The Mid Ulster League defeated Harlequin Oil Tanks as the two teams of ‘legends’ dusted the boots off to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and The Childrens Hospice. The winners picked up the Sheila O’Neill Memorial Trophy.
It was at a sun drenched Crewe Park that the great and the good of players maybe just past their best once again put the wintergreen on, laced the boots ready to do battle once more. It was evident early on that even though the bodies may not be quite what they used to be, the old heads were still working fine as a good game of football developed.
The first half was a tight affair as both defences were on top in particular big Gordy Beattie rolled back the years for the Mid Ulster side and Maurice Johnston strolled about, yes literally strolled, like Xavi Alonso! Peter Mills was a threat bursting from the Harlequin midfield and Sean ‘Ronaldo’ O’Neill went close with a diving header but the deadlock couldnt be broken by half time.
The second half saw 4 goals as the legs began to tire on both sides. Harelquin took the lead after beating the Mid Ulster offside trap and the impressive Paul Beattie in goal could do nothing to stop the well placed shot. However it sparked the Mid Ulster legends to life, like a sleeping giant just out of retirement! Gerry Murray won a penalty after a Messi-esq run down the left flank and big JD who had a super game duly despatched the spot kick. JD was again on hand minutes later to slot home a second and he rounded off his scoring for the night after a knock down from Gerry Murray which sent the MUFL faithful wild!
Thanks to everyone who made the night a success – Tony Cochrane, Pete Mills, to Davy Uprichard & Mark Balmer, and anyone else who played or was up supporting the two teams, thanks to Adrian for refereeing and to Mark Thornbury for arranging the officials. Thanks to Patricia & Mark for preparing the food and Davy & Linda for staffing the bar.
A word of thanks to MUFL Sponsors Harlequin, in particular Brian McCann for once again making an incredible gesture to DOUBLE whatever sponsorship money was raised. A special mention to Sean O’Neill who tragically lost his wife Sheila to breast cancer earlier in the year and who provided the Sheila O’Neill Memorial Trophy which is to become a perpetual trophy for the event and to raise money for good causes.
Finally a big thank you to Paul Wharton who acted so well in his role as Paparazzi as always, a great job on the photos which can all be viewed here.
For our part at Crewe, we were delighted to host the event and help towards raising money for good causes. We hope to be able to help again next year for an even bigger and better night of legends!
