Mark Farrell winner in Ballymena

Kenny Beggs and Mark Farrell

Round 2 of the Irish Circuit moved onto Ballymena in County Antrim last Saturday 22 March. Since I’ve been playing the Irish Subbuteo Circuit, the numbers playing at Ballymena Golf Club of 24 is, I think, the biggest turnout that I’ve witnessed, which is good news for the game in Ireland. They came from all 4 corners of Ireland as well as the UK mainland and it all ran smoothly and to time.

With Kenny Beggs and Barry Spence running the operation, you have two of Ireland’s more experienced personnel in charge. The players where here to play Subbuteo and that’s what we got. Nothing fancy but put together in a no nonscense way that got the job done.

The format was 4 groups of 6 with the top 2 going into the main KO, 3 and 4 into the Plate and 5 and 6 contesting the Shield.

The first big surprise sprung up with the draw, which saw Beggs and Farrell (Irish Subbuteo’s Celtic and Rangers) drawn in the same group. In the main competition it was nice to see the likes of Lawrence Watson making the last 8 along with Joe Harrington and Shaun Dunne from the UK. In the end, though, the Old Firm of Beggs and Farrell pushed aside the pretenders to go head-to-head in another final. Mark Farrell clinched the trophy with a late, late golden goal.

In the Shield Martin Og, who’s more accustomed to pushing for the main prize, overcame Haverhill’s Gerry Harrington 3-0 in the final. In the Plate it was an all-Tralee affair as the rapidly improving Cian Hogan saw off club mate Dave Elton 1-0 in a tight affair. In the youth section Ellott Fitzpatrick beat his stable partner Kyle Malone 1-0 to claim the trophy.

Once again, the venue, Ballymena Golf Club, did a great job. A first-class room which hosted 12 tables with the option of a bar and bar food for the thirsty and hungry.

(Report by David Elton)

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/ulstersubbuteochampionship

Main results

Quarter-finals: Barry Spence - Kenny Beggs 0-1 ; Shaun Dunne - Joe Harrington 3-1 ; Mark Farrell - Lawrence Watson 2-0 ; Andy Fitzpatrick - John Moore 0-3

Semi-finals: Kenny Beggs - Shaun Dunne 1*-1 ; Mark Farrell - John Moore 5-0

Final: Kenny Beggs - Mark Farrell 1-2sd

Plate final: Gerry Harrington - Martinog Bradley 0-3

Shield final: David Elton - Cian Hogan 0-1

Junior final: Eliott Fitzpatrick - Kyle Malone 1-0

February 2025: news from Ireland, Australia and Belgium

We are always pleased to see excellent Subbuteo events played under WASPA banner so thanks to the clubs of Donegal, Northern Phoenix and Templeuve for their latest tournaments.

Ireland: Irish circuit in Donegal

The first round of the Irish Circuit 2025 took place last week-end in Donegal. Thanks to Brendan Rodgers and his crew for organising the tournament. 10 players from all over Ireland took part and Derry's Martinog bradley took the honors after defeating clubmate Barry Spence in the final.

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/tablesoccertalk

Group A

1. Martinog Bradley (NIR/Derry)
2. Frankie Connolly (IRL/Donegal)
3. Andy Fitzpatrick (IRL/Irish Premier League)
4. Cian Hogan (IRL/Tralee)
5. Louis Herbert (NIR/Cherrytree)

Group B

1. Barry Spence (NIR/Derry)
2. Brendan Rodgers (IRL/Donegal)
3. Stephen McAllister (NIR/Derry)
4. Oisin Mór (NIR/Derry)
5. Donal Convery (NIR/Belfsat)

Semi-finals: Frankie Connolly - Barry Spence 0-0* ; Martinog Bradley - Brendan Rodgers 2-0
Final: Barry Spence - Martinog Bradley 1-0
Plate final: Cian Hogan - Oisin Mór 1-2sd

Australia: Northern Phoenix WASPA – Thursday 06th February 2025

A relaxing and chilled Northern Phoenix WASPA was the perfect lead in event for the weekend’s AGP a couple of days later.

The occasion was marked by the participation of a number of interstate and overseas players wanting to secure a last minute hit-out prior to the Big Dance.

