It was a hot summer’s day in Majorca.....meanwhile in London the proverbial heavens opened up for a typical English Summers day proving once again that you just can’t rely on the British Weather.
The 2010 Brewer Morris football tournament attracted over 30 entrants this year but with only 20 spaces on offer only the quickest off the mark in applying were able to guarantee a spot.
HW Fisher were back with hopes of a third straight victory. Their self styled “Gaffer” Martin Taylor was not too convinced however. “Our team is short of critical man power with a few of the boys away on holiday I’ll be having words” His sentiments were to prove prophetic...
There were a number of debutant teams this year most notably CMS Cameron McKenna, Simmons Gainsford and Argenta. Due to a last minute cancellation Deloitte however were a man short. “Bring it on we can handle it” roared team captain Charlie Parry. Fortunately they were ably assisted by Matthew Dwyer of Brewer Morris who kindly volunteered his services to the Deloitte cause. The boys from Berwin Leighton Paisner were also quietly confident of victory hot on the heals of a morale boosting win in an earlier competition.
The games were divided into group stages, semi-finals and then finals for the group winners and separate semi-finals and finals for the group runners up to compete for the plate competition.
And so to the football! Once again it was a very hotly contested tournament with the tackles flying thick and fast. Some contestants turned up with studded boots hoping to intimidate the opposing teams but the eagle eyed referees ensured that everything ran smoothly and that the teams competed on level terms. It became apparent early on that HW Fisher were going to have real competition for their crown with the new teams in particular showing that they were definitely in it to win it!
After keenly contested group stages HW Fisher lined up against Simmons Gainsford and Cameron McKenna against Grant Thornton Milton Keynes in the semi-finals. It proved a step too far however for HW Fisher this year losing the game in a tense penalty shoot out. Cameron McKenna however were in imperious form against Grant Thornton running out 5-3 winners.
Hopes were high in the Simmons Gainsford team for a debut tournament victory, however, Cameron McKenna were clearly in the groove and the team to beat as it was to prove in a one sided 6-1 demolition job. “We’ll be back next year” growled losing team Captain David Gough. Cameron McKenna however were the deserved champions and it’s going to take a very good team to knock them off their perch.
In a closely contested plate final, Argenta defeated Goodman Jones 2-1 to win the consolation prize.
Not to forget the real reason for the afternoon was to raise money for charity. Once again it was Clic Sargent who were the real beneficiaries and the money raised will go towards helping ease the burden of childhood cancer.