HARDENHUISH School have won the U16 Wiltshire County Schools Football Cup after a 3-1 victory over Swindon’s Highworth Warneford School in the final.

All of the players are in Year 11 and some of them will shortly be leaving school once they have sat their GCSEs. It was therefore fitting that this talented squad of players finished their five years together in such style.

Hardenhuish showed off their neat passing style early on, which led to a few clear chancesthat went unconverted in a goalless first half. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Matt Harvey remained largely a spectator as the opposition’s long-ball approach was easily dealt with by the back four.

After an inspirational team talk by PE teacher and coach, Mark Craig, Ewan Anderson swiftly opened the scoring for Hardenhuish in the second half following a corner from Jack Smith.

Highworth Warneford then started to gain momentum and they won a penalty, which was dispatched confidently to level the scores.

Hardenhuish raised their game again, and, after some wizardry on the right touchline, a cross-cum-shot found its way to the far post for Anderson to score his second.

The victory was then seal shortly afterwards when Hardenhuish were awarded a penalty of their own, scored by Jake Hutchings.

Coach Craig said: “The victory was fully deserved. I am very proud to have been associated with this fine group of players, wonderfully led by their captain, Harry Moore, over these past five years.”