CHAMPIONS TOURNAMENT - 2010 - DAY REPORT SHEFFIELD

01st February 2012

A review of the 2010 tournaments fixtures

CHAMPION’S TOURNAMENT REPORT

A scorching day in Sheffield saw the 1^st of this years Champions Tournaments. Teams from across the came to compete, a mainly northern line up meant there were lots of familiar faces for the officials, and a good crowd turn out meant there was a buzz around the place, helped by the Summer sun.

This year more than any in memory it was hard to pick potential winners. Mutterings amongst the officials and Champion Soccer staff put Iron Men (Skipton), former champions Magnet Boys ( Sheffield ), Gavs Galacticos ( Grimsby ) and FC Tamsin ( Manchester ) as potential winners.

The group stages soon saw one of those struggle to make an impression as FC Tamsin stuttered in the group and were out. The others started strongly and were joined by Madhouse ( Sheffield ), Kaisers (Featherstone) and annual entries Plough Nettleham (Lincoln) as early front runners.

Commitment to the cause award for the day went to White Bear from Billericay, Essex . Up for the weekend, the night before’s quiet drinks became an all night session – the affects of which were clear for all to see as they lethargically slouched on the Champion Soccer bench in the sun discussing what language the team from Hemsworth (a small place in deepest darkest Yorkshire) were actually speaking. Think they were bemused by the lack of flat caps and whippets! Cigarettes and excessive night before Vodka may not be the key to success next year lads.

The highest score in the group stages was Iron Mens 7-0 demolition of Athletico Hoylake. Unlucky to leave at the group stages were Hurricanes of Colne Valley (Huddersfield) who missed out on a qualification spot to former champions Woodfield Devils (Doncaster) on goals scored.

The last 16 saw teams raise their game, the tackles were harder, the finishing better and the pressure rammed up.  One team who will never know were Parma Nova ( Blackburn ) who vanished assuming they were eliminated which gave Madhouse a bye to the quarters.

Inter the Blue ( Hartlepool ) looked like potential winners until they were dumped out on penalties by To be Decided (Wirral). Pick of the games was Iron Mens defeat of Dingham Rovers (Guiseley) 5-2 both teams giving their all but the Skiptons teams fresher legs pushed them through. Fifa’s refusal for goal line technology may have cost Lawtons Looneys (Hemsworth) a place in the quarters after the ball teased crossing the line. The Galacticoes from Grimsby hit full stride smashing Woodfield Devils 6-0

Quarter final action saw Kaisers start to show as real contenders with victory over Plough. Iron Men won a hard fought battle 4-2 over Grimsby Pelhams, the fresh legs of Madhouse won 2-0 over To Be Decided, and Gavs dispatched another league champion Duke Blues from North Ferriby .

This left us with Semi-Final action of Kaisers vs Iron Men and Gavs Galacticos vs Madhouse. Iron Men showed the stronger early and put a lot of pressure on Kaisers goal but some heroic defending kept the scores nil nil. One excellent break later and the Featherstone team were cheering and on route to the final.

The final as expected was a tight affair with some strong tackles and as with the world cup final quality was the last thing on everyones minds all that mattered was the result. Bradford referee Rob Haley had a strong game and kept order as a few tired legs meant a few late tackles. Nil-Nil at full time said it all, and then 3 minutes into Golden goal the 5 Aside team from Grimsby touted by Champion Soccer league secretary Simon Jones from the start, popped up with a goal to send the baseball hat wearing statto of a manager on the sidelines into raptures. Kaisers were worthy runners up, and can rightly feel agrieved not to have left with more having conceded 2 goals all day - including the golden goal.

The days other officials were Dave Gorringe (Bradford), Alan Street (Sheffield), Dave Horner (Glasshoughton), Doug Stewart (Wirral), Darren Harwood & Wayne Smith (both Rotherham) all showed why they highly regarded by Champion Soccer. The fact on the day there were no complaints, red cards or handbags is a testament to the officials keeping order and the teams showing they were prepared to play in the right spirit.

A final pat on the back to Simon Jones and Sam Smith for their sterling work ensuring the smooth running of the games on the day, ferrying balls, dealing with injured bodies, and listening to more refereeing stories than I think any of us wish to hear again.

Roll on Bournemouth on the 24 July to see who will join Gavs Galacticoes as this years Champions. There are still 3 spaces available for the tournament for more information, or to register your interest for next years Sheffield event contact Joe at Champion Soccer on 0113 253 5800.

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KNOCKOUT STAGE - LAST 16

INTER THE BLUE 1-2 TO BE DECIDED

MADHOUSE 3-0 PARMA NOVA

DUKE BLUES 3-0 PRINCE OF WALES

GAVS GALACTICOS 6-0 WOODFIELD DEVILS

MAGNET BOYS 0-2 KAISERS

PLOUGH 2-1 LAWTONS LOONEYS

TORCIDA 1-3 GRIMSBY PELHAM

IRON MEN 5-2 DINGHAM

QUARTER FINALS:

TO BE DECIDED 0-2 MADHOUSE

DUKE BLUES 1 -3 GAVS GALACTICOS

KAISERS 1-0 PLOUGH

GRIMSBY PELHAM 2-4 IRON MEN

SEMI FINALS:

MADHOUSE 1-2 GAVS GALACTICOS

KAISERS 1-0 IRON MEN

FINAL:

GAVS GALACTICOS 1-0 KAISERS

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