Junior football returned to Bishop's Castle with a veng-eance, with all four teams competing in their respective mid and north Powys leagues and producing some exhilarating performances.

Top billing this week goes to the Under Tens, who overcame the physically strong Machynlleth Hurricanes 5-0 at Oak Meadow with their best performance of the season so far. Goals came from Josh Baines (2), James Meddins, Kyle Burkett and Sam Windsor direct from a corner. So good was the overall display that manager Martin Windsor awarded player-or-the-match to the entire team.

The Under Nines were also back to winning ways, with an incredible 8-5 result against Rhayader at Oak Meadow. The action came thick and fast, with Connor Jones epitomising the effort and determination of the team with a player-of-the-match performance. Craig Harris was also in top form, scoring an amazing five goals, as was Joe Haycock with two goals. Daniel Box completed the goal haul.

Russ Jones' Under Elevens faced a tough away game at second placed Llanfair and nearly pulled off the come-back of the season. In an evenly matched first half, Castle were unlucky to find themselves 0-2 down, and then conceded again midway through the first half. This was despite determined play at the back from Henry Geddes and Jordan Love and some excellent saves from goal keeper Tom McKay. All looked lost at 0-3, but this team has fighting spirit and has learned never to lie down. They needed inspiration, and it came from a determined run from George Mellor who, having battled through several defensive half-tackles, lofted a cross-shot into the danger area and straight into the net. The belief came flooding back, and Castle began to dominate, and it was Mellor again who broke free on the right, this time slipping the ball under the advancing 'keeper to make it 2-3.

Llanfair were rattled, but time ran out for the resurgent Castle team who finished the game well on top.

Castle's unbeaten Under Twelves faced their toughest challenge of the season away at Waterloo Rovers. This was a game between two longstanding rivals and the match was probably the best game of junior football most spectators had seen. Both teams led, both teams found equalisers - Waterloo Rovers twice - and neither side deserved to lose.

But it was not to be Castle's day and their 3-4 loss was hard to swallow. Jack Mellor put in a captain's performance in midfield, and Kieran Love was outstanding at the heart of the defence. Connor Bird scored an outstanding hatrick, while Ben Miller had his best game of the season, as did Zak Beddoes in attack.