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The first group game was against Lambert Smith Hampton and with neither team appearing to have woken up, the game headed towards a 0-0 draw.  However, in the closing minutes LSH was awarded a controversial penalty – their skipper stepped up but saw his penalty saved by G&T’s captain Halstead.  However, to add to the controversy, the referee decided that a G&T player had encroached the area and ordered the penalty to be retaken.  The same player stepped up but this time blasted his penalty over the bar into the empty stand.  Final score – 0-0. 

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The second game saw 'El Clásico' of the QS world take place, as arch-rivals G&T and Arcadis faced off.  As with many sporting rivalries, the huge build-up can often lead to a disappointing spectacle, with both teams unwilling to give their opponents anything in a very tight game.  Another 0-0 draw following a game of few chances.

Needing a win in their last group game to ensure a two top finish, a fired up G&T team took to the field against Altus.  The boys threw everything at the opposition but still couldn’t find the back of the net.  Again, the game finished 0-0.

But as one door closes, another opens – with the Plate Tournament being the open door in this instance.  A semi-final against Savills awaited and after the consumption of a rather large lunch, as the team waddled onto the pitch against the fit looking opposition, it’s fair to say we weren’t the favourites.  However the performance of the tournament came from nowhere, as having failed to score in the group stage, they smashed three past the keeper (Tilley x 2, Castle) without conceding to go into the Plate Final.  Final score in the semi-final of the plate – 3-0.

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Buoyed by the semi-final performance, the team entered the final against Cushman & Wakefield full of confidence.  Tilley’s scoring streak continued, notching his third of the day to put the boys 1-0 up.  But, having defended so well for the entire tournament, it was unfortunate that the team couldn’t quite see out the day without conceding.  A lapse in concentration at the back allowed C&W to pounce and grab a late equaliser.  The game finished 1-1 and headed straight to the dreaded penalty shoot-out.

A ‘best of three’ format applied to the shoot-out, with G&T winning the toss and taking the first kick. Both teams slotted home their first three, leading straight to sudden-death. Khaleel Katchi stepped up for G&T and smashed it home.  Huge pressure now on the nervous looking C&W player who had to score to keep his team in the tournament.  Up he stepped, and blasted over the bar! Pandemonium erupted in the stands and the G&T squad undertook a well-deserved lap of honour!

Click on the images below to see more from the final!

Watch the game unfold in our new film:

Player of the Tournament: Michael Tilley

Squad: Joe Halstead (c), Charlie Walters, Michael Tilley, Scott Winterburn, Rob Webber, Tom Cannon, Jack Castle, Jack Nolan, Jake Murphy, Craig Chatley, Khaleel Katchi, Brad Szreider, Paddy O’Dwyer

Click here to read more С»ÆѼÊÓƵ the tournament in .