SUPER St Cuthbert’s held their nerve to beat The Redeemer B in a penalty shoot-out in the final of the Blackburn and Darwen Primary Schools Tournament.

The event, funded by a Sports Premium grant, was aimed at key Stage Two pupils who enjoy playing football but have never, or very rarely, had the chance to represent their school in a competitive event.

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A total of 12 teams took part and were split into three groups with the winners progressing through to the semi-finals along with one lucky runner-up - the team finishing second with the highest points across all three groups.

The teams that competed were Lower Darwen, St Thomas’, St James LD, St Cuthbert’s, and B and C Teams from Shadsworth, QEGS, St Francis and The Redeemer.

Both of The Redeemer teams won their groups which meant they progressed to the Semi-Finals along with St Cuthbert’s who were also group winners, Lower Darwen also progressed as ‘Lucky-Losers’.

The two teams from The Redeemer met in the first semi-final and it was the B team who beat the C team to make it to the final. St Cuthbert’s edged out Lower Darwen in the second semi final.

In the final, neither team could be separated in the 10 minutes of normal time or the five minutes extra time so it was on to penalties and it was St Cuthbert’s who held their nerve to take the honours.

“It was great to see so many children taking part in a competition that allowed them to represent their school,” said school games organiser Andrew Mercer.

“Hopefully this will give them the confidence and self-belief to continue playing and I’m sure that some of the players on show tonight will break into their schools football team.

“Congratulations to St Cuthbert’s on winning the competition and to everybody who attended.

“Also, a big thank you for St Bede’s for the use of the facility on the night, and also to the young volunteers who gave up their free time to help referee the matches.”