Herne Bay's Over 60's Walking Football team traveled to Cirencester on Sunday to take part in the Over 60's National Final. Unfortunately, there was to be no repeat of the success of the Over 50's team this time around. Apart from Dave Gower in goal, the team had left their 'A' game back in Herne Bay, writes Ron Boddy

The teams taking part were Seaton Carew from Teeside, Hartshill Strollers from the West Midlands, Herne Bay, and local team Cirencester Phoenix.

The first match was between Cirencester and Hartshill and it was pretty even, however, with limited scoring opportunities. It finished 0 - 0. Herne Bay took to the pitch in the second match against Seaton Carew. After 4 minutes Herne Bay took the lead with a crisp shot from David Gilham. However the lead was short lived as Seaton Carew equalised 2 minutes later. Thereafter the match was end to end, however neither side managed to find a winner. Herne Bay were straight back on the pitch in the next match against Cirencester Phoenix. After 4 minutes Cirencester took the lead with a long shot which Dave Gower admitted he did not see. Again, however, the lead was short lived when David Gilham gained his second goal of the tournament. There was no further scoring and it finished 1 - 1. Match 4 pitched Seaton Carew against Hartshill Strollers and another even match finished 0 - 0. Seaton Carew then took on Cirencester Phoenix and this brought the first win with Seaton Carew running out winners by 2 - 1.
The final group match was Herne Bay against Harthill Strollers. Despite peppering the Hartshill goal Herne Bay just could not find the net, and then with 10 minutes gone Hartshill took the lead with a good shot. Herne Bay came back and in the closing minutes they were awarded a penalty. However Trevor Brown's effort was saved by the Hartshill goalkeeper. 1 - 0 to Hartshill.

Seaton Carew and Hartshill Strollers qualified for the Final Playoff and Herne Bay and Cirencester Phoenix played off for 3rd/4th place. Bill Dordoy and Graham Smith played their first matches for Herne Bay replacing Gerry Allan and Fred Gillard. Herne Bay made the running but again their shooting was letting them down. They did, however, take the lead in the 12th minute when David Gilham scored again from a Harry Roberts pass. Dave Gower was called on to make some good saves before Cirencester equalised. The match finished 1 - 1 and went to penalties, 5 each. Cirencester managed to score two of their's, whereas Herne Bay failed to score with any of their's. So Cirencester took 3rd place.

The final between Seaton Carew was an even match. Hartshill took the lead with a good shot. Seaton Carew forced them back and got an deserving equaliser only for Hartshill to go back up the other end and score the winner. Final result 2 - 1 to Harthill Strollers.

Herne Bay: Dave Gower, Malcolm Wright, Trevor Brown, Gerry Allan, Harry Roberts, David Gilham, Fred Gillard, Bill Dordoy, Graham Smith.

Photo credit: Doug Smith