[vc_row][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”40407,40408″ img_size=”full” autoplay=”yes” hide_pagination_control=”yes” wrap=”yes”][vc_column_text]The Battle of the Breweries provided an action-packed spectacle down at St Blaise Park, St Blazey, as St Austell beat off tough opposition from Sharp’s to win back the coveted Staughton Shield.
After losing to Sharp’s last year at St Minver in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out, the St Austell Brewery XI, ably marshalled by manager Andy Kennedy, set off from the whistle with a purpose, taking the game to Sharp’s with some swift passing moves that caught the away team by surprise.
Determined to bring the Shield back home, the Tribute Terriers turned into tigers for the first 45 minutes, netting five times to the opposition’s one. Not ones to take defeat lying down, however, Sharp’s came fighting back for the second half and put two into St Austell’s net, but despite their best efforts, St Austell still managed to add a further three to their tally, as full time concluded at 8-3.
Delighted at his team’s comeback after losing out so narrowly last year, Andy Kennedy said: “This was a great game played at full tilt by both sides and we’re very happy to have come out on top this time around, which means it’s all to play for again next year. Plenty of rivalry on the pitch, but plenty of laughs back in the bar afterwards, which is exactly as it should be.”
Following the handing out of medals and the exchange of the Staughton Shield between the captains, it was back to the clubhouse — where the players were admirably hosted by the AFC St Blazey backroom staff — to eat, drink and win some great prizes donated by both teams in a raffle to raise funds for the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust.
Despite, the defeat, the Sharp’s XI left in good spirits, already looking forward to setting up the rematch back on their home turf next year. Sharp’s captain and head brewer, Andrew Madden, said: “They got the better of us today, but it was an excellent game and it just makes the anticipation of the fourth outing for the shield next year that little bit greater. We’ll be up for it and we know St Austell will, so roll on 2017 and another great competition.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
