Graeme Stiff Memorial 5-a-side Football Competition 2010-2011

Eight teams contested this year’s event, on Saturday 26th March, which was re-arranged from a snowy weekend in December. Six of the teams comprised Old Boys from different generations of the School, with the Eighties, Nineties and Naughties all being represented. There was also a team made up of parents, staff and pupils, whilst a Sixth Form side represented the School itself.

This was the second, annual event, remembering Graeme, our former Head Boy, who was tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2009. A minutes silence was well observed before the start, when other Old Boys and Girls were also remembered.

There was a lovely atmosphere at  the School Games Field, with many other Old Boys and Girls, as well as current and former parents, coming along to spectate. The weather was kind, giving ideal conditions for Football, however, those who were cheering on the touchline for four hours deserved a badge for braving chilly spectating conditions! One of the teams and several of the spectators came as a result of the Eighties re-union that was held at the School last October. It was lovely to see them all back supporting the School.

 

Michael Stiff’s team, comprising of many of Graeme’s former School pals, led the way in Group A, winning all of their games, whilst Luke Hill’s ‘Red Devils’ pushed them close, to also qualify for the semi-finals. In Group B, Andy Ratchford’s team also remained unbeaten, with Francis Mortin’s team from the ‘Naughties’ pipping Mike Allitt’s ‘Nineties Wonders’ for the last semi-final place.

Two very closely contested semi-finals saw ‘Simon Grayson’s Black and White Mackham Army’ overcome the ‘Naughties’ team, whilst Luke’s side defeated Ratty’s team, who were last year’s runners-up, to qualify for the final at their first attempt.

Fittingly, it was Graeme’s brother, Michael who led ‘Simon Grayson’s Black and White Mackham Army’ to the defence of their title, when they beat Luke Hill’s Red Devils in a thrilling final. James Manley’s excellent diving Header, past Jake Addison, with only seconds left of extra-time, proved to be decisive. David Stiff once again presented the trophies, to round off what had been a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Many thanks must go to Julie Smart and Michelle Brown for giving up their Saturday to serve much needed food and drink, on a chilly day, and to Mark Smith, for kindly sponsoring the prizes out of money he raised when walking up the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Thanks too to all those who braved the cold winds to spectate. This all helped to raise over £300 for Help for Heroes. This included a donation of £50 by a friend of the Stiff family, who had bet Michael that he would not score a ‘hat-trick’. Mike duly obliged!

Mr. J. Hampson, Director of Community Outreach