Ten of the 13 primary schools in Thamesmead took part in Trust Thamesmead's 10th annual Matthew Clarke 7-a-side football tournament held at Thamesmead Town Football Club on Thursday 5 June, in memory of former St John Fisher pupil Matthew Clarke, who sadly died of cancer nine years ago.

It was a huge success, not only because the sun brought out lots of spectators but because more than 100 Thamesmead primary school pupils (including subs) took part.

The ten teams were split into four groups and played the games of their lives, with the semi finals seeing the winners of each group take each other on: Winners of group one; Heronsgate V winners of group two; St Margaret Clitherow Winners of group three; Hawksmoor V winners of group four; Castilion.

2006 tournament winners Heronsgate and 2007 winners Hawksmoor won the semi's and went on to play each other in vain in the final for the prestigious shield, with last year's winners' Hawksmoor beating Heronsgate 2-0.

"This year's Matthew Clarke Football Tournament was better than ever!" said Trust Thamesmead's Head of Community Services Dawn Young, who worked alongside Thamesmead Town Football Club in arranging the event. "The kids were really competitive but as they were knocked out they stayed around to cheer the other teams on.

"It was fantastic to work with so many school pupils and teachers in Thamesmead and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year!"