Ħamrun Spartans beat Hibernians in a thrilling final, decided in a penalty shoot-out, to claim the U-14 tournament and the coveted Tony Bajada Memorial Challenge Cup at the Tedesco Stadium last month.

This was the 13th edition of the popular tournament for young players hosted by the Spartans and the third time the host nursery had won the U-14 category.

In the final, Ħamrun twice came from behind to lead 3-2 with only a few minutes to go. However, the Paola boys levelled matters towards the end of the match to force a shoot-out.

Ħamrun scored five penalties from six but Hibs only managed four conversions.

At the end of the match, Reds captain Sean Mizzi was presented with the trophy by Ħamrun mayor Vince Bonello in the presence of Youth FA representative Joe Mallia.

US Triestina took part in the U-14 competition but were ousted before the semi-finals.

Italy’s Junior Calcio Lavello played in the U-10 tournament. Gozo club Kerċem Ajax fielded a side in the U-6 category.

Mġarr United won the Fair Play Award while Hibs had something to cheer about after scoring most goals in the U-14 tournament.

No winners were declared in the U-12, U-10 and U-6 events in accordance with Youth FA guidelines. Instead, mementoes and Gatorade tokens were distributed to all participants.

Meanwhile, as part of the events to remember Ħamrun nursery founder Tony Bajada, the U-17 side recently played a friendly against UK team Burnham Ramblers. The result was 1-1.

This month, Italian side ASD Helios will round up the 2014 Memorial by figuring in friendlies against their Ħamrun peers.