Tue 13 Sep 2011
By Ian Briggs - Editor, Yorkshire from www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire
CONGRATULATIONS to all who took part in the seventh annual Yorkshire property charity football match last week (including yours truly).
A quality game (both scoreline and football standard-wise (for the most part)) ensured that the move from the grand surroundings of Leeds United's Elland Road ground to MEPC's Wellington Place scheme in Leeds city centre didn't have a negative effect on the spectacle.
In fact, the venue encouraged more members of the property and general business community to come along, enjoy a pint and the action (for what it was).
A dramatic game saw the scores level at 5-5 after normal time, with the side made up of property agents winning on penalties after former professionals Dean Windass and Andy Couzens - who were both part of the property professionals team - fluffed their spot-kicks.
Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan, who turned out for the agents team, bagged his kick, a fact made clear to all spectators by commentator for the day, James Mason (who made a brave attempt to interview the speech-shy Windass at half-time).
The property agents team was managed by Mark Nicholson, of Dove Haigh Phillips, and was captained by Lambert Smith Hampton’s Adam Peacock.
The property professionals team’s captain was Myles Hartley, of Caddick Developments, and the manager was Jack Lunn (Properties)' Carl Wright.
Special mentions to Iain McPhail of GVA who bagged an early brace for the agents and Ian Elsworth for the professionals who was determined to play the full 90 despite struggling to walk during the second half.
Referee for the match was Martin Atkinson who, two days previously, was the man in the middle at the Nou Camp as Barcelona drew 2-2 with AC Milan. So not quite Messi, Xavi et al for Mr Atkinson to officiate in Leeds!
Both the match and dinner later in the evening raised more than £25,000 for Barnardo's, the children's charity.
Jonny Phillips, director of Beach Baker Property Recruitment and chairman of the match organising committee, said: “The support at the game and the dinner afterward was fantastic, with over 400 people enjoying event.
"We’ve gone from strength to strength over the last seven years and been lucky enough to raise a substantial amount to help the people who need it most. The generosity of the Leeds’ business community makes us very proud.”
The money pledged in the game brings the total amount of funds raised for the charity through the matches to more than £100,000 since the annual event kicked off in 2005.
Sponsors for the match included Gordons, GVA, MEPC, Walker Morris and Wilton Developments.
THERE was, as ever, a bit of banter flying around after the game on email, mainly around post match aches and strains and how none of the players on show are getting any younger.
The gripes about minor muscle pulls and blisters paled into insignificance, however, when Charlie Hare, of Leeds-based fabrics business James Hare, commented that his cameo had resulted in torn knee ligaments and a suspected broken leg.
Ouch! Here's to a speedy recovery Charlie. For more photos visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwzZXm6iIacm