Deeplish net silver in a ‘really’ good show

5/ 6/2003

Like two heavyweights slugging it out in the 12th round they just couldn't be separated.

Real Deeplish and Newbold went head to head in a hotly contested final as they battled to become Rochdale's top 5-a-side team.

The final whistle blew with the score 1-1.

It came down to a nail biting penalty shoot out to decide the title of Community Football - Champion of Champions.

Real Deeplish held their nerve to emerge 3-2 winners and were presented with their trophy to Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Lil Murphy.

It signalled an end to the league that has seen more than 500 players and nearly 100 teams take part since the games kicked off in January.

The league was organised by Rochdale's Federation of Tenant's and Housing (RoFTRA) in partnership with the council.

The aim was to keep youngsters aged between 11-16 out of trouble and get them interested in taking part in sport on a regular basis.

The best 10 teams from Wardleworth, Spotland, Deeplish, Newbold, Littleborough, Freehold, Sparth and Balderstone came together for the finals at Balderstone Technology College.

Player of the tournament was Michael Kearney of Newbold who was praised by the judges for standing out head and shoulders above the other players.

Sports development officer, Julie Durrant said: "It has been a hectic few months but it has all been worth it.

"Everyone who took part told me that they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and can't wait for the next round of tournaments to get underway."