On Wednesday 11 May 11, RAF Brize Norton hosted the third iteration of the RAF Veterans 7-a-side football tournament. Although a relatively new event to the footballing calendar, interest has continued to grow as the competition welcomed 13 teams of over 35 year olds from 8 Stations across the RAF. With a great deal of experience, this was set to be another highly contested event.
The competition commenced through the completion of 2 leagues, with the First and Second place teams progressing forward into the Cup semi-final. The teams placed Third and Fourth then move into the semi-final of the Plate, whilst those placed Fifth and below retire from the tournament.
The Cup holders, RAF Icarus B Team got the ball rolling for League A at around 1100; but Parr’s powerful header was not enough against a home RAF Brize Norton team who secured victory with a 2-1 win. Similarly over in League B, it took a Hayes top corner thunderbolt to salvage a point for the RAF Icarus A Team against a strong RAF Benson side.
In the Plate, a tense final saw 12SU of Akrotiri hold their nerve to beat RAF Brize Norton’s B Team on penalties.
In the Cup, RAF Honnington had topped League A before going on to pip RAF Benson 1-0 in the semi-final. Runners up in League A were RAF Brize Norton who were then defeated on penalties by League B victors RAF Cranwell.
Entering the final of the Veterans’ Cup were RAF Honnington, who had nearly pulled out due to insufficient squad numbers, and RAF Cranwell, who had also required ‘callers’ after a central member of the team was stretchered from the pitch with a damaged Achilles tendon. However, this did not hinder Cranwell as they were victorious and claimed the Cup. Cpl Andy Sands, RAF Cranwell Captain admitted, “We never came expecting to win today and were really just hoping for a good day out! However, we’re very proud to have won, especially as we had to play with just 6 men for a number of our games!”
John Duff, RAF Football Development Officer was in high spirits as the day drew to a close, commenting that, “This year’s tournament has proved even more popular than the last, with a minimum number of teams forced to drop out. We decided to reduce the size of the pitches this year to shift the emphasis onto the football… rather than fitness! This is one of the best events that we organise because of the fantastic spirit in which it is played and today has been a real success.”
During the awards ceremony, thanks were given to the RAF Brize Norton Station Commander and personnel for hosting the tournament and to all of the organisers and participants who made the day such an enjoyable event. Most will return next year, unless they hit their option points, to compete for the hallowed RAF Veterans’ Cup!
RAF CRANWELL VICTORIOUS IN VETERANS FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
RAF Cranwell lifted the RAF Veterans’ Cup after beating a depleted RAF Honnington squad 2-1 in the final.
The Cup, hosted by RAF Brize Norton, is contended for by footballers from across the Air Force who are over the age of 35 and was hailed as a big success in its third year. John Duff, RAF Football Development Officer, commented “This year’s tournament has proved even more popular than the last, with a minimum number of teams forced to drop out. This is one of the best events that we organise because of the fantastic spirit in which it is played and today has been a real success.”
Cpl Andy Sands, RAF Cranwell Captain admitted, “We never came expecting to win today and were really just hoping for a good day out! However, we’re very proud to have won, especially as we had to play with just 6 men for a number of our games!”
Meanwhile in the Plate, a tense final saw 12SU of Akrotiri hold their nerve to beat RAF Brize Norton’s B Team on penalties.
Thanks were given to the RAF Brize Norton Station Commander and personnel for hosting the tournament, and to all of the organisers and participants who made the day such an enjoyable event.
Veterans Cup 7 a-side Cup Winners
2009 RAF Halton
2010 ICARUS
2011 RAF Cranwell