THE 2007 Referees' Memorial Trophy Charity Match

Harefield United hosted this year’s Referees’ Memorial Trophy played on Sunday 19 August. The trophy is played for in memory of Keith Sloggett and Richard Brice who both died in 2006. This is its second year. The match again brought together officials from across the county, with Harrow members providing a major presence.

Gill Brice (left) & Maureen Sloggett prepare to present the trophy

The game pitted the Young Referees’ Academy (aka Buksh’s Babes) against an MCFA XI (aka Whitelaw’s Wonders). For the second year Whitelaw’s Wonders ran ringers, er sorry that should be rings, around Buksh’s Babes finishing 11-5 winners.

The game was not without controversy or indeed highlights. The most important thing though was that the weather stayed dry and everyone enjoyed themselves. It was a great success for the two charities and spectators witnessed a goal from Chris Michael - a lob over the keeper from 45 yards - that was worth the admission money all by itself.

The accounts have still to be finalised but at present it looks like we have raised comfortably in excess of £2500 for Macmillan Cancer Support and the British Heart Foundation. Both charities had representatives at the game who enjoyed themselves, one expressing surprise referees had such a good sense of humour. How else do they think we do what we do eh?  Photo gallery