Scotland was represented by teams from Carnoustie Panmure, Heart of Midlothian, Tweedvale (Peebles) and Tullibody (central lowlands) whilst from south of the border came Derby County, Chesterton (Staffordshire), Stamerton (Lincolnshire), Mansfield (Nottinghamshire), Skelmersdale (Lancashire) and Canterbury (Kent). Local teams from Olhão, Tavira and Vilamoura completed the impressive line-up. Under a clear, blue, azure sky the group games resulted in Carnoustie Panmure, West Lancs, Soccer Olhanense Strollers (S.O.S.) ‘A’ & ‘B’ winning their sections with Hearts 56, Canterbury City, Derby County, Tullibody Reds, Tavira WF ‘A’ and Chesterton Crusaders ‘A’ & ‘B’ also gaining automatic qualification.
The remaining teams entered the play-offs where BrownsWF made spectacular progress to eventually battle through to the final.
Local heroes included S.O.S. ‘B’ defender Frankie Aherne and keeper Paul Shawe, the star of the penalty shootout against Tullibody Reds in the quarter-finals where a vital save was followed by the affable giant proceeding to slot home the winning penalty.
The much anticipated final was fought out between BrownsWF and reigning champions S.O.S. ‘A’. With both keepers, Alan Brown (BrownsWF) and Peter Diprose (SOS), in fine form it was no surprise that it was a penalty that broke the deadlock and it was the hosts who looked to be bringing to an end Soccer Olhanense Strollers impressive run of six consecutive tournament victories.
But with just two minutes left on the clock, Brian Kilcline slotted home the equaliser and sixty seconds later Andy Smith smashed home the winner. Derby County took third place with S.O.S. ‘B’ in fourth.
Carnoustie Panmure beat Tullibody Reds to win the Plate Competition; Paul Yates (Chesterton Crusaders) was voted Player of the Tournament and 78- year-old Paul Simpson (Mansfield Reds) was presented with the ‘Forever Young Award’ as the oldest player.
The tournament was an unqualified success as new friends were made and old acquaintances renewed.
The physical benefits of Walking Football are well documented but it is the camaraderie and social interaction that does untold good as it broadens the well-being of so many in an era of an ageing population.
For more information: www.walkingfootballalgarve.com