Sponsored by
Crowland event a fine tribute to Benny Copland
EYE ON THE BALL: More action from Riverside Red Under 8s v Thorney. (METP-19-06-10PF006)
OVER recent years the Crowland Tournament has grown into one of the biggest events of its kind in the summer football calendar.
And while this year the event was re-named in honour of club president Benny Copland, a change of name did nothing to diminish the standard of football which once again was of the highest order.
More than 100 teams from across the region pitched up at Snowden Field to do battle in eight age groups ranging from the Under 9s all the way up to the Under 18s, who this year played for the Benny Copland Memorial Cup.
Tournament organiser and chairman Andy Hinch said: “The standard of football and refereeing (only young referees were used on Saturday) was excellent and the atmosphere was fantastic over both days.
“I would like to congratulate all participants and helpers in making it a memorable event and look forward to seeing everyone back here next summer.
“Another thank-you has to go to ChromaSport & Trophies for supporting the event. I hope the tournament continues to grow and become a must-enter event like many other local tournaments.”
Unlike some tournaments the bulk of teams at the event play their regular football in the Junior Alliance League and there were a host of local winners celebrating success.
Deeping Rangers took the Under 9 crown and Powerleague won through in the Under 10s after a 1-0 win against Wisbech St Mary in their final but it was Wasps of the Cambs League who took top spot in the under 11 category after a 1-0 win against Netherton A.
In the Under 12s, Coates beat Whittlesey 2-0 while Woodston gained their revenge over Gunthorpe for defeat in the final of the Yaxley Tournament with a 1-0 win in the Under 13 final.
And there was something to celebrate for the host club in the Under 14s after a 4-0 win for Crowland against city side Woodston with Crowland B just missing out on the Under 15 title, going down 2-0 in their final with Wisbech St Mary.
And to round off a perfect two days of football, Huntingdon claimed the Benny Copland Memorial Trophy after a comfortable 3-0 win against Stamford B Under 18s.
Crowland JFC are currently looking for players to join the club. Anyone interested should call Andy Hinch 07984 208608 or visit the club website at www.clubwebsite.co.uk/cjfc for further details.
FINAL RESULTS
Under 9: Thorney 0, Deeping Rangers 2.
Under 10: Wisbech St Mary 0, Powerleague 1.
Under 11: Netherton A 0, Wasps A 1.
Under 12: Coates Crusaders 2, Whittlesey 0.
Under 13: Gunthorpe B 0, Woodston Dynamo 1.
Under 14: Crowland Red 4, Woodston Dynamo 0.
Under 16: Wisbech SM A 2, Crowland B 0.
Under 18: Stamford B 0, Huntingdon 3.
A LOCAL FOOTBALL LEGEND
THE Crowland summer football tournament proved to be a massive hit with players from far and wide but sadly this year proceedings were underpinned by tragedy.
Just days before the event, club president and local football legend, Benny Copland, passed away leaving all those at the club and within the wider sporting community in a state of shock.
To mark the passing of their much-loved president, Crowland FC decided to re-name the event the Benny Copland Memorial Tournament in his honour.
Chairman Andy Hinch said: “The club and the community were saddened by passing of Benny Copland. He did an awful lot for the club and would often put in his own money to help boost club funds, he was a wonderful guy. So as a tribute, the club re-named the event and the Under 18 winners trophy in his honour.”
Copland enjoyed his finest hour in football more than 40 years ago in 1968 when he managed the Drovers team to the biggest prize in Sunday amateur football, the FA Sunday Cup.
Since then Copland maintained an interest in the game and for the past decade had served as Crowland president.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Peterborough
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.