Julian vd Merwe wins the 2017 League 1 Cup

Saturday 24 June 2017, Pretoria, South Africa:
The event started in explosive fashion when Chessray beat 2016 defending champion Bevin by an emphatic 3-0. Jayden's bad form continued as he suffered a 1-0 first round loss to an in form Kegan. In the match Conway v Neilon, it was Conway who dominated the possession stakes, but Neilon snuck the winner on full time - with his first and only chance in the match : a real sucker punch for Conway! Julian then dispatched of Osvaldo by 2-0 to join Chessray at the top of the standings after Round 1 play.
In Round 2, Julian had to rely on a counter attack move on the right flank to press the equaliser against a rampant Chessray to draw the match 1-1. Kegan then moved to the top of the standings, thanks to a 1-0 victory Neilon. Jayden moved into the top 4 with a 2-0 victory over Osvaldo and Bevin salvaged some pride with a 2-0 victory over Conway!
Chessray & Julian then moved back into pole position after 1-0 victories in their respective Round 3 encounters. Kegan surrendered the top spot after a 0-0 draw against Conway, whilst Bevin & Jayden also produced a 0-0 stalemate.
In Round 4, Julian went top for the first time on the day after producing a 2-0 win over Conway. Then, newcomer to the PFC circuit, Osvaldo scored his first ever goals and registered his first ever win by way of a 2-0 victory over Neilon! Jayden then held the much fancied Chessray to a 0-0 draw - a game where Chessray was unlucky to hit the post after beating Jayden's 'keeper, but the draw was enough to hand Julian the honours of 2017 PFC League 1 Cup Champion!
In the final match, Kegan secured 2nd place overall by way of a convincing 3-1 victory over Bevin - actually Kegan fell short of securing the title by 1 goal! That's how tight and exciting the competition proved to be all day!

As always, a big thank you to all who attended to make the day a great success.

The PFC website & facebook page will be updated shortly with photo's & news content at :
http://pfctest.leaguerepublic.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/PFC-SA/519566284755728

(report by Julian vd Merwe)

Christophe Dheur wins in Verviers

On June 16 the club of Verviers-Herve was hosting a WASPA tournament in their premises. Christophe Dheur (Charleroi) defeated local player Philippe Roufosse (4-1) in the final.

Kevin Beckers (JSC Rochefort) and Jean-Michel Cuenca (Verviers-Herve) made it to the semis. 11 players were present. Thanks to everyone for making things possible!

Western Flickers tournament - The Nostalgia Round

A concept that has been long discussed amongst local Melbourne flickers finally took place over the weekend – the first ever Nostalgia Round!

The Nostalgia round is essentially a WASPA event conducted with modern FISTF rules but with a small exception – all players MUST use retro old school 80s Subbuteo figures! It is a Western Flickers tribute to the golden years of Subbuteo when the games popularity was arguably at its peak.
The event piqued the interest of many local players especially those who played back in the day as kids. Taking out the old teams from storage and dusting them off, there was a great turnout of 9 Open players – including MTFC players Luke Radziminski and Beth Eveleigh – and 5 junior flickers.

With the top ranked WASPA players – Benny Ng, Adam Deverell and Luke Radziminski – struggling to reach the same quality of their normal game with the old wobbly figures, the opportunity was ripe for the rest of the field to take advantage. It was to be a test to see which player could transition their game best from modern flat bases to the old Subbuteo teams.

David Simpson took full advantage of his experience with the old teams to take out the title, finishing the day undefeated and beating pre-tournament favourite Benny along the way. This was his first WASPA win in almost 2 years.

Simon Briffa was the surprise package of the day. He only got into the game recently and has improved with each tournament. On this day, he played extremely well and also finished without a loss as well. However, Simon just lost out to David due to one too many draws.

In the Junior category, there were a lot less surprises with the results aligned with the WASPA rankings. The kids adapted surprisingly well to the old teams. So much that it looked like they have been playing with old figures for years! In the end, Australian and Victorian junior champion Benjamin Ng took out the honours again, followed closely by the Briffa brothers.

