A unique 5 a side tournament was to take place in memory of our friend, moderator and fellow poster on both NUFCMad and Talktoon, Dan Pringle.
His untimely death at the tender age of just 32 sent ripples of shock throughout the FootyMad community and the idea of a fooball tournament to raise money for his favourite charity was borne.
10 teams of brave souls had entered the competition, with players and supporters travelling the length and breadth of the UK to ensure they didn't miss out on this exceptional experience, with all eager to be crowned the very first winners of the Dan Pringle Memorial Cup, which is now scheduled to be an annual event.
Every age group from 16 year olds to post 50 year olds were represented.
ToonJohn brought along a team of youngsters who are just starting out in the world of 5-a-side while The Past Masters, led by twins Mattie and Ernie, gamely represented the 50+ generation showing the kids a trick or 2 and displaying a stamina and energy that belied their advancing years.
The camaraderie, sportsmanship and good humoured competitiveness resulted in a sporting display never to be forgotten by those lucky enough to witness the event.
Cutting edge football may not quite be an apt description but there were thrills, spills, and goals galore to keep everyone on their toes.
Talktoons stunning display of skill by Nodge came to an abrupt end after the 3rd match when an injury forced him to withdraw, but NUFCIAN gamely stepped into the breach and played the remaining games with panache, despite only going as a spectator!!
Schizoids heroics in goal and Welshies solid defending complemented Goths penetrating runs and the perceptive play of Joe. With a team strike rate to equal Michael Owens', Talktoons progression to the Quarter finals was assured.
MattRhys generously gave up his place on the Talktoon team to help out Jonny's Raiders, who had been unfortunately left with only 4 men standing, and kept them on an equal footing with the other teams.
The inevitable battle between the Geordies and Mackems ended with the Geordies winning by a creditable 4 goals to 2. However this was not quite enough to stop the Mackems finishing as leaders of the group after Martin Bowers rallied his troops and raised their game to win their other 3 matches .
The Group Stage-results.
GROUP A
1st place Bowers
2nd place Talktoon
3rd place Jonny's Raiders
4th place Unathletic Madrid
5th Place RHK
GROUP B
1st place Big Tackle
2nd place Ashington Allstars
3rd place Jonny's Rebels
4th place Sporting Tyneside
5th Place Past Masters
In group B, there were closely fought battles between all the teams with Big Tackle eventually breaking the deadlock with a 4-2 win over Ashington Allstars.
Despite finishing in last place, both RHK and Past Masters put in some sterling performances and did themselves proud with some dazzling footwork and cracking goals.
Notably RHK beat our very own Talktoon team 2-1, costing Talktoon the group leadership, and the Past Masters participated in a thrilling end to end game with Big Tackle that finished in a 4-4 draw.
QUARTER FINALS:
Talktoon 5 vs 1 Jonny's Raiders
Bowers 4 vs 2 Sporting Tyneside
Big Tackle 3 vs 2 Unathletic Madrid
Ashington Allstars 4 vs 2 Jonny's Rebels
SEMI-FINALS:
Talktoon 0 vs 3 Big Tackle
Bowers 1 vs 5 Ashington Allstars
FINAL:
Big Tackle 2 vs 2 Ashington Allstars
Penalties 3 4
The grand Finale ended in a draw after superb defending and counter attacks by both teams.
It was left to a nail biting penalty shoot-out to decide the overall winners. Ashington Allstars, captained by NUFCMad's very own Flashing_blade, narrowly ran out as victors, 4 - 3, over Deano's Big Tackle team. As Dan himself was an Ashington lad perhaps this was a fitting end to a superb day.
The referees unanimously awarded Paul Newton-Eddy, from Jonny's Rebels, the "fair play" award and declared Steven Gallagher, of Big Tackle "Man of The Tournament" despite the fact he failed to score a vital penalty in the final shoot out.
Without exception, everyone declared the day as "the best ever" and made their way out proudly wearing their medals and discussing their tactics for next years challenge.
More pictures can be seen on the NewcastleMad message board.
More pictures can be seen on the NewcastleMad message board.
All monies raised, by the Dan Pringle Fund, from this event will be donated to the British Lung Foundation, under the auspices of "The Joe Wallace Breath Of Life fund", of which Dan was an active promoter and contributor.
Donations are currently being accepted and can be made to ;
The Dan Pringle Fund
c/o 48 Springfield Park
Holyport
Maidenhead
Berks
SL6 2YN
The organisers are pleased to announce that next year's tournament will take place Saturday July 5th 2008.
It already shows promise of being even bigger and better than this year
so mark the date in your diary and get training !!
Enquiries to danpringletrust@aol.com