Conrad Mudge, Mike Phillips and Yago Dee made special appearances, the Tasmanian making his entrance fashionably late after a delayed flight meant he arrived in the Victorian capital six hours late.

Benji Batten had a great outing winning all his four matches to take out the evening’s honours. Beth Robin however pushed him all the way in their third round encounter, Mr MTFC scoring a buzzer beater in the final seconds to get over the line and keep his impressive record in check.

Having been absent from the game for a couple of decades, Mike Phillips strung together a number of impressive performances and showed great close control and tactical awareness. Conrad Mudge made the most of his trip across ‘The Ditch’ playing an exhausting six matches and Nathan Urbaniak keeps on going from strength to strength finishing up as runner-up.

Another enjoyable evening and needless to say.......

Subbuteo was the Real Winner!

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/780610992079187

Final table (Swiss system)

1. Benji Batten (Melbourne TFC)
2. Nathan Urbaniak (Melbourne TFC)
3. Beth Eveleigh (Northern Phoenix TFC)
4. Christos Garagounis (Northern Phoenix TFC)
5. Conrad Mudge (NZL/Northern Line Flickers)
6. Mick Phillips (Adelaide TFC)
7. Yago Dzelalija (Hobart TFC)
8. George Theocharis (Northern Phoenix TFC)

Belgium: New premises for Templeuve United

The first WASPA tournament of the Templeuve United club in their new premises in Néchin (a small village in the town of Estaimpuis, known for being for former place of citizenship of famous French actor Gérard Depardieu) took place last Friday with 10 players taking part, which included newcomes Nicolas Malfait. Congratulations to Geoffrey Marain who won his four games to claim the title of the day.

Final table (Swiss system)

1. Geoffrey Marain (Hennuyer)
2. Sébastien Rochez (Stembert)
3. Benjamin Marain (Hennuyer)
4. Vincent Coppenolle (Templeuve)
5. Raphael Dhondt (Templeuve)
6. Sébastien Sorge (FRA/Wattrelos)
7. Franck Santer (FRA/Templeuve)
8. Ursule Dhondt (Templeuve)
9. Eric Caillaux (FRA/Templeuve)
10. Nicolas Malfait (FRA/Wattrelos)

Facebook links: https://www.facebook.com/TempleuveUnited & https://www.facebook.com/groups/25637672693

January 2025: more results from Northern Ireland, Germany, Japan and Australia

More WASPA results from around the world. For the final note of January results, we received news from Northern Ireland, Germany, Japan and Australia. it's always exciting to see returning players and some new faces. It's also extremely important to remember that small events are also part of the development process in many different nations.

Thanks to contributors Martinog Bradley, Simon Stewart, Andrew Martini and Steve Dettre.

Derry, Northern Ireland

Derry City TFC recently held the ’Paul Boyle New Year Cup’ with 7 players divided in two groups. In the semi-finals, Martinog bradley defeated Ian Greer (3-0) while Barry Spence took the best on Lawrence Watson (4-1). Martinog won the final against Barry (1-0) while Dee Jenkins won the Plate final.

Hamburg, Germany

The Sankt Pauli players held their first WASPA for several years at their new venue on January 30. It was the club's first tournament for several years. The new venue, situated under the iconic South Curve at the Millerntor Stadion hosts many sports activities officially affiliated with the football club. On the night Marius took the honours but special mention to father and son Julian and Levy making their debuts who both recorded wins.

Tokyo, Japan

This week-end the Tokyo Sunzeol players held a small challenge cup under WASPA banner. Suguru Sugino, Tomoyoshi Ikeya and New Zealand's Andrew Martini were taking part. Andrew won the tournament on goal-difference while Suguru was runner-up.

The group is hoping to attract more players next time.

Another tournament will be held in March (see attached poster) and all ideas to promote the game in Japan and WASPA tournaments are always welcome!

Adelaide, Australia

We are extremely happy to see the first WASPA tournament taking place for years in Adelaide, Australia. It's a great example of how ATFA has been encouraging players in Adelaide, and now one is making the pilgrimmage to the FISTF AGP25, while they staged their first WASPA in 10 years!