 
Results aside, it was really a day of reminiscing and the atmosphere was jovial and relaxed. The participant enjoyed the trip down memory lane thoroughly and had loads of fun - which on a day like this, is what really matters. The Nostalgia Round has turned out to be such a great success and everyone agreed that it should be a permanent addition to the Western Flickers annual events calendar!
Thanks to all who attended for helping to make it another memorable Western Flickers WASPA event. GO WEST !!

The final tournament standings are:

Open Category
1. David Simpson
2. Simon Briffa
3. Benny Ng
4. Luke Radziminski
5. Adrian Connolly
6. Kevin Grant
7. Adam Deverell
8. Beth Eveleigh
9. Chris Hirst

Junior Category
1. Benjamin Ng
2. Harrison Briffa
3. Alex Briffa
4. Charlie Hannington
5. Aidan Deverell

P.S. If anyone is interested in taking part in future Western Flickers events or just popping by for chat and look-see, please visit the Western Flickers Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/WesternFlickers/) and send us a message.

Hideaki Wada wins in Yokohama

Last Saturday the club of OSC Yamato was hosting a WASPA tourament in thir premises of Sakura Living in Yokohama city, Japan. The tournament attracted 6 players. Hideaki Wada (OSC Yamato) defeated Suguru Fujino (Sakuragicho TFC) in the final (1-0). Takafumi Tokita and Eiko Yoneda made it to the semi-finals.

Sakura Living is located near the famous sightseeing spots "Minato Mirai" in  Yokohama City. We can see the Landmark Tower from Sakura Living (second picture, left-side highest building).

(Report received from the organizers)

Massimo Conturso wins test-match

There was a WASPA test-match this Sunday in North Bergen, NJ where Andrea Gasparini met Massimo Conturso (Connecticut). Score were 3-0, 0-3 and 0-2 so Massimo won (1-2). Andrea also won a friendly game with old rules (1-0). Because of his job, Andrea will soon move back to Italy but will be back in the US from times to times. "So more than a goodbye, yesterday was an Arrivederci", said Massimo.

Sébastien Scheen wins in Liège

Christophe Dheur et Sébastien Scheen 

Bruno Timpano et Michaël Ponthieux

The very fist tournament otrganized by the club of Seraing was held in Liège on Sunday as poart of the "Expo Foot" exhibition. Seven players were taking part and Sébastien Scheen defeated organisait David Fraikin in the final (2-1). Christophe Dheur won the game for the third place against Christopher Sabetta. Thanks to Richard Boulanger and his clubmates for making it happen!.

Daniel Cranston wins the inaugural JuneFlicks tournament

The group picture

 

Bryan and Daniel Cranston

Bryan and Matt Steinmuller

This Saturday a tournament was held in Alexandria, VA (USA). The tournament was organized by NoVA Union Subbbuteo Club. The tournament was successfully held. It was a fun celebration of Subbuteo and player comradery. Daniel Cranston defeated Mathew Steinmuller (4-1) in the final. Andrew Zunino and Gregg Deinhart made it to the semis. Bryan Arnold won the Mary Jane Final against Doshu Tokeshi. Congratulations to all!

Mat Atkin wins in Cheshire

A hugely successful Subaleague International Xmas Cup 2017 with 27 teams entering from 6 countries and age-range from 10-77 was held last week-end in Cheshire, England. 9 groups of 3 with goal handicap for those who don't play regularly. 16 through to the second round then straight knockout from there, again with a handicap system for less experienced players. The tournament was won by Mat Atkin, who last won it in 1993.



He won the final 4-2 against Angus Young, who had previously never made it past the first round. Peter Vahle and Andrew Garbutt were the losing semi-finalists.
The plate competition was won by Richard Meddings, who beat Gerry Sweeney in the final play off.
Groups were decided using the unique Hale's Board, involving trick shots such as 'Round-the-Tree' and 'The Ramp'. A fantastic event at a fantastic venue, sponsored by Bar 7 in Prague.

