Bexhill Sixth Form College have finally ended 37 years of failure to be crowned Sussex Schoolboys six-a-side champions.

Kym Monroe scored a hat-trick and Chris Smith grabbed the other goal as they beat Park College (Eastbourne) 4-2 after extra extra time in the final at Varndean School, Brighton.

It is the first time Bexhill have won the trophy in 37-years Manager Jez Wassell said: "It's been a long time coming, but reflects all the hard work we've put in. It is a great way to finish the season.

"It's third time lucky against Park because they've beaten us twice in county competitions this term already."

Bexhill twice came from a goal down in the final after Sean Brownell and Ben Legate scored for Park.

Wassell said Bexhill were lucky to survive their semi-final against holders Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College.

They were 2-1 up with goals by Monroe and Shae Spraefico when BHASVIC ace Lee Newman missed a penalty.

Wassell said: "I think we'd have struggled if that penalty had gone in."

The manager praised the whole team but was particularly impressed with captain David Miller, Monroe, Matthew Dadswell and Spraefico.

Wassell believes victory will help bolster the profile of the county in the east.

He said: "People talk about Brighton and Hove Sixth Form and their links with Albion and the Chichester Academy. Our part of the county is often left out on a limb and gets forgotten about.

"But we are in quite a strong football area. The fact Hastings Town are flying high in the Dr Martens eastern division and look like getting promoted reflects that.

"Our College supplies quite a few players for local clubs, especially Sidley, who are County League champions."

Monroe, who plays for Hastings reserves and the youth team, scored six-goals in total in heavy conditions.

He said: "It's great for the college and I was quite surprised because we normally play better in warmer, drier conditions when the ground is firmer and flatter. It was very wet and difficult to play pretty football.

"I was delighted with the hat-trick. I hadn't scored one for ages."

Park were left to contemplate what might have been after beating Hove Park 2-0 in their semi-final.

Coach Dave Williams said: "We cruised through our group games, played quite well in the semi-finals and had our chances in the final. But we've had a successful season in county competitions and we have a chance to win the Sussex Schools and Colleges League Cup."

Former Albion skipper Steve Foster presented the trophies after Patcham Junior beat Woodingdean Primary 3-1 to lift the Fitzgerald Cup for Brighton and Hove primary schools at Brighton College.

Patcham scored three times in five minutes with goals from Jordan Cole (2) and Shaun Clark at the start of the second half. Woodingdean reduced the arrears when Craig Stevens scored.

Patcham captain Ben Osborn received the Cup from Foster.

JOE Gatting, son of former Albion player Steve, scored nine goals as Brighton College won the first Canterbury Under-15s Cup for South East independent schools at St Bede's (Upper Dicker). The College overcame Charterhouse 6-1 in the final after defeating Newlands Manor (Seaford) 3-0 and Lancing College 6-3.

College coach Brendan Lambe said: "The whole team did well They were totally focused and applied themselves. The great thing is many of the team are still only 14 and will eligible next year."