A Pre-Season Trip To Vilamoura
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A depleted Calne squad of six finally made it to Vilamoura last week - Stuart B, Phil C, Jon H, Dave H, Rob H and Ollie S.
Our first morning there saw us take on three sides at the regular Browns sessions. It was hot, the pitches were BIG, and we were facing many players who were still in their fifties. We also faced new rules such as the first individual running offence meant one minute in the bin, the second one two minutes etc etc.
It was no surprise therefore, that this session was a big learning for us, and we lost 2 games by 1 v 0, and drew the third game 0 v 0. A not too unusual result for Calne Town, being quite mean in defence, but profligate in attack. It was also no surprise when Ollie became the first (but not our only) player to be binned for running!
On Thursday, we provided some useful opposition to the Browns ladies team who needed an opponent to give them some practice before they compete in an upcoming women's tournament in the Algarve. We did manage to find the net, however, and to come out on top, although the ladies held the ball well and scored one themselves. It was a very enjoyable game, and one the ladies appreciated in terms of giving them a real game.
On Friday, it was time for us to play in the Dave Urwin Memorial Tournament. Dave unfortunately passed away recently, and was obviously a highly respected member of the Browns set up. four teams took part in what was a seven-a-side tournament. The Calne six were supplemented, through having a Portuguese and a visiting UK player, in order to give us the luxury of a sub.
The three other teams in the competition were Browns A and B teams, plus Odiaxere, the current Algarve champions.
We won all three league games (3 v 0, 2 v 1 and 1 v 0) which meant that we then played Odiaxere (who were the runners-up in the league) in the final. We took an early lead in the final with an unstoppable shot from Dave H. and held on to that for most of the game, although we conceded a late goal to send the match to penalties. And we did what England do quite regularly and lost on penalties.
That was a real shame given that we had played well and were comfortable. It also meant that we didn't arrive home with what was a very impressive gold cup presented to the winners.
Never mind, the football had been fun, and we had played well after the learning we got from our earlier friendly matches on Tuesday. Following the tournament on Friday, all four teams adjourned to the clubhouse of Clube Desportivo E Recreativo Quarteirinse in whose stadium we had played for a friendly lunch together.
Many thanks to Jon for arranging the week for us, and for being our guide around Albufeira in addition. This has resulted in our deciding to make Albufeira our base camp for the Browns Tournament for our Over 65s side in September.
The conclusion also was that we would like to return next year to play in this same Dave Urvin Memorial tournament.
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| CTWFC and Odiaxere teams following the final |
