Woody Cole scored a hat-trick in the Somerset County Schools U16s' win over Devon County Schools U16s.

The match was part of the festive fixture in the Southwest Inter-County Schools Championship.

Both teams gave a high-energy, high-standard performance that kept the supporters on the edge of their seats.

Devon took the lead first with a sharp finish, but Somerset's captain, Beau Bird, equalised with a composed finish inside the box.

Woody Cole then put Somerset ahead with a powerful shot from outside the box.

The visitors equalised just before the break, leaving the score at 2-2.

In the second half, Evan Chappell was brought down in the penalty area, and Cole confidently converted the spot-kick to make it 3-2.

Cole then completed his hat-trick with a skilful finish after rounding the keeper and a recovering defender.

Devon kept the match alive with a counter-attack goal, making it 4-3.

But it was Chappell who sealed the win for Somerset, finishing in the bottom corner after a swift run.

The 5-3 scoreline remained until the final whistle, with JJ Lowe, Henry De Long, Olly Turner, Dimi Athanasiou, and Charlie Hopkins ensuring a solid backline.

With everyone playing their part, it was difficult to decide on a singular Man of the Match, so it was split between Cole, Chappell, and Turner.

The squad consisted of Josh Turrell, Evan Chappell, Woody Cole, Giuseppe La Porta, Freddie Williams, Toby Snelling, Harry Williams, Beau Bird (captain), JJ Lowe, Zack Holcombe, Charlie Hopkins, Jack Milford, Henry De Long, Dimi Athanasiou, and Olly Turner.

Thanks were given to Bridgwater & Taunton College Team BTC for the surface, and Fireaway Pizza for the after-match meal.