(Report by David Young)

Brian Daley wins again in Wales

The latest London Road tournament took place on June 11 with 6 players taking part. Brian Daley finished on top of the league with 15 points. Yani Kelly was runner-up, Dave Kelly took the third place. Cayne Matthews, MarkHopwood and Ruby Matthews were also taking part. Congratulations to the players for a good day of Subbuteo.

Martinog Bradley king of old rules

Martinog received his trophy from Gerard Doherty

Mark Mc Crossan and Martin Bradley

The Ryan Mc Bride Memorial cup took place on Monday night in Derry, Northern Ireland. it was the first WASPA tournament with old Subbuteo rules played in the country under WASPA banner. Local organizer Martinog Bradley won the tournament and Derry City FC Captain Gerard Doherty presented the trophy. Mark Mc Crossan was runner-up. Congratulations for a good night of Subbuteo.

TFAS National Championship 2017 Plates Event

13 players who were knocked out of the competition still had the chance to redeem a consolation prize in the plates event. A barrage round was carried out, followed by quarterfinal, semi-final, and of course, the final.

Returning veteran player, Ashley Tan, and TFAS President, Tan Kok Wee, managed to defeat their opponents to reach the Plates Final.
It was a tense match between these two experienced players. With the score at 2-2 in the dying minutes of the match, Kok Wee scored the winning goal to make it 3-2, and hence winning the Plates! Nic Tan and Vikas reached the semis.

(Report by Anas bin Rahamat)

Suguru Fujino wins in Yokohama

On June 3 the club of Sakuragicho TFC was hosting a WASPA tournament in the premises of Sakura Living in Yokohama city, Japan. Six players were taking part and Suguru Fujino (Sakuragicho TFC) defeated Hideaki Wada (OSC Yamato) in the final. Osamu Ishihara won the final for the third place against Satoshi Kawasaki.
Well done to Sakuragicho TFC for their efforts!

Excellent turnout for the AGFA Cup

The AGFA Cup holds a special place in the hearts of many Sydney Subbuteo players, as it was the first inter-club tournament played in Australia, way back in 1977. Members of the North Shore Association and the Northern Falcons came together in a one night tournament, with modified rules, to challenge for a now-famous piece of silverware.

Forty years later, two of the original protagonists joined 21 others for the latest edition of the Cup, with the first Junior AGFA as well.

There were 16 players in the Open category, and 7 in the Junior, including an impressive 4 female players.

Eliot Kennedy (Falcons) claimed his 3rd AGFA (previous were April 1986 and April 1999), beating an impressive Richard Wilson (Parramatta) 1-0 in the final.

The three former Cherrybrook Bulldogs players – Wilson, Nick Brill and Adrian Grunbach — all made the quarter finals, showing an impressive continuation of their form since returning from the Subbuteo wilderness after 20 years.

Meanwhile, young Oliver Ollnow finally claimed a final, beating Imojjen ELmer 1-0, after being pipped in the last three finals in which he appeared – including the Junior Parramatta event, Sydney WASPA and the Melbourne Satellite — ironically becoming the first German to win the AGFA (Anglo German Football Association) Cup!

In the first phase of the Open, Hermann Kruse pipped Falcons returnee Dominic Grenot 2-1, while Dave Sultana (Parramatta) beat out Kevin Grant (Western Flickers) 1-0, who made the Herculean trip from Melbourne — by road! Kevin also delivered a swag of his custom tables and boards along the way!! Eliot Kennedy stamped his authority on group 1 with a 3-1 win against John Palamara (Hipfingerz), while Richard Wilson looked set to qualify after a 2-0 win against Louis Dettre, also making his long awaited return to the board. Adrian Elmer (Parramatta) beat Neil Brener (Falcons) 2-0, and Nick Brill and Dom Grenot shared the points in a 2-2 result.

