The Over 60s team ventured over the Severn Bridge to Caldicot in Wales for a nine-team tournament.
We were placed in a five-team group and the first game was against Port Talbot. Birmingham took a while to adjust to the playing conditions but then dominated the game but due to some excellent goalkeeping and some wayward shooting were unable to score.
Birmingham relaxed and won their next two games against a stubborn Cardiff side and quickly went three goals up against an Exiles side for a comfortable victory. The final group game was against a lively Barry side who were also unbeaten.
The game finished goalless with both sides cancelling each other out and both qualifying for the three-team final.
Caldicot, the home team had won all three of their group games against Llanelli, Cardiff and Stroud and were up against Birmingham and Barry in the final group.
Caldicot won the first game against Barry 2-1 and were able to rest up while Birmingham resumed hostilities with Barry. Birmingham were unable to capitalise on a number of good chances and the game ended 0-0 again.
Birmingham then faced Caldicot in a must win game. Caldicot were the recently crowned Welsh champions and were initially on the back foot as Birmingham created a number of chances with their slick, fast passing game. Birmingham took the lead with a low, fierce shot from Tony Fisher.
Caldicot fought back to seek an equaliser when they were awarded a free kick for handball and a twice deflected shot sneaked in at the near post.
Birmingham pressed hard for the winner but were unable to break down a tough defence and finished runners up in a well-run tournament and matched the Welsh champions.
Squad: Les Dawson, Martin Barber, Roger Purchase, Pete Giddings, Mark “Coutinho” Evans, Clive Macey, Gary Felton, Tony Fisher, Mike Price and Steve White.