Final table:
1. Stephen Wilson (12 points)
2. Mick Phillips (4 points)
3. Richard Gwynne (1 points)

Mark Farrell is All-Ireland champion

The All-Ireland championship took place last weel-end in Dublin. 14 players from different clubs were taking part and Yorkshire Phoenix's Mark Farrell retained his title after defeating Belfast's Kenny Beggs in the final. Daniel Kaliszewski and John Moore made it to the semi-finals while Tralee's David Elton won the Plate final and Eliott Fitzpatrick defeated Kyle Malon in the Junior final.

Mark Farrell vs Ian Greer

Earlier this month, two WASPA regional events had already been played in Ireland. William Magnier won the Cork club night after finishing on top of a group of 4 while Mario Frittelli won the Tralee and Munster tournament, finishing on top of the Swiss ladder.

Cork tournament:

1. William Magnier (Cork)
2. Jeff Murphy (Cork)
3. Timmy Ryan (Cork)
4. Barry Higgins (Cork)

Tralee and Munster tournament:

1. Mario Frittelli (Cork)
2. David Elton (Tralee and Munster)
3. William Magnier (Cork)
4. Jeff Murphy (Cork)
5. Cian Hogan (Tralee and Munster)
6. Liam O'Sullivan (Tralee and Munster)
7. Donall O'Sullivan (Tralee and Munster)

June and July 2024: results from around the world

We are always happy to see players flicking the plastic in many different countries. In the last few years, we had of course a lot of WASPA event in England but some other nations are still very active with regular tournaments. Here is a brief summary of recent results from Wales, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Belgium, Northern Ireland, Ireland, France and Scotland. Some more news also from Norway!

Drury, Wales, June 16, group format

1. Ruby Matthews
2. Chris Bedford
3. Cayne Matthews
4. Brendan Ashley

Brisbane, Australia, June 16, group format

1. Giuseppe Tardiota
2. Gus Gillespie
3. Gordon Orr
4. Gareth Whalley
5. Wayne Miller

Johannesburg, South Africa, June 16 (group and knock-out games)

Semi-finals: Ian Clarke - Rui Dos Santos 3-0
Gary Downs - Craig Smith 3-1
Final: Ian Clarke - Gary Downs 1-0

Perth, Australia, June 23, group format

1. Hugh Best (Sports TFC of Western Australia)
2. Alan Kimber (Subbuteo Perth)
3. Chris Thorn (Subbuteo Perth)
4. Noel Mani (Subbuteo Perth)
5. Ron Byrne (Subbuteo Perth)

Auckland, New Zealand, June 24, Swiss system

1. Mark Rossi
2. Richard Edeson
3. Conrad Mudge
4. George Miller
5. Andy Miller
6. Craig Wright

Melbourne, Australia, June 27, group format.

1. Peter Thomas (Melbourne TFC)
2. Benji Batten (Melbourne TFC)
3. Adrian Connolly (Western Sydney)
4. Nathan Urbaniak (Melbourne TFC)
5. Anthony Madiona (Northern Phoenix)
6. Beth Eveleigh (Northern Phoenix)

Templeuve, Belgium, June 28, Swiss system (2 categories)

Templeuve United, one of the most active clubs in the circuit, organized a special tournament last month as the club will have to leave their premises in a couple of weeks. The city council decided to rebuilde the local sports center, which means the club will have to find a new venue during the next 2 years before have a great new room is available. 18 players attended the evening and two separate tournaments were organized in Swiss system. Geoffrey marain was unbeaten in the main tournament while returning player Raphael Dhondt, who had not played for more than 30 years, proved the training sessions of the last few weeks were good to win the "promotion" tournament.

Top division with 8 players

1. Geoffrey Marain (AS Hennuyer)
2. Sébastien Rochez (Templeuve)
3. Matthias Averlant (AS Hennuyer)
4. Jann Segers (AS Hennuyer)
5. Vincent Coppenolle (Templeuve)
6. Benjamin Marain (AS Hennuyer)
7. Lucas Père (AS Hennuyer)
8. Michaël Dupret (Tournai)

