Over-70s become world champions....again!

Everyone at the Wales Veterans' Football Association are thrilled that the o70s were able to retain the world cup trophy at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo.....a tribute to the WVFA committee, managers and players!”

A superb set of performances culminated in a cup final victory against the USA with both goals coming from Graham ‘the Judge’ Miles. This followed a convincing 2-0 win against Germany in the semi-final with Terry Compton and Peter Morgan on target. O75s captain, Mark Entwistle said “although the retention of the world cup was super-impressive, the guys played really classy football and were a joy to watch....”

During the Group stages Wales defeated the USA by 3-0 with Graham Miles (2) and talisman, Peter Morgan on the scoresheet. They drew their second game 0-0 but recorded an emphatic 4-0 win over Japan with Phil Newton, Peter Morgan, Mick Algeri and Geoff Malvinas on target. They beat Australia by the same margin through Paul Diaper and Glyn Jones and a brace from ‘super-human’ Terry Compton, who underwent a quadruple by-pass operation in May!! Welsh keeper, Alan Meacham, who did not concede a single goal throughout the tournament, praised his fellow players, well-marshalled by captain, Phil Gibb, saying “It was a really tough schedule with 6 games over 3 days, played in sweltering conditions, but we all worked for each other and fully deserve the plaudits that are now coming our way....”

Wales o75s were defeated by England...on penalties...again...this time in the World Cup semi-final! The match finished 1-1 at full time with defender, John Gallivan netting for Wales for the third time in the tournament. During the Group stages they defeated USA by 5-1 through Mark Entwistle, Bob Nelson, Mike Soroko and two from last year’s player-of-the-tournament, Billy Arnold. In their second game they beat Australia 4-1 with goals by Bryn Powell (2), Mike Soroko and midfield general, Gerald Jones. On day 2, they defeated Tokyo 2-1 with goals by Mike Williams and Mike Soroko and then thumped Japan 4-0, with John Gallivan (2), Mark Entwistle and Gerald Jones on the scoresheet...but sadly lost two key players to injury before the semi-final! Wales manager, Tim Bowker said proudly, “we fought gallantly, but with a debilitated squad, it became an uphill task and although the World Cup still eludes us, this is still a great achievement and we remain an inspiration to our peers.”

The achievements of both squads are testament to the hard work put in by everyone in the Wales Veterans Football Association. Jon Ross, o70s manager and the WVFAs main sponsor, enthused “Veterans football in Wales is really strong with about 2000 players regularly playing from o40s right up to o70s.” Adding, It’s great for both physical and mental well-being and a great way to make new friends.” he concluded by saying, I am so proud of all the players for what they gave on the pitch....and we have put Wales on the map...once again!”

Huge congratulation to Jon Ross, Jason Kennedy and their squad...
Alan Meacham (GK)
Dave Abbott
Geoff Malvisi
Glyn Jones
Graham Miles
Handley Brustad
Landi assadi
Mick Algieri
Paul Diaper
Paul Young
Peter Laffan
Peter Morgan
Phil Gibb
Phil Newton
Terry Compton
Martin Waygood

Commiserations but, also, congratulations to Tim Bowker, Jimmy Mullen and their squad
Bob Locke (GK)
Joe Quarini
Steve Hold
Mark Entwistle (Captain)
Gerry Jones
Mike Williams
Billy Arnold
Mike Soroko
Bryn Powell
John Gallivan
Bob Nelson
Steve Davies
Rob Stevens
Hedley Austin
Jim Gilligan