In the Juniors, Imojjen caused the upset of the whole day when she beat 2016 GP winner Jonty Brener 1-0, who then also qualified after he beat novice Angela Wooden 4-0. Chris Soldatos (Sydney TFC) squeezed into the semis with a better goal difference in his group, joining Oliver.

In the quarterfinals, Eliot dominated Dominic 3-0, while Nick overcame former clubmate Adrian Grunbach 2-0, and Adrian Elmer beat Steve Dettre 1-0. Richard Wilson had to rely on shots to overcome Dave Sultana (2-0) after a scoreless match.

In the semis, Eliot did enough to beat Adrian 1-0, while Richard continued his surge, beating Nick 2-0.
In the Juniors, Imojjen relied on shots to beat Chris 2-1, while Oliver beat his great rival Jonty 2-0.

A great day, and many thanks to the Good Games guys, especially Manager Sonny Keen Chong Lei, for providing us with the space and prizes.
We also raised more funds towards Harley Ullrich’s medical expenses, also in part thanks to Sonny allowing all the entry fee to go towards Harley’s fund.

(Report by Steve Dettre)

Brisbane tournament - June 2017

10 June 2017 and our 28th tournament was held at the Woody Point Clubhouse. We started at 1.00pm on a pleasant "winter's" day with host Giuseppe 'Pino' Tardiota, Gus Gillespie, Gareth Whalley and Shane Robinson.

A 'home and away' round robin was put in place and commenced with Gareth against Gus and Pino playing Shane.  Despite a high pressing game by Gareth, Gus played his methodical game to score three times without reply. In the other game Pino was always in control of a relaxed 2-0 result against Shane.

Next up Pino played Gareth and again looked relaxed as he controlled the game winning 2-0. Gus and Shane continued their ongoing run of close matches, this game highlighted by opportunities and saves at each end. At full time, Gus took the game 1-0.

Game three matched Gareth against Shane. This match was very close and was only sealed 2-0 with a late goal by Shane. Gus took on Pino in a game that would possibly decide a clear group leader. It was played with their usual competitive cut and thrust tactics, Gus using method and close touch versus Pino and his direct approach. In the end a 2-1 result to Pino placed him top after the first round was completed.

Match four saw Gus hit top form by beating a shell shocked Gareth 5-0. In the other game, Shane managed a creditable 1-1 draw with Pino, both goals having been well worked. Match five results were interesting. Gareth again allowed a bunch of goals with Pino winning 5-1. Scoring goals is something Gareth has been working on and it was a positive in this game.

The other match was interesting....Shane took a two goal lead to halftime against Gus with a couple of nice chips. Within minutes of the restart, Gus chipped in from the same spot and was level after about five minutes. Then, minutes later, a stray shot from Gus across the box brushed the underside of Shane's hand on it's way to a goal kick. In the spirit the club, Gus was awarded then penalty which he duly scored. Shane hit the underside of the crossbar twice in the remaining time but Gus won 3-2.

In the final matches, Shane lost 0-1 to Gareth who deserved his win after some great pressing and probably the goal of the day. After leaking a few goals in earlier games, Gareth was determined to get a result and threw everything into blocking. The goal was much deserved due to the opportunities he has been creating.

The final game was between Pino and Gus. Gus needed to win, Pino only needed to draw. In another fine match, both players stuck to the task and in the end, Pino got the result 2-0.
Overall, there were more great games and close results. Gareth has continued to adapt to the "new style of figures and tactics' and admitted it was nice to win a game after being belted a couple of times.

(Report by Shane Robinson)

Good turnout for the latest SC Flanders tournament

The 13 players of the evening

Last Monday SC Flanders was holding the "season final" in the premises of Hofstade-Zemst. There was a good turnout of 13 players with 3 nationalities being represented as 2 French travelled for two hours to play while Ireland's Gary Moore, who now lives in Ghent, was also playing his first SCF tournament. The Swiss system delivered some amazing fixtures in the first round with Geoffrey marain defeating Jos Ceulemans. Marain finally won his four games to win the tournament while Vincent Coppenolle, after losing his first game to David Wouters by a single goal, managed to finish as runner-up with 9 points. Special thanks to SC Flanders for finishing their 4th WASPA season (with 10 tournaments per season) and for keeping a perfect spirit for their tournaments. SCF players will still be in action in June as they organize the "Flanders Cup" on June 24.

