The Casuals’ end of season festivities got under way with a Tournament for the U12s and U14s. This was followed by the annual prize-giving: awards went to Mariana Torres – ‘Best Beginner’,
Vicente Mourão – ‘U14 Top Scorer’
Louise Pringsheim – ‘Most Improved Ladies Player’,
Frederico Santos – ‘U18 Top Scorer’
Miguel Ralha – ‘Most Improved U18 Player’
The highlight of the afternoon was the inaugural match for the new Pringsheim Cup, contested by the Dutch (winners of the Kuiper Cup) and the Portuguese (winners of the Camões match). The Dutch got off to a great start with an early goal and soon doubled their advantage, but the Portuguese pulled one back from a penalty corner strike into the roof of the net.
They came out after the interval in a determined mood and not only drew level, but went into a 3-2 lead, with both goals coming from counter attacks. The pace and competitive spirit of the game remained high, despite the stifling heat. But it was the Dutch who took control of the game: a well-worked tip in and a penalty corner driven in off the inside of the post gave them the lead. Although Portugal levelled the scores again, they had no answer when the Dutch stole the ball on the edge of the circle and rifled in a high shot under the bar for a 5-4 win and their name on the Cup.