Promotion group with 10 players

1. Raphael Dhondt (Templeuve)
2. David Sardi de Letto (Wattrelos-SLM)
3. Jordan Bonte (AS Hennuyer)
4. Franck Santer (Templeuve)
5. Eric Caillaux (Templeuve)
6. Sébastien Sorge (Wattrelos-SLM)
7. Thibaut Marville (Wattrelos-SLM)
8. Ursule Dhondt (Templeuve)
9. Mathis Verhelst (Templeuve)
10. Roman Lamiral (Templeuve)

Brisbane, Australia, June 27, group format

1. Chris Burford (England/Andover)
2. Giuseppe Tardiota (Brisbane)
3. Gus Gillespie (Brisbane)
4. Gordon Orr (Brisbane)
5. Gareth Whalley (Brisbane)
6. Wayne Miller (Brisbane)

Johannesburg, South Africa, June 29, group format

Report by Gary Downs: "On Saturday the 29th of June, ETS held a fund raiser fun day.  A 7-a-side football tournament, stalls, food, raffles and of course a Subbuteo tournament were all there. The tournament was a round robin of 6 players. After a tough opening draw between Easterns team mates, Ian and Gary, their days took a different turn. Ian went unbeaten to take the top spot, while Gary battled and went winless to finish 5th. Chris had his best day in a tournament for a long time, picking up two wins and two draws. He was pipped to second spot by Fernando by just one goal. Johan had a mixed bag to take 4th spot while Carl couldn't repeat his good performance in his last outing, and finished in 6th. All players that played and a few that didn't, contributed to the fund raising with donations, that are going to a worthy cause."

1. Ian Clarke (Easterns)
2. Fernando Rodrigues (ETS)
3. Chris Dimmer (Johannesburg TFC)
4. Johan Niewenhuis (Johannesburg TFC)
5. Gary Downs (Easterns)
6. Carl Bolweg (ETS)

Derry, Northern Ireland, June 23, Knock-out games

Lawrence Watson & winner Kenny Beggs

Lawrence Watson and runner-up Marco Bevilacqua

This years Jimmy Watson Memorial Cup was played as the plate competition at the Irish Open FISTF IO. The group was made up from an impressive line up who narrowly missed out on the last 16 from the main comp, so the competition was fierce. Kenny ‘The Legend’ Beggs came out as champion with Derry's own Marco Bevilacqua coming in runnner-up.

Semi-finals: Kenny Beggs - Malcolm Lees 2-1
Paul Lawrenson - Marco Bevilacqua 1-2
Final: Kenny Beggs - Marco Bevilacqua 2-1

Cork, Ireland, July 1, Group format

1. Mario Frittelli (Cork)
2. David Elton (Tralee)
3. Cian Hogan (Tralee)
4. William Magnier (Cork)
5. Timmy Ryan (Cork)
6. Jeff Murphy (Cork)
7. Barry Higgins (Cork)
8. Gerard Heaney (Cork)

Auckland, New Zealand, July 8, Swiss system (2 games each)

1. Mark Rossi
2. Andy Miller
3. George Miller
4. Conrad Mudge
5. Richard Edeson
6. Craig Wright

Edinburgh, Scotland, July 8, Group format

"July's WASPA event in Edinburgh saw 6 players play in a league format. Marco won his opening game against Bruce Henderson which proved to be pivotal, with Marco taking the game 1 - 0 and helping him to achieve top spot. 

Solid performances from Bruce and Peter Morrison saw them finish 2nd and 3rd respectively, with Peter accomplishing a full house of shutouts and conceding 0 goals on the night. 

In the Crammond Derby, Andy Kent and Paul McFadyen played a nail biting affair, with Andy triumphing 1 - 0 . And Lee McMenemy learned the hard way to hold his goalkeeper when getting shots taken against him. All in all, a great night."

1. Marco Bevilacqua (Golazzo SC)
2. Bruce Henderson (Golazzo SC)
3. Peter Morrison (Golazzo SC)
4. Andy Kent (Golazzo SC)
5. Paul McFadyen (Golazzo SC)
6. Lee McMenemy (Golazzo SC)

Wattrelos, France, promotional event, July 3, group format

1. Jordan Bonte (Belgium)
2. David Sardi de Letto
3. Sébastien Sorge
4. Thibaut Marville
5. Nicolas Voet

Norway: Subbuteo project in Terje Ellefsen's school

Terje Ellefsen is still doing an amazing job in his school with many kids involved in a development program. The "Euro 24 tournament" is not a WASPA event but might open doors for future events. The hard work pays as boys and girls are improving week after week and 16 players have been involved in the event. Half-size pitches and teams have been borrowed to kids so they can continue to practice during the summer and Terje is hoping to have tournaments outside school in the future, possibly involving parents, too. "We have a good wave here", reported Terje Ellefsen who has also been very active posting flyers and posters about the beautiful game in the surroundings with some positive answers from former players who will hopefully be back in action soon.

