More Silverware Goes West

A massive congratulations to all of our EU contingent who performed so brilliantly on the weekend. For those unaware, the Wildcats took out their first (but definitely not last) bit of silverware for the year on Saturday afternoon when they systematically destroyed the other BARFL clubs to take out the Brit Cup. The event, held outside of London just a short bus ride away in Sussex (courtesy of Mango Schumacher), was run in much the same way as the Pre-Season Cup. The teams were split up into preliminary groups of three, and played a round robin style tournament consisting of 2X10 minute halves. It was only open to EU registered players, and only 12 players were allowed on the ground at any one time.

Our first game saw us pitted against Sussex and we got the jump on them early before running away with the game to record quite an easy win. Next up we took on North London and once again were able to record an impressive victory, and had the kicking been slightly more accurate, the difference would have been even greater. So after having won our two pool games, we then were able to take a break as we headed straight through to the semi-final.

The semi-final then again saw us up against Sussex, as they had fought through from the qualifying final to again be drawn against us. Once again we were too good though, despite an improved showing from the opposition, and we won our way through to take on last years winners, Wandsworth, in the Grand Final. This was undoubtedly the highlight of the day, as we ran all over the top of them everywhere but the scoreboard in the first half. Just before the main break, Wandsworth scored a soft goal, courtesy of a questionable free kick and a 50m penalty, leaving us 5 points down at the change. From there on in it was all Wildcats though, as we streaked away in the last half to record another easy victory 3.5.23 to 1.1.7. It was obvious that the boys desire was much greater than any of the other clubs and we were far superior in that and the skill department over the whole day. Despite being written off by the so-called experts in the lead up to the day, one must always remember never to discount the fighting Wildcat spirit, and we were awarded a much deserved Cup at the end of the day.

Special thanks to Belly and Johnny Boyle who were instrumental in getting all of the boys keen for the day, and I wouldn't like to single anyone out as it was a fantastic team performance, which I'm sure would have given the GB selectors plenty to think about especially considering that most believed our EU's to be second rate to some of the other clubs prior to this year Brit Cup. However we dispelled that theory with a vengeance as we showed the other clubs that they're the ones that have got a bit to do if they want to outshine our EU boys this year! Well done on a magnificent effort, and let's hope we can build on the spirit the lads showed in the run down to the September action. And with all of the boys now keen to keep going, added to the fact that a couple of the EU's were still unavailable on Saturday, places for spots in the entire Wildcat squad this year will be hotter than ever.

Finally, well done to Johnny Boyle who was joint winner of the best player for the tournament, along with Adrian Gerolemou, who was joint leading goal kicker for the day.