Banbury’s Cherwell Strollers clinch walking football silverware against the odds

Banbury-based walking football club Cherwell Strollers are the new Thames Valley Cup champions after an underdog tournament victory earlier this month.

Cherwell Strollers competed against teams from Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire and other surrounding counties to claim their silverware on Sunday, August 16.

In what is an annual event, Cherwell, currently in the second tier of the Thames Valley Walking Football League, beat sides in the division above on their way to success.

In captain Mark Byrne’s case, it’s like his beloved, now Championship West Ham winning the FA Cup against Premier League heavyweights. Just at a walking pace!

The finals day, which included top-tier sides from Bracknell, Oxford and Watford, was hosted at Bisham Abbey in Buckinghamshire.

In the first phase, Cherwell topped the league despite a 1-0 defeat to Hurst in the opening game. The Strollers went on to draw 1-1 with Yateley before beating Oxford United B, Cove and Woodley, all to nil.

The semi-finals saw yet another clean sheet as Cherwell saw off Wokingham 1-0. The final was then a tense 0-0 draw, eventually won by Cherwell 5-4 on penalties.

Cherwell’s 56-year-old skipper, Mark, was thrilled with how his side got on, even if there was a slice of luck in there to score a goal off the post in one match.

Mark told the Banbury Guardian: “As is always the case when we play at Bisham Abbey, it was a great day of football, good quality teams throughout, all played with a competitive and friendly spirit.

“Participation in over fifties, over sixties and over seventies football is growing rapidly as people realise the health and social benefits it brings.

“We welcome anyone who is interested in knowing more to join us at our weekly training sessions at Bloxham School.”

It’s an expanding community at Cherwell Strollers, with a host of levels available to play at, from casual kick-abouts to competitive action.

The club is open to new members at its various age groups and there are weekly training sessions on a high-quality astroturf pitch.

You can find out more about Cherwell Strollers via their website: https://www.cherwellstrollers.co.uk

Source: https://www.banburyguardian.co.uk/sport/football/banburys-cherwell-strollers-clinch-walking-football-silverware-against-the-odds-8934373

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