WASPA results from around the world - May 2024

The WASPA circuit is still going on and we have collected more results from around the world. Here is a brief summary of results from the Netherlands, France, Belgium, England, Ireland, Australia and Northern Ireland.

Please send your results to vincentcoppenolle@gmail.com

Gouda, the Netherlands, March 13, groups and knock-out

Final: Fabrizio Cavazza - René Bolte 1-0
Final 3-4: Jarno Marks - Nico Marks 1-2
Final 5-6: Richard Oranje - Marco de Bruin 0-3
Final 7-8: Xavier Aret - Cailim Marks 2-0

Gouda, the Netherlands, April 4, league format

1. Nico Marks
2. Marco de Bruin
3. Fabrizio Cavazza
4. Xavier Aret
5. Richard Oranje
6. Cailim Marks

Wattrelos, France, May 8, group of 6

1. Geoffrey Marain
2. Matthias Averlant
3. Sébastien Rochez
4. Benjamin Marain
5. Jordan Bonte
6. Sébastien Sorge

ALC Wattrelos-SLM on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077687595237

Stanway, England, May 14, group of 5

1. Kevin Cordell
2. Adam Douglas
3. Stuart Chambertain
4. Jamie Samuel Warren
5. Rob Fitch

Stanway on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063670742239

Munster, Ireland, May 13, group of 4

1. Mario Frittelli
2. William Magnier
3. David Elton
4. Barry Higgins

The club's Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/382626976190248

Brisbane, Australia, May 19, group of 4

1. Gareth Whalley
2. Gordon Orr
3. Giuseppe Tardiota
4. Wayne Miller

Brisbane on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brisbanesubbuteoclubinc

Perth, Australia, May 19, group of 5

1. Alan Kimber
2. Ross McNulty
3. Ron Byrne
4. Chris Thorn
5. Noel Mani

Perth on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1233903783292458

Cork, Ireland, May 20, group of 5

1. David Elton
2. Mario Frittelli
3. William Magnier
4. Barry Higgins
5. Callum Higgins

Cork STF: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558190611074

Sydney, Australia, May 21, Swiss format

1. Steve Dettre
2. Francis Cozzarin
3. Louis Dettre
4. Tony Credentino
5. Gareth Whalley
6. Johnny Ball

Northern Falcons: https://www.facebook.com/groups/854801904538974

Derry, Northern Ireland, May 20, group of 4

Lawrence Watson takes the Beltaine Cup. "Reduced numbers again put us in the shed but it didn’t dent the drama. Lawrence Watson rolled out the winner after beating Bradley in the first game. A draw in the final match against Oisin Mor secured his champion status on the night."

1. Lawrence Watson
2. Martinog Bradley
3. Oisin Mór
4. Stephen McAllister

Derry city TFC: https://www.facebook.com/DerryCityTableFootball

Templeuve, Belgium, May 24, Swiss system

1. Geoffrey Marain (Hennuyer)
2. Sébastien Rochez (Templeuve)
3. Michaël Dupret (Tournai)
4. Matthias Averlant (Hennuyer)
5. Benjamin Marain (Hennuyer)
6. Vincent Coppenolle (Templeuve)
7. Raphael Dhondt (-)
8. Olivier Bodelle (Wattrelos)
9. Marc Sceraert (Eugies)
10. Ursule Dhondt (-)

Templeuve United: https://www.facebook.com/TempleuveUnited

April and May 2024: results from around the world

WASPA event are played in many countries. Sometimes there are small tournaments but players are always happy to take part in an international circuit. Here is a brief summary of results from several events played in Northern Ireland, England, Belgium, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Wales and Austria.

