The International Global City of Excellence Tourni - March 1999

Considered by connoisseurs of the game as the finest football ever seen in the region. Teams from British Airways, British Midland, two from Emirates and two Royal Navy teams battled it out at the Aviation Club over 2 days. The Royal Navy were unable to take the humiliating defeats dished out in the first day and quietly withdrew to Kosovo before the second days play.

After a punishing league format, both Emirates Evens and British Midland progressed through to the final stages - with Emirates Evens not losing a game on their way. It was an action packed final, which saw one BM player break his arm due to ferocious shooting from the EK Team and a player from Emirates taken off with an ankle injury - suffered after a Midland player (wearing sunglasses) tackle. After the final whistle, the sides were still inseparable with the score line all square. Under the gaze of spotlights and a plethora of spectators, the final moved to the sudden death stage - Penalties! After the mandatory three penalties, Emirates had scored 2 to British Midlands 2…… Calladine for Midland then missed an open goal, all that remained was for Padgett to slot his shot in the top left hand corner of the net to secure victory for Emirates Evens.

Quite deservedly, Tommy Pickles was named player of the Tourni, after which he obtained a lucrative part in a well known children’s cartoon.