Old Corinthians continue to run their charity tournament program in aid of local causes at the Rushall Olympic ground in Walsall. This time it was to raise funds to buy play equipment for a local nursery school. The teachers and children from the school came along to watch the games and cheered teams on – then at the end they shouted “Thankyou” when a £1000 cheque was presented to their teachers. It was a great day – the club contributed over £100 to the pot in tournament team fees and player subs. Colin Farmer and Ken Badland gave up their time to referee games, Elaine Smith managed the Coventry team of 9 players and of course we had Bryce Taylor supporting the team. A great turnout by Coventry & District.
A new look squad, with 3 players making their debut – Ian Jarvis, Roger Gurney and our lady player Sharon Hilton – a first for Coventry! Not only that, but Sharon went on to win the Coventry Player of the Tournament for scoring 3 goals and for her all-round play – well done Sharon! Other players were Bruce Doe in goal, Tony Malone, Lewis Gent, Kev Perrott, Kev Shannon and Ray Lewis.
Four teams entered in 2 league tables – Coventry played in league 2. They drew their first game 1-1 against a strong Tamworth side, then lost 2-1 to eventual tournament winners Old Corinthian’s Blues before drawing with Alvechurch 1-1 that they should have won. Finishing 3rd in their table Coventry played Boldmere, who finished 3rd in their league 1 table and had to settle for a 0-0 draw.
All very close games, drawing 3 and just losing out on 1. We were asked to make it fun for the children who were sitting and watching from the stands, which meant waving at the children when we played on the pitch by where they were sitting and to celebrate our goals with them, which Sharon did with one of her own.
Again, Old Corinthians did well in organising this charity event and doing something worthwhile for a local cause. It was good to make a meaningful contribution, whilst playing the game we love. We enjoyed it!