Derry, Northern Ireland, April 23, Group format

1. Martinog Bradley
2. Oisin Mór
3. Frankie Connolly

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/DerryCityTableFootball

Dagenham, England, April 24, Swiss system

1. Adam Jackson
2. Stephen Moreton
3. Jonathan Beales
4. Gary Gladwell
5. Ben Torr
6. Samantha Levy
7. Michele Claydon

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/314595413269756

Worthing, England, April 25, Swiss system

1. Malcolm Jamieson (Solent)
2. Ian Maskell
3. Steve Taylor
4. Dave Cope
5. Nathan Holley
6. Nigel Pestelle
7. Chris Stapleton

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/worthingfivestar

Gillingham, England, April 28, Consolation tournaments of the FISTF Satellite.

Final: Joe Harrington - Mike Williams 1-4
Final 3-4: Dave Cope - Gerry Harrington 1-3
Final 5-6: Thomas Lacey - Nigel Morgan 3-0

B category (Group format)

1. Kyle Jamieson
2. Dave Hunter
3. Phil Davis
4. James McCormick

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/KentInvictaTFC

Brisbane, Australia, April 28, Group format

1. Gus Gillespie
2. Giuseppe Tardiota
3. Gareth Whalley
4. Wayne Miller

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/brisbanesubbuteoclubinc

Firenze, Italy, April 29, Swiss system

1. Marco Bonciani
2. Luca Pini
3. Stefano Barducci
4. Gabriele Casati
5. Tiberio Becucci
6. Marco Trevisan
7. Gabriele Allegria

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/894913724019874

Milton Keynes, England, April 29, Group format

1. Ian Aggett
2. Mark Green
3. John Cooper
4. Greg Lickorish

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1526416458124954

Templeuve, Belgium, April 30, Swiss system

1. Geoffrey Marain (AS Hennuyer)
2. Matthias Averlant (AS Hennuyer)
3. Sébastien Rochez (Templeuve)
4. Vincent Coppenolle (Templeuve)
5. David Sardi de Letto (Wattrelos)
6. Michaël Dupret (MT Tournai)
7. Franck Santer (Templeuve)
8. Benjamin Marain (AS Hennuyer)
9. Marc Sceraert (Eugies)
10. Olivier Bodelle (Wattrelos)
11. Eric Caillaux (Templeuve)
12. Sébastien Sorge (Wattrelos)
13. Thibaut Marville (Wattrelos)

Facebook links: https://www.facebook.com/groups/25637672693 & https://www.facebook.com/TempleuveUnited

Leicester, England, May 1, Swiss system

1. Ian Aggett (Milton Keynes)
2. Richard Roper (Pedmore)
3. Martin Holmes (Kettering)
4. Mark Weaver (Leicester)
5. Andy Henly (Leicester)
6. Paul Taylor (Leicester)
7. Martin Hill (Kettering)

North Shields, England, May 3, group format

1. Chris Kaberry
2. Rob Heseltine
3. Nigel Lamond

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/northshieldssubbuteotablefootball

Vienna, Austria, May 5, group format, consolation of the Baumfalken Cup

1. Marcus Tilgner (Germany/Sparta Spreeathen 74/82)
2. Alfred Strommer (Austria)
3. Reinhard Schöberl (Austria)
4. Marian Flemer (Germany/Sparta Spreeathen 74/82)

Auckland, New Zealand, May 6, Swiss format

1. Mark Rossi
2. Conrad Mudge
3. Richard Edeson
4. Andy Shearer
5. George Miller
6t. Andy Miller
6t. Craig Wright

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4898270816916585

Stembert, Belgium, May 7, group format

1. Noah Janssens (Wamme)
2. Lucas Père (AS Hennuyer)
3. Noah Dirick (Wamme)
4. Aurélien Feye (Stembert)
5. Mélina Scheen (Stembert)
6. Pascal Scheen (Stembert)

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1527136117349276

Cardiff, Wales, May 6, groups in 2 rounds

Winners group

1. Phil Dacey (Cardiff)
2. David Lauder (Cardiff)
3. Darren Barnes (Cardiff)
4. David Samuel (Cardiff)

Consolation group

1. John Lauder (Cardiff)
2. Alan Hounsell (Cardiff)
3. Stuart Briffett (Bristol)

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/978571135493228

Mark Farrell wins the “bloody” battle of Tralee

After years of being in the shadows and almost forgotten, competitive competition Subbuteo returned to the Irish province of Munster.

