Colyton Under-13s travelled to France to take part in the Disney Paris International Tournament.

As well as the players, the party of 39 included a number of parents and family members.

The group stayed at the Davey Crockett Ranch at Disney parks.

Making their way through the group games, Colyton eventually bagged a fine berth in the Shield final where they met Manchester-based West Hill.

A close contest was won by a single second half goal. The move that led to the goal was launched by a thunderous tackle from Cameron Board. He then gave the ball to Rollo Squire and he, in turn, flicked it to Giles Basson who promptly tucked the ball inside the West Hill goalkeepers near post!

Thereafter Colyton saw the game out in some comfort thanks to the endless running of Jacob Hale and Dan Huggins in midfield and the covering tackles by Finley Cox, Joey Bown, Tom Fitzgerald and Nick Fisher in defence. Such was the quality of the work in front of him that Colyton glovesman Bayley Alner was rarely troubled!

The speedy Marcus Symonds did well, especially considering he came in for some harsh treatment by French defenders wary of his pace. Louis Rinaldi, playing up a year, did not let the size of the opposition phase him as he gave his all for the team.

A dinner was held on the evening of the final and concluded with a light and firework display at the Park.

Team boss Craig Board said: “As manager I found the football sometimes more thrilling than Space Mountain with the emotional ups and downs the game brings. Qualifying went well, the highlight was starting with a hard fought victory, but the low was seeing our main striker taken out when clean through by a French defender, followed up by the goal keeper. It led to a penalty but more importantly it meant Thomas Lambert had to have an ambulance called and missed the rest of the tournament. Thankfully there were no broken ribs, but just very badly bruised and the stud marks to the knee will heal eventually! Losing our main striker was a blow but the boys took all the knocks and team morale and spirit grew throughout the event and right through to that memorable Shield Final success over West Hill from Manchester.”

After returning to Colyton the team visited Shire Residential Home, who had supported the boys, to show the residents their medals and trophy.

Colyton Under-13s are grateful to CRW accountants, Temptations Restaurant, The White Hart, Colcombe Castle and Shire Residential Home residents, amongst others for all their help with fundraising to make the trip possible.