THE Under 18s returned with the runners-up prize from a trip to Rotterdam to play in the Hion International Tournament. Teams from Holland, Belgium and the United Kingdom competed for the Titus Hamberg Trophy. The young City Youth squad

THE Under 18s returned with the runners-up prize from a trip to Rotterdam to play in the Hion International Tournament.

Teams from Holland, Belgium and the United Kingdom competed for the Titus Hamberg Trophy. The young City Youth squad was made up mainly of players aged 17 who can return next year.

In the group stage, Aaron Lumsdon and James Rosson scored and an own goal completed a fine 3-0 opening win against VV Lyra. In the second match, Harold Chodeva converted a penalty and James Manfre also netted to seal a 2-1 win against VV Groeneweg. In the final group match, the Saints lost 1-0 to RSV Hion but had done enough to secure their semi-final berth.

Wippolder were the opposition in the last four and two goals from Aaron Lumsdon and strikes from Arron Shaw and James Manfre sealed a 4-0 win and a final spot. Manfre also netted in the showpiece final but, after City Youth goalkeeper Matt Bennett made a spectacular save, Dutch side RSV Hion netted a controversial equaliser and went on to win 2-1. After the final, manager Chris Mawhood said: "I am proud of every player on the tour, each and everyone one of them gave everything and they carried the flag for St Albans. They are an amazing bunch of lads."

Reece May was named Player of the Tournament by the Dutch organisers for his consistently impressive displays.