18 players from different parts of the Isle congregated in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee (the former home of the Rose Festival).

The competition was divided into 3 groups of 6 players. The groups went pretty much to the seedings with Mario Frittelli the only player to defy the status quo as he clinches 2nd place in group A which was won by Mark Farrell.

The 2nd phase was divided into 6 groups of 3, which consisted of a cup, plate and shield competitions. The winners of each group clinching a place in one of the 3 finals.

The Shield final was won by Cork man William Magnier who saw off Dubliner John Kinsella 2-0.

In the Plate Donegal man Oisin Mor beat local player Cian Hogan 1-0.

Finally, the main event was full of dramatics as the “Old Firm” of Farrell and Beggs locked horns yet again. I have to say it’s a new one on me as the game was halted for 5 minutes as Kenny received treatment on a finger wound picked up in the battle. Whether or not this put the Ulsterman off is anyone’s guess, but Farrell gained revenge for Ballymena with a 2-0 victory.

Thankyou’s go to the players that made the long trip down to the south west. The players of Tralee & Munster SC and the Brandon Hotel for hosting the event.

Next up Wexford!

Home Victory for Beggs in Ballymena

Kenny Beggs won the 2nd Round of the Irish Circuit in his home-town of Ballymena with a 2-1 Final victory over Dublin's Mark Farrell. Barry Spence and Martinog Bradley reached the semi-finals. Andy Fitzpatrick beat Italian, Mario Frittelli, with a golden-goal in the Plate Final and Eliott Fitzpatrick was best Junior. Thanks to all 20 players who attended and made it a special day and to Ballymena Golf Club for the excellent venue. More information and photos on www.nitfa.org.uk

Tournament winner Kenny Beggs (right)

Plate champion Andy Fitzpatrick

Martinog Bradley wins Winter Cup

The 2024 Derry City Winter Cup in in the books. 8 players competed with Martinog Bradley taking the title with a 2-0 final win over Barry Spence. Oisin Mor and Donegal's Frankie Connolly made it to the semi-finals while Derry's own Dee Jenkins won the plate in a thriller shootout against plate runner-up Stephen Mc Allister.

Derry City TFC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerryCityTableFootball

December 23: more results from Christmas time tournaments

The WASPA circuit is still going during Christmas time. We collected more results from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Australia and Belgium in the last few days and here is a summary of the results.

Alan Lee winner of the first stage of the Old School circuit

"Congratulations to Alan Lee who won the round One of the English Subbuteo Association Old School 23/24 WASPA (World Amateur Subbuteo Players Association) Circuit organised by the London Subbuteo Club at La Pizzica Restaurant - London in Fulham. Runner-Up Simon Goodman. Third Victor Jones, fourth Tony Kiely. The club star Tony Banks won the Plate, runner up Richard Roper.

Alan brought home the Mike Dent Cup offered by the Surrey Saracens Subbuteo a permanent trophy that will be used again. Richard received the Plate Runner Up trophy sponsored by Garyoke Karaoke thanks to Gary Gladwell."

Quarter-finals: Simon Goodman - Jason Christopher 2-1 ; Alan Lee - Paul Andreas 1-0 ; Victor Jones - Luca Lanzani 0*-0 ; Tony Kiely - John Ellis 2-0.

Semi-finals: Simon Goodman - Victor Jones 0*-0 ; Alan Lee - Tony Kiely 1-0.

Final:  Simon Goodman - Alan Lee 0-0*

London SC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083345050371

Bradley winner in Derry

Congratulations Martinog Bradley ‘Christmas Cup ‘23’ winner, Barry Spence runner up and Lawrence Watson 3rd place.

1. Martinog Bradley
2. Barry Spence
3. Lawrence Watson
4. Craig Stewart
5. Oisin Mór
6. Stephen McAllister

Derry city on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerryCityTableFootball

Action in Perth, Australia

Tan Yew Loy (aka Mark Ryan) won this month's tournament in Perth as he finished on top of a league of 5 players.