Gary Moore in his Ghent jersey

Final standings of the evening:
1. Geoffrey Marain (BEL/Flickers Milano)
2. Vincent Coppenolle (BEL/Templeuve)
3. Jos Ceulemans (BEL/London & Essex United)
4. Frank Lannoy (BEL/SC Temploux)
5. David Wouters (BEL/SC Flanders)
6. Bart Van de Vliet (BEL/SC Flanders)
7. Johan Lourdon (BEL/SC Flanders)
8. Geert Leys (BEL/London & Essex United)
9. Willy De Bandt (BEL/SC Flanders)
10. Franck Santer (FRA/Templeuve)
11. Filip Van Hulle (BEL/SC Flanders)
12. Gary Moore (IRL/Irish Premier League)
13. Eric Caillaux (FRA/Templeuve)

The fourth trophy for Koulosousas

The Greek club of "OSC Kallitheas Flame" organized the 8TH GREEK OLD SUBBUTEO TOURNAMENT on Sunday, June 11, 2017. 12 players from various clubs had a subbuteo Sunday morning, playing with the old rules and having fun. The winner was Serafeim Koulosousas won won the session of shots defeating Alekos Apatzis in the final. That was already the 4th title for Makis in 8 tournaments. Congratulations to the winner and all the players who participated.

(Report by the organizers)

Kenny Beggs takes the DCTFC Summer Cup

Kenny Beggs takes the Summer Cup honours in a hard fought tournament

The DCTFC Summer Cup took place last week in Derry. It was another good evening of Subbuteo organized by Derry City TFC. The thime organizers had a lower than expected turnout but it prompted a different format this time. Kenny Beggs took the honours after a hard fought final match against current league champion Mark McCrossan with only 1 point separating the two of them.

Final standings:
1. Kenny Beggs
2. Mark McCrossan
3. Martinog Bradley
4. Brendan Rodgers
5. Martin Bradley
6. Craig Stewart
7. Lawrence Watson

Shorts results from Belgium

Two more events have recently been played in Belgium. On May 30 the club of SC Warcoing Ducks was holding a tournament but due to the heat and the exams at school there was a very small turnout of 4. Geoffrey Marain defeated Vincent Coppenolle in the final to take the honors.

Alex Torré vs Richard Boulanger

On June 4, the club of SC Verviers Herve was hosting a tournament in Liège during the "Expo Foot", an exhibition held in a museum to celebrate all forms of football under the theme "Did football become a religion?"

Solid game between the Timpano brothers

The main reason to organize the tournament was to promote the game. Only 8 players attended the tournament and both Sébastien Scheen and Bruno Timpano had to leave after the group stage. In the end, Alex Torré defeated Benoit Vanwissen in the final while Richard Boulanger and Salvatore Visconti reached the semis. There will be another tournament in the museum on June 25, this time organized by SC Seraing. SC Verviers Herve will hold a tournament in their premises on June 16.

Marco Zucchi wins the Czech Cup

This Saturday the National cup in Czech Republic was organized in Prague under WASPA banner. 8 players were competing and among them a few Czech legends were registered. As always, the tournament took place in the "Subbuteo friendly Hotel" so that players could enjoy some rest between games. Some sweet food, vegetables and italian sausages were provided from Marco and Paolo who cooked the sausages for all players in the evening. "It was a great time together, also playing a little bit of football with Paolo's childrens", reported Marco Zucchi!
The tournament was played as a league so that everyoneone played 7 games. In the end, Marco Zucchi was the champion, taking the honors while David Vaccke was runner-up and David Young was third. Other players in the ranking were Radek Cjainik, Martin Novotny, Paolo De Stefano, Jiri Uchytil and Paolo De Falco.