THE Wales Veterans’ Football Association proudly hosted the inaugural ‘Euros’ tournament at the Ocean Park Arena in Cardiff over four days 8-11 June.
The hosts were joined by skilful squads from Germany, Denmark and England and, following some hard-fought matches, Wales over-75s were victorious!
In their first game, Wales defeated Denmark by 3-1, despite going a goal down early on. Captain, Gerry Jones, Evason and Gallivan were on target.
The next day, they faced a defiant German side and took the lead when a defender deflected an Arnold cross past his own keeper. Steve Hold put Wales two up with a ‘daisy-cutter’ before ‘commander-in-chief’ Jones completed the scoring off the underside of the bar. Their opponents replied with two goals but Wales hung on to win 3-2.
Wales lost narrowly 2-1 to England in their final game (Evason again on the scoresheet), but with Denmark being held 4-4 by Germany, Wales had done enough to lift the 75+ Euros crown!
Over 70s
In the over-70s tournament, Wales defeated Denmark 2-1 in their first game with Peter Morgan and a hard-working Steer on target – but the team were to later rue missing several gilt-edged opportunities!
Their second match, against Germany, was a tight, edgy affair. Wales had the lion’s share of possession, but Germany were dangerous with the set-piece. Thankfully, ‘keeper Meacham and the centre-back pairing of Gibb and Young were in defiant mood and with five minutes remaining, Rowlands put Wales ahead after good work by Miles, to secure the win.
In their final game, Wales needed to beat England due to their opponents’ slightly better goal difference. The game finished all square despite the talismanic Morgan having a last-minute penalty saved by the all-whites gloveman. Therefore, England claimed the over-70 crown – by the narrowest of margins.
This inspirational group of players can look forward to the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Australia in October this year. The over-70s will be striving to lift the trophy for the third consecutive year and the over-75s are hoping to emulate their European Championship victory.
Congratulations to the new over-75s European champions, selected by managers Tim Bowker and former Cardiff City legend, Jimmy Mullen: Bob Locke (GK) – Merthyr; Phil Williams (GK) – Newport; Steve Davies – Barry Town; Steve Hold – Penybont; Handley Brusted – Newport; Joe Quarini – Barry Town; Mike Williams – Penybont; Bryn Powell – Barry Town; Mike Soroko – Merthyr Tydfil; Billy Arnold – Barry Town; Gerry Jones – Newport; Mark Entwhistle – Newport; Rob Beel – Barry Town; David Stock – Newport; Peter Evason – Denbigh; John Gallivan – Denbigh; Bob Nelson – Pembroke; Hedley Austin – Swansea.
Management team: Tim Bowker, Jimmy Mullen and Dave Eveleigh.
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