9 November 2011 - 1 January 0001, 00:00 -

5-a-side football

The annual CIHT 5-a-side tournament was held at the Newport Gol centre where four teams competed for the coveted title and trophy. 

The trophy had returned to the competition after a year on show at Capita Symonds. With about as many substitutes as players and co-ordinated team strip Capita were clearly planning on taking it home again. The competing teams consisting of Arup, Mott McDonald and Amey/South Wales Traffic Centre had other ideas. 

After Lee from reception stepped in to replace of the missing referee the tournament began and competition was close, goals flew in and players got warmed up despite the cool evening. 

Arup strengthened their position as future prospects with a rare win and some brief moments of brilliance meanwhile the South Wales Traffic centre seemed to have it all under control in a couple of games before fatigue took over in the latter stages. At the end of the round robin stage Capita Symonds and Mott McDonald emerged as finalists perhaps helped by near 100% substitute backups for both teams. 

The final was a close run affair as both teams played a more cagey game but in the end Mott McDonald triumphed putting an extra couple of goals past Capita Symonds to swipe the title and trophy.
The tournament was a great chance to meet and interact with other companies and CIHT members and despite a sharp elbow to the head for me it was a good night. Thanks to all participants for taking part and congratulations to the winners Mott McDonald who hopefully will maintain the trophy with a bit more polish than Capita Symonds had.