Winchester Walking Football’s over-65 squad finished fifth on their first appearance at the Walking Football Association National Finals, held in Nottingham on Sunday September 6.

Representing the South-West (South) region, Winchester earned their place with three hard-fought qualifying victories over Dexters (Poole), Eastleigh and Plymouth.

Following Godalming’s withdrawal, the Finals took the form of a seven-team round-robin competition, with each club playing six matches of 18 minutes.

Winchester recorded victories over Blackburn and Northwich, both 1–0, and drew 0–0 with defending champions Bexley and 1–1 with Swindon. Defeats against Solihull, 2–1, and Wakefield, 2–0, completed their results.

Their eight-point total secured fifth place, just four points behind Bexley, who successfully defended their national title.

The Finals marked an important milestone for the club. Winchester proved competitive throughout, with two clean-sheet victories and a draw against the eventual champions providing particular encouragement. The squad returned home determined to qualify again next season.

The club also expressed its gratitude to sponsors Winchester Mobility, whose support contributes to the team’s success on the pitch and helped make this achievement possible.

The Finals squad comprised Andy Bramley, Ian Dowson, Chris Haynes, David Kirkby, Steve Nash, Rob Nicholls, Barry Poffley and Paul Wiseman. Dowson, Haynes, Poffley and Wiseman each scored once.

Paul Reade and Eugene Wills also played their part in the qualifying campaign but were unavailable for the Finals.

Source: https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/sport/26550790.winchester-walking-football-celebrate-first-national-finals-appearance/