1. Tan Yew Loy
2. Alan Kimber
3. Chris Thorn
4. Hugh Best
5. Noel Mani

Subbuteo in Perth: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1233903783292458

Edinburgh is back in the circuit

We are very happy to see the Monday night Subbuteo players in Edinbirgh hosting their first WASPA tournament. Marco Bevilacqua finished on top of a group of 5. We hope to see many more events in Scotland in the future!

1. Marco Bevilacqua (Golazzo)
2. Kevin Christopher (Hot Club)
3. Neil Christopher (Hot Club)
4. Andy Kent (Golazzo)
5. Paul McFadyen (Golazzo)

Monday night Subbuteo on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SubbuteoEdinburgh

Kevin Cordell on fire

The Haverhill Rovers held their monthly tournament last week and 9 players competing in Swiss ladder. Congratulations to Kevin Cordell for winning another event!

Final table:
1. Kevin Cordell (Stanway)
2. Martin Hodds (Yorkshire)
3. Adam Douglas (Stanway)
4. Jason Mitchell (Haverhill)
5. Gerry Harrington (Haverhill)
6. Jamie Samuel Warren (Stanway)
7. Joe Harrington (Haverhill)
8. Ian Welby (Stanway)
9. David McCartney (Chasers)

Haverhill Rovers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/378921166394976

Sébastien Scheen wins in the Belgian Subbuteoland

for the first time a tournament was held last Friday in Nassogne and was organized by players of the Wamme club. The event took place in the "Belgian subbuteoland" at Thomas Janssens's and Sébastien Scheen was the undisputed winner of the evening!

Final table:
1. Sébastien Scheen
2. Pascal Scheen
3. Noah Janssens
4. Bruno Mottet
5. Thomas Janssens

Marain wins Templeuve Christmas tournament

The Templeuve club held the traditional Christmas tournament on Saturday with 19 players taking part. Players were divided in 5 groups and after the barrage round, the top 8 players had games for positions 1 to 8 while the other players competed in Swiss system to decide positions 9 to 19. Geoffrey Marain was in a great day, winning his games in a solid way. SC Flanders's Geert Leys had an impressive row of good games but couldn't beat Marain in the final. The young AS Hennuyer players Jann segers and Matthias Averlant made it to the final while Vincent Coppenolle won the consolation tournament. It was an important day with Sébastien Rochez deciding to play for Templeuve for the first time while French players Sébastien Sorge and David Sardi de Letto played for the first time in their new jerseys of the new french club ALC Wattrelos-Subbuteo Lille Métropole. It was nice also to see Marc Sceraert playing his very first tournament.

Final table:
1. Geoffrey Marain - AS Hennuyer
2. Geert Leys - SC Flanders
3. Jann Segers - AS Hennuyer
4. Matthias Averlant - AS Hennuyer
5. Benjamin Marain - AS Hennuyer
6. Fabrice Guyaux - USC Huy
7. Jean-Pierre Genart - SC Temploux
8. Sébastien Rochez - Templeuve United
9. Vincent Coppenolle - Templeuve United
10. Eric Caillaux - Templeuve United
11. Franck Santer - Templeuve United
12. Didier Moons - Templeuve United
13. Pascal Flémal - BX Subbuteo Club
14. André Flémal - BX Subbuteo Club
15. David Sardi de Letto - ALC Wattrelos-Subbuteo Lille Métropole
16. Sébastien Sorge - ALC Wattrelos-Subbuteo Lille Métropole
17. Xavier Outters - SC Eugies
18. Marc Sceraert - no club
19. Adam Guyaux - USC Huy

Templeuve United on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/25637672693 & https://www.facebook.com/TempleuveUnited

David Wouters wins Antwerp tournament

The SC Flanders club also had a Christmas tournament on Saturday. 10 players from different clubs were taking part but in the end it was local player David Wouters defeating Frank Lannoy in sudden death to claim the trophy.

Main results:
Final: David Wouters - Frank Lannoy 3-2sd
Final 3-4: Richard Boulanger - Nico Marks 1-3
Final 5-6: Jos Ceulemans - Jarno Marks 1-0
Final 7-8: Vincent Wouters - Stéphane Lambert 3-0
Final 9-10: David Boulanger - Marc Weber 3-0

SC Flanders on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/479038732231303