Last Word

Unfortunately last year’s champions BD-Network were one of the teams to pull out just before the whistle due to unforeseen circumstances. But that only added to the competition – which was fierce, if rather sweaty.

As the teams worked themselves into a sweat – just changing into their boots – the chat was all one-upmanship and bravado.

However, it was to be on the pitch that the real talking would be done – and the shoving and pushing, the arguing and the tantrums.

The 13 teams were split onto three groups (one of five and two of four) with the top two teams in each group, accompanied by the two best third placed teams, swaggering through to the Quarter Finals.

After a great deal of huffing and puffing – thankfully Highland Spring had been kind enough to provide pallets of cool mineral water for the thirsty competitors – the first group stage was complete.

Friendly alliances had been cast aside and bitter rivalries were once again stoked but, thankfully, serious injury was avoided apart from the odd bit of bruising to the pride (although The Drum was forced to withdraw its team – which was, no doubt, destined for a cold shower anyway – due to a badly twisted ankle, bless).

Having announced its sponsorship of the Scottish Football Team just a week before one of Scotland’s most impressive results (a 1-0 win over World Cup finalists, France), Tennent’s was obviously on a roll. And the lager lovely was keen to celebrate its sponsorship of the team by getting behind another top Scottish showcase footballing event... Unfortunately, most already had headline sponsorship, so The Creative Cup had to do.

While the footballing skills on display were less than like watching Brazil, the commitment was Scottish – 100 per cent. Almost. Walter and the boys should have been there for some tips...(although, following a couple of yellows and a red card for Scotland against Ukraine, the tactics on display probably wouldn’t have helped much).

So, after a hard-fought group stage, eight teams marched (or rather heaved) their way through to the Quarters.

Campaign HQ, Leith, Newhaven, GRP, The Gate, 1576, Elmwood and Navigator assembled around two pitches to do battle, cheered on by the local wildlife and the faithful travelling supporters.

Or rather, Campaign HQ, Leith, GRP, The Gate, 1576, Elmwood and Navigator assembled around the pitches, while Newhaven (one of the top third-place qualifiers) having presumed that they had not qualified, assembled in the bar to enjoy a cold pint of Tennent’s. There was a last minute dash, but to no avail... GRP – Newhaven’s quarter final opponents – got a bye.

Team GRP was accompanied into the Semi Finals by Leith, 1576 and The Gate; GRP playing The Gate and Leith playing 1576.

After ten minutes of bickering and sweating, it was Leith’s First V that progressed to play GRP – winners of the trophy two years ago – in the final.

As the knocked-out teams watched from windows in the bar, supping on refreshing lager (look – Tennent’s is the sponsor) the two finalists went into battle.

After clashing for a full ten minutes, neither team could be separated. So, unfortunately, there was only one thing for it - the dreaded penalties...

As both teams lined up, the shots were hit with precision with the goalkeepers even limbering up for successful goals. In the end, it was to be just one misplaced shot that was to decide the victors.

This year – despite MD Guy Robertson questioning how many competitions his legs have left in them – the Tennent’s Creative Cup will live in Glasgow – at GRP’s offices for the second time in three years.

Thanks to all teams who took part, as well as to Highland Spring for the much needed water. Also, a big thanks to the proud sponsors, Tennent’s.