10th LEE SIMMONDS MEMORIAL TROPHY TOURNAMENT
SUNDAY 4TH MAY 2008

VERWOOD TOWN 1ST XI ran out winners of the Lee Simmonds Memorial Trophy after a dramatic penalty shoot out with KINGSTON LACY.

Kingston Lacy nearly stole the show by leading Verwood 1-0 until a stunning goal from Ben Giles snatched a dramatic equaliser. The penalty shoot out produced 11 superbly taken penalties which would have graced the Premiership - but with Verwood leading 6-5, a gutsy Kingston Lacy side missed the last and only penalty.

In front of a large crowd prior to the Main Final - after a very entertaining game, Verwood Sports & Social beat a sporting Magpies & Woolsbridge 1-0. It was Magpies debut in the competition but they just missed out on winning the Memorial Shield when yet another penalty decided the Trophy. Dan Goodall was brought down in the box and the spot kick was converted to bag the shield for Boyd Mortimer's team.

Organiser Dave Leigh, who was running the tenth Tournament on the anniversary of Lee's death at Potterne Park Verwood - was full of praise of all teams taking part. "All of the teams played in the spirit I asked of them before the kick off and produced some fabulous matches. Their spirit and enthusiasm was outstanding. The seven Referees were also magnificent and I would like to pass on Verwood Town Football Clubs sincere thanks for their efforts - they are too readily taken for granted and their contribution was magnificent".

The competition was another resounding success - despite the weather - and was fittingly rounded off with the presentation of trophies. 11 year old Chloe Simmonds (Alan's daughter) and friend Jess presented the Shield Trophy to Verwood Sports & Social Club. Lee's father Alan Simmonds - who has attended every Tournament since Lee's death an emotional ten years ago - presented the medals to the winners and runners-up - after presenting medals to referees Ken Horrigan, Keith Stevens, Cliff Platt, Ray Brooks, Barry Morris, David Pickles and Rob Bishop.

As in previous years, Verwood Town Football Club will be supporting the Cardiomyopathy Association again by forwarding a cheque. Over the years, the event has raised in excess of £11,000 for various charities.

Report submitted by Dave Leigh - Tournament Organiser