under-19 section, Hythe competed against teams from Holland, Denmark, England and Germany.

Sam Lane, Luke Oates, James Hoskins, Iain Wood and Lewis Browne were among the Hythe scorers as they won their qualifying matches against Dutch teams on the first day.

One of their biggest problems was the continental referees' different interpretation of rules regarding fouls! Games were continually interrupted with free kicks and quite a few Hythe players were sin binned for five minutes following a strong challenge and subsequent yellow card.

Opposition skill levels were high, but the English full-on approach did seem to intimidate the other sides, and in the end worked in Hythe's favour.

Dutch team, from Constantia, Strijen, or TSC 04 could find a way past the solid back four of Jamie Martin, Liam Coffin, Iain Wood and Paul Bryant in open play.

Midfielders Michael Kingston, Ben Glass and particularly James Hoskins shone against Danish opposition on the Sunday and keeper Jon Switzer organised the defence well. Lewis Browne contributed some superb crosses .

Despite twins Luke and Dan Oates nearly scoring several times the final was goalless until the last minute when striker Sam Lane beat two defenders and shot home from a tight angle and make Hythe the champions.