DEAN PARK Primary School, from Balerno, showed their class at the lovely Warriston Recreation Grounds when they overcame seven other P7 schools to win the famous Edinburgh Primary Schools Sports Association’s Inspectors' Cup for the first time, writes JOHN YULE.

One of the team coaches of the winning school, John added: “This historic trophy is  the most important of the three cup events organised by EPSSA. The final stage of this tournament, which has been held since 1893, was played in perfect conditions with temperatures hitting 16 degrees, sunshine, and good grass surfaces. From 60 competing Edinburgh schools, the finals brought togehter the top eight qualifiers together for a round-robin and knock-out decider. Evergreen Cup Convener, Jim Goodwillie, was out as usual conducting the traffic and arranging a meeting with the eight team coaches.

The first stage of the competition was a group format and Dean Park – the boys from Balerno - overcame Fox Covert, St.Mary's and Trinity winning their league with St.Mary's runners up. The other group was won by Stenhouse with Carrick Knowe runners up knocking out Wardie and Hermitage. In the semi-finals, Dean Park were up against Carrick Knowe.  A great game of end-to-end passing football ending 1-1 took the teams into a penalty shoot-out. Cool heads were needed and when the Dean Park boys were asked to volunteer to take the spot kicks there was no shortage of hands in the air. The boys confidence was justified as Jamie Forsyth and  Ross MacNaughton drilled home the first two penalties giving the Carrick Knowe keeper no chance.  However, the real hero was Dean Park keeper Rory McBride who saved two penalties to win the semi-final tie.

That win set up a final against St.Mary’s, who overcame Stenhouse in the other semi.  Dean Park took an early lead with a goal in the first minute by the speedy Scott Henderson following good work on the left from Ross MacNaughton. Following a great spell of passing football from both teams, St.Mary's equalised in the last minute of the first-half through an unfortunate own goal from Eric 'Mr.Fish' Williamson. All was left to play for in the second half. Dean Park came out controlling the game comfortably and were rewarded with a second goal from Henderson following a defence-splitting pass from Aaron Yule.The event ended with St. Marys Leith showing great sportsmanship; applauding Dean Park as they received the cup from Jim Goodwillie. This was a fitting end to a wonderful evening at a well-organised event watched by a large number of parents and families.”

Dean Park - Jamie Forsyth, Adam Gillard. Scott Henderson, Dominic Leavy, Ross MacNaughton, Rory McBride, Calum McCabe, Cem Uysal, Eric Williamson, Aaron Yule.

Coaches - Grahame Forsyth, Mike Leavy, John Yule