Wed 28 Feb. 2018
Annual 5-a-side Football Tournament 2018
Much thanks must be attributed to the staff for the slick organisation of the event – The event continues to grow year on year.
The freezing temperatures did nothing to deter the 12 competing teams, and it was great to see supporters braving the cold to support the event also.The teams competing in the event provided a befitting profile of those businesses involved in our industry, from insurers to brokers, from capacity providers to 1st and 2nd tier suppliers.
The tournament related to an initial group stage which saw 3 groups, each consisting of 4 teams drawn at random. Following this, the group winners, accompanied by the best 2nd place finisher would meet at the semi-final knock out stage, prior to the final.
Throughout the group stage of the tournament, it was evident that there wasn’t too much to pick between the teams and the football was of a high standard and competitive nature, whilst being played in great spirits. After the first few games, players and supporters were noted at the side of alternative pitches scouting potential opponents, trying to find out how other teams were getting on and calculating points tallies to understand if their team was likely to progress. Out of the group stages emerged 4 teams: Virtus, AXA Liability, Horwich Farrelly and Gudger & Singleton (ft. Crompton Bailey ltd)
Under the lights on the Macron Stadium pitch, AXA Liability, who had qualified as best second placed team were moving through the gears towards the business end of the tournament and they emerged 3-0 victors against Gudger & Singleton (ft. Crompton Bailey ltd). Meanwhile, next door at Stamford Bridge, last year’s winners hosted Horwich Farrelly with Virtus booking their place in the final with a sound 2-0 victory. It was then over to Old Trafford for the final. Without much break, legs were now weary and a quite frantic game ensued, seeing AXA Liability score two quick fire goals. Virtus did reply with a goal late on but the clock was running down and the game finished 2-1.
A fantastic event and turnout! Congratulations again to the AXA Liability team, captained by Sab Sarcevic who will be defending their title in 2019.