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Tournament report 12th June 2022

The Inaugural 1066 Tournament between Brighton and Hastings Walking Football clubs was won by Brighton Greens.

But there was a super team performance from Hastings Stripes who came second in the table by just a point and a remarkable solo effort from Eastbourne Chris who scored four great goals in just one game. His goal in his last match gave him five for the tournament and won him the golden boot. Simply remarkable.

Played in brilliant sunshine with a large crowd the tourny kicked off with Hastings Stripes v Brighton Greens. The home side had two shots and scored twice before the Stripes had settled.

Trigger and Chris – who was initially playing last man – both spurned chances at the other end. And when Mehdi pulled his only shot just wide the writing was on the wall. Trig and Ken both made good blocks to keep the score down and the Nutkin made three stops with his legs to keep the lads in touch.

Hastings Burgundy then took to the field with Brighton Yellows. The H’s had the best of the game and linked well through midfield but Chairman Phil, Ali and The Master all had shots saved by the home keeper. The Cat had to make two saves to keep the score at nil-nil and in the last second of the match Blakey almost won it with a top-corner effort that was clawed away.

Then came the match of the day – a thrill-a-minute 4-3 victory for the Stripes over the Yellows. Chris went up front and changed the whole game. He was on fire. He scored four and hit the post and had two shots stopped by the keeper. He subbed himself blowing from both ends and came off to warm applause.

At the other end the Yellows No.28 was also having the game of his life and scored a super hat-trick. The Nutkin assured the win with a fingertip effort diving to his left to put the ball out for a corner. Ken the Bass – in an unusual front role after Chris departed – had a good effort saved. It was nip and tuck all the way and The Stripes deserved their win.

In the next rubber, Burgundy played the Greens, did well and secured a one-all draw. Chairs scored first with a good high effort and The Cat made three good saves before his luck ran out and the Yellows scored with a low cross shot that went in off the post. Posh Andy fought well down the wing all match and good use of subs saw Oh My Cod! on and looking dangerous. Iron Russ ran the whole game and was unlucky not to win it with a shot just wide right at the death.

Then game the two internal derby ties.

Hastings Stripes and Burgundy came together with pride at stake. Russ and Blakey confidently rested themselves and the Stripes pounced. Trigger broke down the left inside the first ten seconds and beat the Cat all ends up at his near post to set the tone. And when Cod equalised it was anybody’s match.

That anybody turned out to be Chris who fired high and hard to the Cat’s right to give the Stripes a deserved 2-1 win. But it was the Nutkin with a cracking right forearm smash save which won his team the match.

The Greens and Yellows of Brighton fought out their derby with a 2-0 victory for the G’s with two goals for young number 6 who got four for the afternoon.

The Table finished thus:
Greens 7 points
Stripes 6 points
Burgundy 2 points
Yellows 1 point.

It was a festive feel with celebration cakes afterwards for Posh Andy and his lovely wife marking 20 years married. Nice treat for her to watch her old man play football in the sun! The tourney was well-reffed in a lenient style and the fast tempo suited the flair players of both sides.

Man of the Tournament: Eastbourne Chris for his goal-scoring antics, who needs a proper nickname. Answers on a postcard.