With the backing of Herefordshire F.A, a newly formed ‘Team Herefordshire’ ventured to the Algarve to play in the Olhao International over 50s - 7 a side tournament.

The squad of Leominster and Athletico Ross on Wye players had never played together and had no experience of playing tournaments abroad.

The tournament on the first day involved two leagues of six teams with play offs and three trophies up for grabs on the second day.

A 3-0 reverse against a much younger Silver Coast Lisbon side in the opening game, suggested a difficult time ahead but the team rallied to emphatically beat Walker Bros (Central Portugal) 3-0 with goals from Ross players Alan Essex (2)and Dave Fish.

The third game produced a 2-0 win against Algarve side, Sao Bras with Simon Winfield of Leominster weighing in with a brace. The final game of the day against Tavira ended in an unlucky 1-0 defeat . The team entered the second day with 2 wins ,2 defeats.

An early morning draw 1-1( Simon Winfield again ) against host side Olhao meant that the team entered the 3 match play offs for sides coming 3rd / 4th in their league.

A 0-0 draw against Ipswich was followed by a 2-0 victory against Olhao with Leominster’s John O’Connell and Simon Winfield scoring.

The final tournament game a 2-2 draw with Browns of Vilamoura ( goals from Leominster’s Simon Winfield and Nick Hill) and ensured the team came 5th out of 12 teams and won the Tournament Plate.

The success had emanated in the main from the defensive qualities of Ross players complemented by the attacking options provided by Leominster.

This superbly run tournament played in 24 degrees each day left the players absolutely exhausted after 8 games and left the unfortunate Nick Morgan (Ross ) with a dislocated hip in the final game.

Team Herefordshire were described by Tournament organisers as a very sporting team and much credit has to be given to the following squad members who not only bonded superbly but did themselves and their County proud;

Leominster’s John O’Connell, Nick Hill, Simon Winfield and Richard Shakespeare.

Athletico Ross players David Fish, Alan Essex, Dave Spray, Greg Weston, Peter Horrocks and Nick Morgan.

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