YCAC, Sunday 8th May 2011
YCAC played host to a glorious day of sunshine and football yesterday with the home boys claiming the grand cup prize and 7′s specialists NSP finishing runners up. Swiss were able to clinch victory in the Plate final.
The event that raised the huge total of ¥1,055,756 in aid of Refugees International Japan and Jeannie and Billy’s Childrens Foundation, already post-poned from it’s original slot on March 21st, saw new comers Nepal FC, Robert Half FC, Astavita, Far East Utd and Tsukuba University make their Footy Japan tournament debuts.
The tournament kicked off in the usual fast paced fashion, players undeterred by the raising temperature. YCAC opened proceedings claiming their first scalp over Azule with a 3 0 victory with Nepal battling it out with Bloomberg on pitch B succumbing to a 2 1 defeat.
Far East Utd, one of the tournament debutants, found it a grueling task being drawn in one of the hardest groups in the competition facing NSP, Geckoes and YCFC, they were unable to secure a point and hit a low by suffering a 9 1 defeat to Geckoes. However, the students from Tsukuba made a impressive start to the campaign, teaching the Astavita crew a lesson with a 2 0 win, then making Swiss pay with some after school detention whipping them 5 – 0.
Fellow group compatriots Panthers held their own and with a superior goal difference finished the group on top with YCAC, BFC and NSP all winning their respective groups.
A quick break, group photo session followed by a BBQ lunch courtesy of YCAC marked the end of the group stage and the beginning of the knock out stages. With an early bath at stake, the pressure was now on to step up a gear and go for broke.
YCAC’s experience told against Tsukuba with a 3 2 victory whilst BFC suffered at the hands of last year’s champions YCFC. Panthers continued their fine form beating Azule 4 2 and NSP saw off Robert Half with a comfortable 2 0 win.
After convincing semi final wins, it was the hosts YCAC and the NSP boys New Year 7′s winners 2009 – who were to meet in the final. Heat fatigue and extended match time would be an important factor in the outcome of this result and it was YCAC who were able to overcome tired legs and seal the win 3 1. A valiant effort by NSP but ultimately outclassed by moments of brilliance within the YCAC ranks their names now etched in Charity 7′s history as cup winners 2011.
Our overwhelming appreciation and gratitude goes out to the event sponsors many providing some exquisite raffle prizes as well as generous financial donations, to all those in attendance and their commitment to the cause and of course to our referees who braved the heat and did a tremendous job.
GOLD SPONSORS |
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BRONZE SPONSORS |
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RAFFLE SPONSORS |
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