EDS saw off a strong challenge from Intel to win last Sunday's
hugely successful Computer Weekly five-a-side football
tournament
Over 50 teams from around the country enjoyed a great day of
football at the Powerleague Centre in Catford, with EDS winning top
honours. Trace Computers won the "second division" plate
competition.
The Luton-based EDS side opened its account with a 4-1 drubbing of
a below-par Computer Weekly team in its opening match. EDS went on
to beat a spirited Intel team 2-0 in the final and claim the
trophy. EDS striker Graham Farrugia said, "We were confident that
we had a fairly good team, but we were all a bit surprised to win
it."
The tournament, which was sponsored by Pink Elephant, Getronics,
and Toshiba, gave the UK's IT professionals a chance to show off
their silky footballing skills and, more importantly, raise money
for charity. This year's competition was in aid of St John's
Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.
A donation will also be made to the Pasque Hospice for terminally
ill children and adults, a charity chosen by competition winner
EDS. "We thought that the tournament was brilliant, and, even
better, we now get the opportunity to donate some money to
charity," said Farrugia.
More than 500 players, their families and friends gave the day a
carnival atmosphere. Teams looking for a break from the frenzied
footballing activity on the 12 Astroturf pitches were able to seek
refuge in the refreshment marquees or grab a burger at the
barbecue.
With a DJ, face painting and a bouncy castle, there was also plenty
to keep youngsters amused while their dads were chasing football
glory. Former Liverpool and England star Alan Kennedy was on hand
throughout the day to pass on his coaching tips to the kids.
Rumours that he may be drafted in to help the Computer Weekly team
prepare for next year's competition are yet to be confirmed. The
hapless hacks managed just one victory in the whole competition - a
surprise 2-0 win over Axiom Systems.
First held in 1994, the Computer Weekly five-a-side tournament has
gone from strength to strength over the past few years and is now a
key fixture in the IT industry's sporting calendar. Dave Millhouse
of quarter-finalist Bartlett Scott Edgar, enjoyed the competition's
improvements. "This has been a very good day, everyone had a lot
more playing time than last year and there was great camaraderie
among all the teams," he says.
Players and spectators agreed that the tournament was played in a
great spirit from start to finish. Pink Elephant playmaker Ian Hall
said there was a high level of sportsmanship throughout the
tournament. "It was a fantastic day. The referees have been good,
and there has hardly been any trouble," he said.
EDS is the eighth winner of the prestigious trophy, and will be
returning in 2002 to defend its crown. "We will definitely be there
next year, the lads have got every intention of defending their
title," said Farrugia.