CIRENCESTER YOUTH LEAGUE: PERENNIAL bridesmaids Malmesbury finally got their hands on some silverware at the weekend with a convincing victory in the Cirencester and District Youth League Under 15 cup final.

After making do with runners-up medals in each of the past three league campaigns and twice more in the cup, Malmesbury triumphed 4-1 against Purton in this year's showpiece at Bibury, with James Brown the goalscoring hero.

It was a tremendous victory against a Purton side who went into the final with a perfect record of 19 wins in 19 games this season.

Both teams started cautiously with Purton perhaps edging the first 15 minutes, but Brown put Malmesbury ahead just before the break.

The second half saw Malmesbury increase their lead when Brown found the net again.

Malmesbury keeper James Woodhams then denied Purton with an excellent diving save from a free-kick before Brown completed his hat-trick when he broke clear of the defence.

Good work from Mark Lane enabled Brown to make it 4-0 and a late consolation goal from Purton failed to prevent Malmesbury captain Jack Ward from getting his hands on a trophy at last.

Malmesbury coach Ian Lane said: "I am pleased for all of the players.

"For six seasons we have been so close to winning trophies but we have always been denied. All the players gave 100 per cent today and have been rewarded."

Highworth Colts claimed their place in the final of the under 13 cup with an emphatic victory against Brunel Boys.

The Colts were 8-0 winners following a second-half goalfest.

Tino Pileggi opened the scoring and the second period saw the Colts pile on the pressure with Pileggi getting his second, Steve Smart grabbing a brace and Danny King scoring four.