Wednesday 24 July 2024

Benji Batten wins Northern Phoenix “Flickmas in July” WASPA


(Report by Christos Garagounis)

On a cold and wet winter’s day, a rabble of table football connoisseurs gathered at the Preston Druids Cricket Club to compete in the Northern Phoenix “Flickmas in July” WASPA.

A round robin format saw each player compete against one other in classic FISTF regulated 30 minute encounters.

Anthony Madiona played himself into some nice form throughout the afternoon, notching up plenty of good results and doing his best impersonation of Paul Mercer (by deputising as the Games Logistics Manager – GLM).

Benji showed why he remains one of the country’s leading table football exponents after strolling to five consecutive wins in an assured performance. The highlight was undoubtedly a wonderful display of sportsmanship when deciding to go “Full Commando” in his last match against “The Travelling Wilbury”, scraping over the line in a nail biting and dramatic 12-0 victory.

Beth Eveleigh sent a warning to the Global Woman’s Subbuteo Community with a fine display of patient, well-structured and results driven table football, whilst also managing to score a cracking “Goal on the Run”…..A goal which most certainly deserved to have been followed up with a “C’mon!” (such was its quality) although it never eventuated.

It didn’t take long for Adam Deverell to hit his stride after a noticeable hiatus away from competitive table football. He even managed to score the “Goal of the Day” with a miraculous buzzer beater (with only two seconds remaining on the clock) which saw him take all points in a 1-0 victory over Christos. His addition to the day’s playing roster certainly bolstered the quality of the ensemble cast that had gathered. Hopefully he becomes a more regular feature at coming events.

It was however Kevin Grant who undoubtedly took the honours as the day’s “Best on Ground” performer. A chilled display of nonchalance and a “care free – have fun at all costs attitude” ensured he made the event what it was. I even had the pleasure of receiving a lecture on the history of the Redesdale Bridge. I am definitely looking forward to a first-hand tour of the site at the next “Flicks in the Sticks” event.

Another enjoyable afternoon and needless to say.......

Subbuteo was the Real Winner!

Northern Phoenix link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/780610992079187

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