2ndjuly03

Snodland retain Snodland Town Council Fives
Snodland Football Club retained the cup in the annual Snodland Town Council five-a-side football tournament, backed by Mid Kent Water.

In a high scoring final at Potyns Sportsground, Paddlesworth Road, on Saturday Snodland A beat Snodland B eight goals to three.

Paul Hickmott, chairman of the recreation committee, said: "It was a high scoring final, probably the highest we have seen in the tournament."

The local teams clawed their way through the blistering heat to a nail-biting final after fighting off opposition from Medway team Blaw Knox 3-0 and Maidstone team, Rose A, in the semis 2-1. It was the 22nd year of the popular tournament
and 25 teams played a total of 46 games. The teams came from Addington, Maidstone, Trottiscliffe, Larkfield, Medway towns and Snodland. The last time the trophy went out of Snodland was in 1997.

Mid Kent Water congratulated the winners, who were presented with an engraved trophy and encased gold medals. The runners-up each received silver medals. A company spokesman said: "We are a community business, head office is in Snodland and staff live in the area. The five-side tournament is a highlight of the sporting calendar - the final on Saturday was particularly nail-biting - we were pleased to play a role."

Snodland Town Council thanked Mid Kent Water, referees, the Community Association, St John Ambulance and all the teams for their support.