WET, blustery conditions failed to dampen the enthusiasm, or enjoyment, of over 200 schoolgirl footballers taking part in Suffolk's first inter-county football festival.

WET, blustery conditions failed to dampen the enthusiasm, or enjoyment, of over 200 schoolgirl footballers taking part in Suffolk's first inter-county football festival.

Copleston High School's newest Sports College Centre, Ipswich, was the venue when Middlesex Under-16s and Inner London Under-14s were joined by both age group squads from Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Kent to play each other in two leagues.

Continuous, exciting football of a very skilful standard throughout the day kept the spectators well entertained.

And there was no lack of audible, polite advice supplementing that of over 20 teacher/managers who had given up their half-term holiday to organise transport and participate.

John Goldsmith, West Suffolk Schools' Secretary, organised the six young referees who gave their services for the matches starting every half hour, on three pitches.

The day's 60 games produced 146 goals and while Norfolk and Kent topped the under-14 league, Herts and Kent were unbeaten in the under-16s.

Suffolk's under-14s defeated a strong Kent team 1-0 and shared points with both Norfolk and Herts, which augurs well for their forthcoming SE England matches.

The first is at Sawbridgeworth against Herts on November 9 and the second at home at the Gainsborough against Norfolk on November 16.

All players were presented with edible goodies and engraved Suffolk souvenir medals by Gordon Blake, the President, who received several requests to repeat the festival next year.

Festival Programmes were issued free and in return the secretary thanked everyone present who contributed generously to the £47.48 raised for the adjoining St Elizabeth Hospice.