THE Finals of the first ever Bobby Lennox Cup were held at the weekend in the blazing sunshine at Winton Park.

And it was mixed fortunes for St Matthew's Academy as they tried to win both titles managing a win in the boys tournament with Kilwinning coming out on top in the first game featuring the girls.

A 4-0 win for Kilwinning was followed by a mammoth 12-0 for St Matthew's and with £400 being raised for the campaign to get Bobby Lennox a statue in his hometown of Saltcoats.

Dean McMillan, one of the members of the committee behind the campaign told the Herald: "The schools are very keen for this to continue every year which is great, we want people to know we boast one of the UK's most successful players.

"It was great seeing people taking in the European Cup and having Bobby and Tom Boyd presenting the medals was amazing."

Bruce McMaster of North Ayrshire Active Schools said: "The final was a great occasion for players, families and of course the Three Towns community. It was fantastic to see so many people supporting the event, taking in some very good football. What was also very pleasing was the positive and respectful manner in which games were played. Having the likes of Bobby Lennox and Tom Boyd there was inspirational for our young people and an experience I am sure they will all take forward in their sporting careers.

"We now look forward to next year and continuing Bobby's legacy. A special thanks to Dean McMillan, The Bobby Lennox Statue Committee, our schools and Ardrossan Winton Rovers who put in a lot of effort to make the event a success.

Former Celtic Captain Tom Boyd was also there on the night and he said: "It was a pleasure for me to attend and I enjoyed watching some excellent football from both the girls and boys in the Ayrshire sun.

"A big congratulations to all those competing, playing the game in a sporting and friendly manner befitting of how Bobby played the beautiful game and a special thanks you to all who made my visit so welcoming especially the staff of the Football Club. Hope to see you all next year at the 2nd Bobby Lennox Challenge Cup."

Pat Breen, of sponsors Breen Roofing and Chairman of Ardrossan Winton Rovers said: "We were delighted to sponsor and host such a prestigious event for such a great cause. Bobby Lennox is a brilliant role model to any potential footballer and is well respected in the local area. 

"The finals were of a good quality and there was a real community spirit at Winton Park which was great to see. 

"Well done to Dean and the guys for organising it and we look forward to next year."